Layered Taco Bake is a festive and flavorful dish that layers the beloved tastes of tacos into a cheesy, comforting casserole. It’s a perfect choice for when you crave Mexican cuisine but need the convenience of a make-ahead meal.
It’s a versatile dish that can be adapted to include other ingredients like olives, jalapenos, or green onions based on your preferences. Enjoy the melty cheese, the tangy salsa, and the richly seasoned beef that come together to make this dish a true crowd-pleaser.
Recipe Overview
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Serving: 6-8 people
Equipment: Skillet, 9×13 inch baking dish
Layered Taco Bake
Dive into the robust flavors of this Layered Taco Bake, where each layer delivers a burst of taco goodness, making every bite exciting and satisfying.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup water
- 6 large flour tortillas
- 1 can (16 ounces) refried beans
- 2 cups salsa
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- Sour cream (for serving)
- Fresh tomatoes, diced (for garnish)
- Lettuce, shredded (for garnish)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until it’s completely browned. Drain the excess grease and return the beef to the skillet.
- Stir in the taco seasoning and water. Continue to simmer until the water has evaporated and the seasoning is well incorporated into the beef.
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Place two flour tortillas at the bottom, trimming if necessary to fit the dish.
- Spread half of the refried beans evenly over the tortillas. Top with half of the seasoned ground beef and then 1 cup of salsa.
- Sprinkle one-third of the shredded cheddar cheese over the salsa.
- Repeat the layers starting with two more tortillas, the remaining refried beans, the remaining beef, another cup of salsa, and another third of the cheese.
- Top with the final two tortillas, covering them with the remaining cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is thoroughly melted and bubbly.
- Serve the taco bake hot, garnished with sour cream, diced fresh tomatoes, and shredded lettuce on the side.
This Layered Taco Bake brings all the excitement and flavors of taco night into a delightful casserole that’s both easy to make and delicious to eat.
