Description
This Easy Layered Taco Bake is a delicious and simple dish that combines seasoned ground beef, salsa con queso, flour tortillas, and melted Mexican cheese blend baked to perfection. Perfect for a crowd or a flavorful weeknight dinner, it offers the comforting flavors of classic tacos in an easy-to-assemble casserole form.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Seasoning
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 3/4 cup water (as called for on back of seasoning packet)
- 1/2 cup salsa con queso
Base and Cheese
- 3 (8-inch) flour tortillas (soft taco size)
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend, divided use
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat on the stovetop, brown and crumble 1 pound of ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess grease.
- Season the Meat: Add 1 packet of taco seasoning and 3/4 cup water as directed on the seasoning packet. Stir and cook according to seasoning packet instructions until the liquid has mostly absorbed and meat is well seasoned.
- Add Salsa Con Queso: Turn off the heat and stir in 1/2 cup of salsa con queso thoroughly into the taco meat mixture to combine flavors.
- Prepare the Baking Pan: Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray an 8-inch round baking pan with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Layer the Ingredients: Place one flour tortilla on the bottom of the prepared pan. Spread one-third of the seasoned taco meat over the tortilla, then sprinkle one-third of the shredded Mexican cheese on top. Repeat layers two more times ending with cheese on top.
- Bake the Taco Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly and edges are slightly golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bake to cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve with your favorite taco toppings such as sour cream, tomatoes, or avocado.
Notes
- If the salsa con queso is too spicy, substitute with a regular cheese dip or mild cheese sauce.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute corn tortillas for flour tortillas.
- You can add additional toppings like fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or chopped onions after baking.
- Use a springform pan if you want easy removal and clean slices.
- This recipe serves well as leftovers and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 21 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
