Description
Hearty Mexican Layered Taco Bake combines zesty ground beef, melted cheese, and crisp tortillas in one irresistible casserole. Spicy, cheesy comfort delivers a delicious dinner that satisfies deep cravings with minimal kitchen effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) water
Cheese and Dairy:
- 2 cups (226 grams) shredded Mexican cheese blend
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) sour cream
- 1 can (16 ounces/454 grams) refried beans
Additional Ingredients:
- 6–8 flour tortillas (8-inch size)
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) salsa
- 1/4 cup (40 grams) sliced black olives
- 1/4 cup (25 grams) chopped green onions
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish with a light grease coating to prevent sticking.
- In a skillet, thoroughly brown ground beef, draining excess fat. Incorporate taco seasoning and water, allowing the mixture to simmer and thicken for approximately 5 minutes.
- Create the foundation by spreading a uniform layer of refried beans across the bottom of the baking dish, ensuring complete coverage.
- Carefully arrange the first layer of tortillas, trimming edges to fit perfectly within the dish’s dimensions.
- Distribute half of the seasoned beef mixture evenly, followed by a generous spread of salsa, dollops of sour cream, and sprinkle of shredded cheese.
- Add a second layer of tortillas, then top with remaining beef mixture, additional salsa, and remaining cheese.
- Shield the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes at 350°F to develop flavors and heat thoroughly.
- Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 5 minutes until cheese melts and becomes golden and bubbly.
- Enhance visual appeal and flavor by garnishing with sliced black olives and chopped green onions just before serving.
Notes
- Customize heat levels by adjusting taco seasoning or using mild/spicy salsa for different palate preferences.
- Create a gluten-free version by substituting regular tortillas with corn tortillas or using gluten-free alternatives.
- Reduce fat content by using lean ground beef, turkey, or plant-based meat substitutes for a healthier twist.
- Prepare components ahead of time and assemble quickly for a convenient make-ahead meal that saves cooking time.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg