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There are a handful of recipes I keep in my back pocket for those nights when I want something satisfying, low-effort, and guaranteed to disappear fast — this Layered Taco Bake is one of them. Think: all the goodness of taco night, but stacked like a lasagna, baked until bubbly, and easy to serve in neat little wedges.
It’s cozy, kid-friendly, and full of that cheesy, spicy, taco-y flavor we all know and love. And the best part? You can make it with whatever you’ve got in the fridge. Seriously — this one’s super forgiving.
Why This Works
Has that “everyone wants seconds” energy
Comes together quickly, with easy layering (no fancy steps)
Feeds a group — or makes great leftovers
Easy to tweak with your favorite toppings or swaps
Ingredients
Here’s what I usually use — but feel free to make it your own.
1 lb ground beef (or turkey, or even a meatless option)
1 taco seasoning packet
¾ cup water (or whatever your packet calls for)
½ cup salsa con queso (or swap in a little sour cream or cream cheese if that’s what’s on hand)
3 large flour tortillas (8-inch size)
2 cups shredded Mexican-blend cheese
Cooking spray or oil, for the pan
Optional toppings: Sour cream, guacamole, chopped tomatoes, shredded lettuce, pickled jalapeños — go wild.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Beef
Start by browning your ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once it’s fully browned (should take 5–7 minutes), drain off any grease.
Sprinkle in the taco seasoning and water. Stir and let it simmer for a few minutes so the flavor can soak in.
Turn off the heat, then stir in the salsa con queso. You’ll end up with a creamy, taco-flavored mixture that smells so good already.
2. Assemble
Preheat your oven to 350°F.
Grease an 8-inch round baking dish (nonstick spray or a bit of oil will do the trick).
Layer like this:
Start with one tortilla
Spoon on about a third of the beef/queso mixture
Sprinkle with a handful of shredded cheese
Repeat twice, ending with the last of the cheese right on top. (That melty, golden top layer is everything.)
3. Bake
Pop the dish in the oven and bake for 15–20 minutes — just until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges of the tortillas start to get a little toasty.
4. Slice and Serve
Let it sit for 5-ish minutes before slicing — that helps it hold together. Cut into wedges and top with whatever you love.
Favorite Toppings
This bake is amazing on its own, but here are a few extras that take it over the top:
A scoop of guac or slices of avocado
Sour cream (especially if you went heavy on the spice)
Chopped tomatoes or pico de gallo
Lettuce for crunch
Pickled jalapeños for a little kick
Storing Leftovers
This reheats like a dream, which makes it great for lunch the next day.
Store slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days
Reheat in the oven (350°F for about 10 minutes) or microwave in short bursts
You can also freeze individual pieces — just wrap them tightly and thaw before reheating
Recipe Swaps & Variations
Meatless option: Black beans, refried beans, or sautéed veggies all work
Make it spicy: Add chopped jalapeños or hot sauce to the beef mix
Use chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken + taco seasoning = easy shortcut
Low-carb twist: Try using low-carb tortillas or layers of grilled zucchini slices
Extra creamy: Add a thin layer of sour cream or cream cheese between the meat and tortilla layers
Final Thoughts
Honestly, this Layered Taco Bake is one of those meals that just works. It’s filling, it’s flexible, and it tastes like something you’d get at a little Tex-Mex diner — except you made it yourself (and probably saved a few bucks in the process).
Serve it up for taco night, bring it to a potluck, or just make it because it’s Tuesday and you’re craving something cheesy. Either way, it’s a hit.
Let me know if you give it a try — and what toppings you add!
Layered Taco Bake
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- ¾ cup water
- ½ cup salsa con queso
- 3 large flour tortillas 8-inch size
- 2 cups shredded Mexican-blend cheese
- cooking spray or oil for greasing
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and grease an 8-inch round baking dish with cooking spray or oil.
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown ground beef for 5–7 minutes, breaking it apart. Drain excess grease.
- Add taco seasoning and water to the beef. Stir and simmer until thickened. Turn off heat and mix in salsa con queso.
- In the prepared dish, layer one tortilla, a third of the beef mixture, and a sprinkle of cheese. Repeat two more times, finishing with cheese on top.
- Bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly and edges are lightly toasted.
- Let sit for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve with your favorite taco toppings like sour cream, guac, or chopped tomatoes.