Taco Fiesta Bubble Up: A Delicious and Low-Point WW Recipe

If you’re craving a flavorful, satisfying meal without the high points, then the Taco Fiesta Bubble Up is your go-to dish. This easy-to-make recipe takes the familiar taco flavors and transforms them into a bubbly, cheesy casserole that’s perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or even a gathering with friends. The best part? It’s been carefully modified to fit within the Weight Watchers low-point guidelines, making it the perfect addition to your meal rotation.

This dish is bursting with vibrant flavors from extra-lean ground beef, salsa, and a colorful mix of bell peppers and onions, while the Pillsbury biscuits provide that signature bubble-up texture. By making a few simple swaps, such as using reduced-fat cheese and fat-free sour cream, this recipe delivers all the flavor and comfort you want with fewer calories and SmartPoints.

Let’s dive into the details of how to make this Taco Fiesta Bubble Up for a low-point meal everyone will love.

Ingredients for Taco Fiesta Bubble Up (WW Low-Point Version)

To make this Taco Fiesta Bubble Up recipe that is both delicious and low in Weight Watchers SmartPoints, here are the ingredients you will need:

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 lb cooked extra-lean ground beef: Using extra-lean beef (90% or higher) helps keep the fat content low, reducing both calories and SmartPoints.
  • 1 package Pillsbury 7.5 oz biscuits (10 biscuits): These biscuits are the cornerstone of the bubble-up casserole and provide a soft, doughy base. If you can’t find this specific size, buy a larger pack and weigh out approximately 7.5 ounces of dough.
  • 1 package Taco seasoning (30g): Use a low-sodium taco seasoning mix to keep the dish flavorful but not too high in sodium.
  • 1 1/3 cup salsa: Choose a low-sodium salsa to minimize excess salt in the recipe while maintaining a fresh, tangy flavor.
  • 2 cups diced bell peppers: A colorful mix of red, orange, and yellow peppers adds nutrients, vibrant color, and a mild sweetness.
  • 1 cup diced red onion: Adds sharpness and crunch to the dish.
  • 1 cup reduced-fat shredded cheese: A 3-cheese blend (cheddar, mozzarella, and Monterey Jack) gives the dish that cheesy goodness while keeping the fat content in check. You can also use fat-free cheese to further lower points.
  • Green onions: For garnish, these add a pop of color and an extra layer of flavor.
  • Fat-free sour cream (optional): For topping, you can add a dollop of fat-free sour cream for extra creaminess without adding significant SmartPoints.

Optional Garnishes:

  • Fresh cilantro: Adds a burst of freshness.
  • Sliced jalapeños: For a bit of heat if you like your tacos spicy.

How to Make Taco Fiesta Bubble Up: Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you have all the ingredients, let’s walk through the steps for making this Taco Fiesta Bubble Up in the simplest and most delicious way possible.

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake your Taco Fiesta Bubble Up.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the 1 lb of extra-lean ground beef. Cook the beef, breaking it apart with a spoon or spatula, until it’s browned and fully cooked through (about 7-10 minutes). Drain any excess fat (if necessary, though extra-lean beef should not have much fat to drain).

Pro Tip: If you prefer a more flavorful beef, you can add a pinch of garlic powder and onion powder while browning the beef.

Step 3: Add the Taco Seasoning and Salsa

Once the ground beef is browned and drained, sprinkle in the taco seasoning (about 30g or one packet). Stir to coat the beef evenly with the seasoning. Then, add the 1 1/3 cups of salsa and stir again. Allow the mixture to simmer for a couple of minutes until the salsa has warmed up and the flavors meld together. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 4: Prepare the Biscuits

While the beef is simmering, take your Pillsbury biscuits and cut each biscuit into quarters. This will help them to spread out evenly across the casserole as they bake. You should end up with 40 pieces (10 biscuits cut into 4 pieces each).

Step 5: Layer the Casserole

In a large 9×13-inch baking dish, spread the biscuits pieces evenly across the bottom of the dish. Next, layer the cooked ground beef mixture over the top of the biscuits. Sprinkle the 2 cups of diced bell peppers and 1 cup of diced red onions evenly over the meat mixture.

Step 6: Top with Cheese

Sprinkle the 1 cup of reduced-fat shredded cheese evenly over the entire casserole. The cheese will melt beautifully as it bakes, creating a gooey, comforting topping.

Step 7: Bake the Casserole

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the biscuits are golden brown, the cheese is melted, and everything is bubbly. You’ll know it’s done when the top is lightly golden and the casserole has firmed up.

Tip: If you find the top is browning too quickly, cover the dish with aluminum foil during the last 10 minutes of baking to prevent burning.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Once the Taco Fiesta Bubble Up is done baking, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with sliced green onions and a dollop of fat-free sour cream (optional). For extra flavor, sprinkle some fresh cilantro on top.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

When preparing this Taco Fiesta Bubble Up with the modifications for WW low-point and using fat-free and reduced-fat ingredients, each serving (1/6th of the casserole) has the following approximate nutritional breakdown:

  • Calories: 250 kcal
  • Protein: 22g
  • Fat: 12g
  • Total Carbohydrates: 18g
    • Fiber: 3g
    • Net Carbs: 15g
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

Weight Watchers SmartPoints Breakdown:

  • Blue Plan: 7 SmartPoints per serving
  • Purple Plan: 7 SmartPoints per serving
  • Green Plan: 7 SmartPoints per serving

The SmartPoints value may vary depending on the exact products used, particularly with the cheese and salsa. However, using reduced-fat cheese, extra-lean ground beef, and fat-free sour cream ensures that the dish remains low in SmartPoints and a great option for those tracking on WW.

Why This Taco Fiesta Bubble Up is Perfect for Weight Watchers

  1. Low SmartPoints Value: At just 7 SmartPoints per serving, this dish fits easily into any WW member’s daily allowance, making it an ideal option for anyone looking to enjoy a satisfying, flavorful meal without going over their points.
  2. Packed with Lean Protein and Veggies: The ground beef provides plenty of protein, while the bell peppers and onions add vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. This is a balanced meal that won’t leave you feeling deprived.
  3. Family-Friendly: This is a dish that’s sure to please the whole family. With its familiar taco flavors and comforting casserole texture, even picky eaters will love it. You can customize the toppings (such as adding jalapeños or switching up the peppers) to cater to different tastes.
  4. Easy to Make and Customize: With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, this is an easy recipe to throw together for a quick weeknight dinner. You can also make this dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days, making it perfect for meal prep.
  5. Freezer-Friendly: If you want to prepare this meal ahead of time, you can assemble it and freeze it before baking. When you’re ready to eat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual. This makes it a perfect make-ahead meal for busy nights.

Conclusion

The Taco Fiesta Bubble Up is a fantastic addition to your Weight Watchers meal plan, offering all the flavors of a taco casserole in a healthier, low-point version. With its combination of lean beef, salsa, fresh veggies, and reduced-fat cheese, it’s the perfect meal to enjoy without guilt. By following this recipe, you can indulge in comfort food while sticking to your WW points and staying on track with your health goals.

This dish is not only delicious but also customizable, so feel free to adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or hosting a party, this Taco Fiesta Bubble Up will surely be a hit.

Enjoy your meal!