There’s something magical about a dish that’s simple, comforting, and loaded with flavor. That’s exactly what this Layered Taco Bake delivers. It’s a perfect mashup of tacos and lasagna—cheesy, beefy, and stacked with tortillas. Plus, it’s easy enough for even the busiest weeknights.
If you’re a fan of ground beef dishes, you’ll also love this Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole with Ground Beef—another family favorite that’s just as easy and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Layered Taco Bake
Tacos are great, but let’s be real: they can be a mess. One bite and half the filling falls out. This Layered Taco Bake solves that problem. It’s all the best parts of tacos but layered neatly into a casserole dish, making it easy to slice, serve, and devour.
Busy weeknights demand recipes that don’t require hours in the kitchen. This dish comes together in under 45 minutes, and most of that time is just waiting for it to bake. Plus, it’s customizable—add beans, swap the beef for chicken, or crank up the heat with jalapeños.
Ingredients for the Perfect Layered Taco Bake
- Ground beef – The star of the show. Swap for turkey or chicken if needed.
- Taco seasoning – Store-bought or homemade works great.
- Water – Helps mix the seasoning into the meat evenly.
- Flour tortillas – Soft, sturdy, and perfect for layering.
- Salsa con queso – A creamy, cheesy addition to the beef mixture.
- Shredded Mexican cheese blend – Because more cheese is always a good idea.
How to Make Layered Taco Bake (Step-by-Step)
1. Cook the Ground Beef
Start by browning the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Break it up as it cooks, letting it get nice and crumbly. Once it’s browned, drain the grease—unless you like your taco bake swimming in oil. Stir in the taco seasoning and water, let it simmer, then mix in the salsa con queso.
2. Build the Layers
Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease an 8-inch baking dish. Lay down a flour tortilla, spread on some of the beef mixture, and sprinkle with shredded cheese. Repeat the process, stacking the layers like a cheesy, meaty tower, and make sure the top layer is extra cheesy.
3. Bake to Perfection
Bake for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbly. Let it sit for a few minutes before slicing. Trust me, you don’t want molten cheese burning your mouth (no one enjoys that). Once it’s slightly cooled, grab a knife and serve up some cheesy taco goodness.
Why This Taco Bake Works
The beauty of this Layered Taco Bake is in the simplicity. No fancy ingredients, no complicated steps—just layers of tortilla, beef, and cheese baked to perfection. It’s the kind of meal that pleases picky eaters, taco lovers, and anyone who appreciates a good baked dinner recipe.
For another easy, hearty meal, check out these Stuffed Pasta Shells with Ground Beef. They’re just as comforting and packed with flavor.
Tips for the Best Layered Taco Bake
- Flour tortillas work best – Corn tortillas tend to break apart and get mushy.
- Want extra crunch? – Sprinkle crushed tortilla chips between the layers.
- Make it spicier – Add jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce.
- Use a springform pan – It makes slicing and serving a breeze.
- Make it ahead – Assemble everything the night before, then bake when ready.
Love crock pots? This dish works in a slow cooker too. Just layer everything in a crock pot, cover, and cook on low for 4-5 hours. The result? A cheesy, melty, slow-cooked version of taco heaven.
What to Serve with Layered Taco Bake
This baked dinner recipe is a meal in itself, but the right sides take it to the next level. Here are a few ideas:
- Spanish rice – A classic taco side dish.
- Guacamole and chips – Because you can never have too much avocado.
- A crisp green salad – To balance out all that cheesy goodness.
- Sour cream and salsa – A cool, tangy contrast to the warm, melty layers.
Looking for another comforting dish? Try this Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef—another easy and hearty meal that’s perfect for weeknights.
How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
One of the best things about Layered Taco Bake is that it reheats like a dream. Here’s how to keep it fresh:
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Wrap individual slices and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Microwave for a quick fix or warm in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
Yes, but they may not hold the layers as well as flour tortillas do.
Can I make Layered Taco Bake ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the bake, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat.
Can I cook this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Layer everything in a crock pot, cover, and cook on low for 4-5 hours.
What’s the best cheese for taco bake?
A Mexican blend works best, but cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack are great options too.
Layered Taco Bake
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- ½ cup water
- 4 flour tortillas 8-inch
- ½ cup salsa con queso
- 1 ½ cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease an 8-inch round baking dish.
- In a skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Stir in taco seasoning and water, simmering until well combined. Mix in salsa con queso.
- Place one flour tortilla at the bottom of the dish. Add a layer of beef mixture, then sprinkle with cheese.
- Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a top layer of cheese.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, until cheese is melted and slightly golden.
- Let cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve with sour cream, salsa, or guacamole.
Notes
- Swap ground beef for turkey or chicken.
- Use corn tortillas if preferred, but they may be softer.
- Add jalapeños for extra spice or crushed tortilla chips for crunch.
Calories: 450 | Protein: 22g | Carbs: 35g | Fat: 25g | Fiber: 4g
Final Thoughts on This Cheesy Layered Taco Bake
This Layered Taco Bake is everything you love about tacos but in a convenient, sliceable form. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, a potluck, or just because you need some comfort food, it’s guaranteed to hit the spot. Plus, leftovers? They’re just as good the next day.
If you loved this recipe, don’t forget to try these Korean Ground Beef and Rice Bowls—another easy, flavorful meal for busy nights.
