The WW Mexican Cheese Pull Taco Bake is tasty and comforting. This dish have 300 calories in each serving and prepares in just 35 minutes. We made this meal with ground beef, taco shells, salsa con queso, taco seasoning, cheese sauce, cheddar cheese, Rotel tomatoes, jalapeños, and cooking spray. You may pair it with Mexican chopped salad, grilled corn, cilantro lime slaw, roasted bell peppers, diced tomatoes, tomato cauliflower rice, or avocado lime salsa. Store this WW Mexican Cheese Pull Taco Bake in the refrigerator for three days.
STATS:
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Serving size: 1 mini taco
- Cooking time: 18 minutes
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Total time: 35 minutes
- Course: Main
- Diet: Weight Watchers
- Serving: 10
EQUIPMENT:
- 9 × 13-inch baking dish
- Large skillet
- Measuring spoons
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Wooden spoon
- Mixing bowl
- Colander
- Spoon
- Cooking spray
- Oven
- Measuring cups
INGREDIENTS:
- One lb lean ground beef
- 1 packet low-sodium taco seasoning
- 10 mini reduced-calorie crunchy taco shells
- ¾ cup reduced-fat shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can drained Rotel tomatoes
- Half cup light salsa con queso
- Half cup fat-free cheese sauce
- 2 sliced jalapeños
- Cooking spray
INGREDIENT NOTES:
LEAN GROUND BEEF:
- It gives protein to the recipe while keeping the points low. This beef has a strong savory taste that works well with the taco seasoning. You may use extra-lean ground turkey as per your preference.
MINI REDUCED-CALORIE CRUNCHY TACO SHELLS:
- They control the portion while keeping the tacos crunchy and crispy. You may use reduced-calorie taco shells as an alternative.
LOW-SODIUM TACO SEASONING:
- It gives a familiar Mexican-inspired taste to the meal. This taco seasoning keeps the flavor balanced to make the dish tasty. You may use homemade seasoning as another idea.
FAT-FREE CHEESE SAUCE:
- This sauce makes a smooth topping and spreads well across the tacos. You may use light queso as a substitute.
REDUCED-FAT SHREDDED CHEDDAR:
- It gives a golden melted topping to the bake and a cheese-pull effect. You may use reduced-fat Mexican cheese blend as another option.
INSTRUCTIONS:
- First, warm the oven to 375°F and coat the dish with cooking spray.
- Put the skillet on medium flame and cook beef for 7 minutes, breaking it into small pieces after cooking.
- Drain the extra liquid, then stir in low-sodium taco seasoning and water as per packet recommendation.
- Simmer the ingredients for 5 minutes, then spoon the beef into 10 mini taco shells.
- Place the filled shells in the dish and keep them close together.
- Mix light salsa con queso and cheese sauce in the small bowl to make a smooth mixture.
- Spoon the mixture on top, then sprinkle 3/4 cup reduced-fat cheddar on the tacos.
- Sprinkle drained Rotel tomatoes on the tacos and include slices of jalapeños.
- Bake the tacos for 18 minutes, then cool them for 3 minutes and serve.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS:
MEXICAN SIDES:
- Mexican Chopped Salad
- Fresh Pico de Gallo
- Cucumber Tomato Salsa
- Corn and Black Bean Salad
- Cilantro Lime Slaw
VEGETABLE SIDES:
- Mexican Cauliflower Rice
- Chili Lime Zucchini
- Roasted Bell Peppers
- Grilled Corn
- Roasted Cauliflower
TOPPINGS:
- Fresh Cilantro
- Diced Tomatoes
- Shredded Lettuce
- Green Onions
- Fresh Jalapeños
DIPS:
- Fresh Tomato Salsa
- Greek Yogurt Salsa Dip
- Avocado Lime Salsa
- Light Cilantro Yogurt Dip
- Pico de Gallo
RICE:
- Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice
- Tomato Cauliflower Rice
- Brown Rice and Salsa
- Vegetable Mexican Rice
TIPS:
- Drain the Rotel tomatoes properly to get the best crunchy taco shells.
- Avoid filling the shells too much for better portions and values.
- Include extra-lean beef for better calories and points in the recipe.
- Serve the tacos right after baking so you get the best texture.
STORAGE INFORMATION:
FRIDGE:
- Store the cooled tacos in the vessel for three days.
FREEZER:
- Freezing the fully assembled tacos is not recommended; however, you can keep the beef for three months.
FAQs:
Can I include regular taco shells in the recipe?
- Yes, you may add regular taco shells, but the calories and points will increase.
How to reduce spice from this dish?
- You may use mild Rotel or replace jalapeños with bell peppers for a less spicy version.
Can I include sour cream in this meal?
- Yes, you may add it, but the nutritional values will change.
How can I keep the taco shells crunchy?
- You may drain the tomatoes properly and not add extra sauce for crunchier tacos.
Can I prepare the beef earlier?
- Yes, you may season the cooked beef two days in advance and refrigerate.
Is lettuce good to include in these tacos?
- Yes, shredded lettuce works best and gives freshness to the recipe.
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION:
Iron: 3 mg
Total carbs: 20 g
Vitamin A: 700 IU
Net carbs: 17 g
Fiber: 3 g
Calcium: 220 mg
Protein: 23 g
Calories: 300 kcal
Sodium: 800 mg
Potassium: 380 mg
Weight Watchers Points: 7 Points