Layered Taco Bake

This Layered Taco Bake combines the rich, savory taste of seasoned ground beef, creamy salsa con queso, and layers of gooey melted cheese, all stacked between soft flour tortillas. Perfectly seasoned with taco spices, each layer is a delicious balance of flavors and textures, making this dish a hit for family dinners or gatherings. Top it with your favorite fresh ingredients, like sour cream, guacamole, or chopped tomatoes, for a full taco-inspired experience in every bite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

All the Best Taco Flavors: With taco seasoning, creamy queso, and plenty of cheese, this bake has everything you love about tacos in one delicious, easy-to-serve dish.
Simple to Make: Minimal prep and easy layering make this an accessible recipe, even on busy weeknights.
Perfect for Sharing: With layered portions and a casserole style, this bake is ideal for serving to family and friends.
Customizable Toppings: Top each slice with sour cream, guacamole, tomatoes, or anything else you enjoy on your tacos.

Key Ingredients:

Ground Beef: Using lean ground beef prevents excess grease, but any ground meat (such as turkey or chicken) can be substituted.
Taco Seasoning: For an extra kick, choose a spicy taco seasoning, or add your favorite seasonings to taste if you prefer a homemade blend.
Salsa con Queso: Salsa con queso brings a creamy, slightly spicy flavor to the taco bake. If you prefer, you can swap this for a layer of sour cream or plain cream cheese.
Flour Tortillas: The soft taco-size tortillas fit perfectly in an 8-inch round pan and hold the layers together. You can substitute with corn tortillas for a gluten-free option.
Shredded Mexican Cheese Blend: A mix of cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Colby melts beautifully for a gooey, flavorful top layer. Customize by adding a bit of pepper jack for extra spice.

Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the Ground Beef

Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook 1 pound of ground beef, breaking it up as it browns. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease to prevent the dish from becoming oily.
Season the Beef: Add 1 packet of taco seasoning and about 3/4 cup of water (or follow the packet instructions). Stir well and let the mixture simmer until the beef absorbs the seasoning and thickens, forming a flavorful taco filling.
Incorporate Salsa con Queso: Turn off the heat and stir in 1/2 cup of salsa con queso until thoroughly combined, adding creaminess and a burst of flavor.

2. Assembling the Bake

Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C), allowing it to preheat while you assemble the layers.
Prepare the Baking Pan: Spray an 8-inch round baking pan with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Layer the Ingredients:
First Layer: Place one 8-inch flour tortilla on the bottom of the baking pan.
Add Taco Filling: Spread about 1/3 of the seasoned beef mixture over the tortilla.
Add Cheese: Sprinkle 1/3 of 2 cups of shredded Mexican cheese blend over the beef.
Repeat Layers: Continue layering with another tortilla, taco filling, and cheese, repeating once more and ending with a generous layer of cheese on top.

3. Baking the Dish

Bake the Taco Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the edges of the tortillas are golden brown.

4. Serving

Cool and Slice: Let the bake cool for a couple of minutes to allow the layers to set. This makes it easier to slice and serve.
Serve and Enjoy: Slice the Layered Taco Bake into wedges and serve with your favorite toppings like sour cream, guacamole, chopped tomatoes, shredded lettuce, or sliced jalapeños.

Serving Suggestions:

Here are some topping ideas to take this Layered Taco Bake to the next level:

Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds a tangy creaminess that balances the spices.
Guacamole or Sliced Avocado: Creamy avocado or guacamole gives a fresh, buttery contrast.
Shredded Lettuce: A little shredded lettuce on top adds a crisp freshness.
Diced Tomatoes: Bright, juicy tomatoes provide a pop of color and flavor.
Pickled Jalapeños or Fresh Salsa: Add a bit of heat and acidity with pickled jalapeños or a spoonful of fresh salsa.

Storage and Reheating Tips:

This taco bake is great for leftovers, making it perfect for meal prep or easy lunches.

Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze individual slices for up to 2 months. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.

Recipe Variations:

Vegetarian Taco Bake: Substitute the ground beef with black beans, refried beans, or a mix of beans and sautéed veggies for a delicious vegetarian option.
Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the beef mixture for an extra kick of heat.
Chicken Taco Bake: Use shredded chicken instead of ground beef, seasoning it with taco seasoning for a chicken version.
Low-Carb Option: Swap the flour tortillas for low-carb tortillas or even large slices of zucchini to reduce carbs.
Creamy Taco Bake: Add a layer of cream cheese or sour cream on top of the beef mixture for an extra creamy texture.

Conclusion:

This Layered Taco Bake is a comforting, cheesy meal that combines the best of taco flavors with the ease of a casserole. The layers of seasoned beef, creamy queso, tortillas, and melty cheese make it a delicious option for a family dinner or a fun twist on taco night. Plus, it’s easy to customize with different meats, beans, or toppings to suit everyone’s taste.

Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the satisfying, flavor-packed layers in every slice!