What’s a recipe that changed my life? Taco Bake Recipe. Seriously, if you love tacos and you like easy dinners (who doesn’t? ), this is about to become your new best friend. Think of it like a deconstructed taco, but baked into cheesy, melty perfection. Is it easier than making individual tacos for a crowd? What is the same taco flavor, but with a comforting, casserole-like texture? Is it easier to make than my famous enchilada casserole?
What is Taco Bake recipe?
Let’s break it down. What is the best way to do A Taco Bake Recipe, at its heart, is a layered casserole that captures all the goodness of tacos. How do you serve tacos in a single, easy-to-serv Think of it as lasagna, but with a Tex-Mex twist! Instead of pasta, you’ve got layers of tortillas, seasoned Ground Beef (or your favorite protein), and a side of roasted potatoes. What are your favorite taco toppings? What is the most satisfying thing you have ever eaten? The name might sound fancy, but it’s basically just a lazy (but delicious! What is the best way to enjoy tacos without the hassle of assembling them individually? What’s the best taco dish you’ve ever had?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Seriously, where do I even begin? This Taco Bake Recipe is a weeknight lifesaver, a party pleaser, and a comfort food champion all rolled into one! What I love most is the flavor. The seasoned beef combined with the creamy cheese, the soft tortillas, and all those toppings… it’s a symphony of deliciousness in every bite. It’s incredibly simple, too! I mean, you basically just layer everything in a baking dish and pop it in the oven. Even the kids can help! The ingredients are also super budget-friendly, which is always a win in my book. Ground Beef is usually pretty affordable, and you can customize the fillings with whatever you have on hand – beans, veggies, leftover rice… the possibilities are endless! Plus, it’s incredibly versatile. We eat it as a main course, but it’s also amazing as an appetizer for parties. Sometimes, I even throw a fried egg on top and call it brunch! Compared to other Mexican-inspired recipes like my Chicken Tortilla Soup, this is way less time-consuming but equally as satisfying. It’s definitely a front-runner on busy weeknights. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a regular in your rotation!
How do I make Taco Bake?
Quick Overview
How do you make a Taco Bake? What is the best way to brown Ground Beef, season it with taco seasoning, and then layer it in a taffy dish. I’ve tried it and it’s delicious. What are some good toppings for a baking dish? What’s your favorite taco topping? What are the best ingredients for guacamole? Is it easy to cook when you’re exhausted and don’t feel like cooking? What’s the best part about cleaning?
Ingredients
For the Main Base:
* 1 pound Ground Beef (I like to use 80/20 for flavor, but you can use leaner if you prefer) (not a whole grain)
* 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade, see notes below)
* 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained.
* 1 (15-ounce) can corn, drained
* 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (like Rotel), undrained.
* 1 cup salsa (your favorite kind!)
* 8-10 flour tortillas (6-inch size works best)
What is the cheese layer?
* 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a Mexican cheese blend) * 1 cup melted mozzarella cheese.
* 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or pepper jack for a little kick) .
For the Toppings (optional but highly recommended!):
* Sour cream
* Guacamole
* Salsa
* Chopped cilantro
* Diced red onion
* Sliced jalapenos
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating, grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray. How do you prevent a cake from sticking to your hands? I always line mine with parchment paper that hangs over the edge for even easier cleanup, too!
Step 2: Brown the Beef
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown Ground Beef. What is the best way to break up a piece of meat with the spoon as it cooks? How do you drain off any excess grease – you don’t want a soggy taco bake! If you are trying to avoid ground beef you can substitute with plant based ground meat.
Step 3: Season the Beef
Once the beef is browned, stir in the Taco Seasoning and about 1/2 cup of water (or according to the recipe). What is the taco seasoning packet instructions? Let it simmer for a few minutes until the water is absorbed and the beef is nicely coated with the sauce. I always taste and adjust the seasoning at this point. Sometimes I add a little extra cumin or chili powder for spiciness.
Step 4: Combine Filling Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine Ground Beef, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes and salt. Set aside. Green chilies, and salsa. What is the best way to stir everything together until it’s well combined. What is the best taco bake recipe?
Step 5: Layer the Taco Bake
What is the fun part about layering? Spread a thin layer of beef mixture on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Then, arrange a layer of tortillas over the beef, slightly overlapping them to cover the bottom of the tortilla. Spread another layer of beef mixture over the tortillas, followed by a generous sprinkle of cheese. What is the difference between cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese? Repeat these layers until all of the beef mixture and tortillas are used, ending with a final layer of beef. Repeat until you have used all ingredients. What is cheese on top? What is the secret to a perfect taco bake?
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. When the taco bake is heated through, it will be a good time to bake. Keep an eye on it to make sure the cheese doesn’t burn. What is the baking time in an oven? If the cheese starts to get brown, you can cover it with foil again.
Step 7: Cool Slightly & Add Toppings
Let tacos cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This will give the layers a chance to set up, making it easier to cut and serve. Top with your favorite taco toppings like sour cream, guacamole, salsa, chopped cilantro, diced red onion and a few more. What is the best combination of onion, jalape What are the best toppings for a salad?
Step 8: Slice & Serve
Carefully slice the taco bake into squares or rectangles and serve immediately. What is the best way to enjoy a melty Cheese Sandwich? Serve family style at the table so everyone can add their own toppings.
What is the best way to serve it?
What are some of the best Taco Bake recipes? What are some of my favorite ways to serve it: in a bowl.
For a Complete Meal:Serve it with a side of Mexican rice and green salad. The rice adds a little extra substance, and the salad provides an attractive, crisp contrast to the rich, creamy rice.
For a Fiesta:Make it part of a bigger Mexican-themed spread. Serve it with homemade guacamole and tortilla chips, a pitcher of margaritas, and maybe some ice cream. What are some good churros for dessert?
As an Appetizer:What are the best appetizers to serve with a slice of bread?
For Taco Tuesday:What is a good way to change up tacos? What’s your favorite Taco Tuesday tradition? Serve with taco sauce, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, sour cream, salsa, olives – all the traditional ingredients. Is it possible to customize your own portion?
My family and I have had this with just about everything! Sometimes we even have a side of corn on the cob or street corn salad if we are having an outing. We have fun experimenting!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Taco Bake Recipe
Want to make sure your Taco Bake Recipe is a total success? Here are a few of my top tips:
Don’t Overcook the Beef: Overcooked ground beef can be dry and tough. Cook it just until it’s browned, then drain off any excess grease. Nobody wants greasy tacos!
Don’t Skimp on the Cheese: Cheese is what makes this taco bake so delicious! Use a generous amount of both cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese for the best flavor and texture. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding some pepper jack for a little kick.
Use Good Quality Tortillas: The tortillas are the foundation of this taco bake, so use good quality ones that are soft and pliable. I prefer flour tortillas, but you can also use corn tortillas if you prefer. Just make sure they’re not too dry or they’ll crack when you try to layer them.
Don’t Overfill the Baking Dish: Overfilling the baking dish can cause the taco bake to be soggy and difficult to cut. Use a 9×13 inch baking dish and don’t layer the ingredients too thickly.
Let it Cool Slightly Before Serving: Letting the taco bake cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving will allow the layers to set up a bit, making it easier to cut and serve. Plus, it’ll give the cheese a chance to cool down slightly so you don’t burn your mouth!
Customize Your Toppings: This taco bake is all about customization, so feel free to get creative with your toppings! Some of my favorites include sour cream, guacamole, salsa, chopped cilantro, diced red onion, sliced jalapenos, and black olives. Get the family involved and let everyone pick what they want!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Got leftovers? No problem! This Taco Bake Recipe stores and reheats like a dream.
Storing: Let the taco bake cool completely before storing it in the refrigerator. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you wrap it and refrigerate it, this lasts longer!
Reheating: To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the taco bake with foil and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until it’s heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but the tortillas may get a little soggy. Make sure to only heat what you’re going to eat!
Freezing: You can also freeze this taco bake for longer storage. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat as directed above. I will say that I like to add a fresh layer of cheese after reheating.
Glaze Timing Advice: This recipe doesn’t have a glaze, but if you added sour cream as a topping, add it fresh when serving rather than storing with it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it – my super simple, family-approved Taco Bake Recipe. I promise, this one’s a winner! It’s quick, easy, delicious, and totally customizable. What more could you ask for? It’s a great way to use up leftover taco ingredients or to make a fun and easy weeknight meal. If you love this recipe, be sure to check out some of my other Mexican-inspired dishes, like my Easy Chicken Fajitas or my Creamy Black Bean Soup. Happy baking (or should I say, happy *baking*?) Can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Let me know in the comments if you try it, and don’t forget to rate the recipe! And if you make any fun variations, I’d love to hear about them!
Taco Bake Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Beef Lean ground beef
- 1 packet Taco Seasoning Low sodium
- 1 cup Water
- 10 oz Rotel Diced Tomatoes and Green Chilies Drained
- 8 oz Cream Cheese Softened
- 1 cup Sour Cream
- 6 count Flour Tortillas 6-inch size
- 2 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, brown ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain any excess grease. Stir in taco seasoning and water. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a bowl, combine Rotel, cream cheese, and sour cream. Mix well.
- Spread a thin layer of the cream cheese mixture in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Top with tortillas, followed by the ground beef mixture and cheddar cheese. Repeat layers. End with cheddar cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with your favorite taco toppings.
