Description
Spicy and cheesy layered taco bake delivers bold Mexican-inspired flavors in one comforting casserole. Hearty ground beef, melted cheese, and crisp tortillas combine for a crowd-pleasing meal you cannot resist.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
Mexican Dairy and Tortillas:
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend (divided use)
- 1/2 cup salsa con queso
- 3 pieces 8-inch flour tortillas (soft taco size)
Liquid:
- 3/4 cup water (as per seasoning packet instructions)
Instructions
- Prepare the ground beef by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat and thoroughly browning the meat, breaking it into small crumbles until no pink remains.
- Eliminate excess fat from the skillet, then incorporate taco seasoning and water, allowing the mixture to simmer and thicken into a rich, flavorful sauce.
- Fold salsa con queso into the meat mixture, ensuring a smooth and creamy consistency throughout.
- Heat the oven to 350°F and lightly coat an 8-inch round baking dish with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
- Create the first foundation layer by placing a tortilla at the bottom of the pan, evenly spreading a portion of the seasoned meat mixture across its surface.
- Generously sprinkle a layer of shredded cheese over the meat, ensuring complete coverage.
- Repeat the layering process two more times, alternating tortilla, meat, and cheese to build a robust and textured casserole.
- Finish the top layer with a final abundant coating of cheese for a golden, melted finish.
- Slide the assembled dish into the preheated oven and bake until the cheese transforms into a bubbly, slightly crisp topping and tortilla edges turn a delicate golden brown.
- Remove from oven and allow the taco bake to rest for a few minutes, enabling the layers to set and cool slightly.
- Slice into wedges and serve with an array of optional garnishes like cool sour cream, fresh guacamole, crisp lettuce, diced tomatoes, or spicy jalapeños.
Notes
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner, lighter protein option perfect for health-conscious eaters.
- Use low-fat cheese or dairy-free cheese alternatives to reduce calories and accommodate lactose-intolerant or vegan diners.
- Consider gluten-free tortillas to make this dish suitable for those with wheat sensitivities, ensuring everyone can enjoy the meal.
- Prep ingredients ahead of time to streamline cooking process, making this a quick weeknight dinner solution that’s both delicious and convenient.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg