Description
This Easy Layered Taco Bake is a delicious and simple Mexican-inspired casserole featuring seasoned ground beef, layers of flour tortillas, melted Mexican cheese blend, and a creamy salsa con queso sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this flavorful dish bakes to golden perfection and can be topped with your favorite garnishes.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Seasoning
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 3/4 cup water (as called for on seasoning packet)
- 1/2 cup salsa con queso
Assembly
- 3 (8-inch) flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend (divided use)
Instructions
- Brown Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown and crumble 1 pound of ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess grease to avoid soggy layers.
- Add Seasoning: Stir in 1 packet taco seasoning and 3/4 cup water according to the packet instructions. Simmer until the mixture thickens and seasonings are well incorporated.
- Mix Salsa Con Queso: Remove the pan from heat and stir in 1/2 cup salsa con queso until fully combined with the seasoned beef.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly spray an 8-inch round baking pan or springform pan with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Assemble Layers: Place one flour tortilla on the bottom of the baking pan. Spread one-third of the taco beef mixture evenly over the tortilla, then sprinkle one-third of the shredded Mexican cheese blend on top. Repeat layering two more times, ending with cheese on top.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges of the tortillas are slightly golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bake to cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve topped with your favorite garnishes such as sour cream, diced tomatoes, or fresh cilantro.
Notes
- If salsa con queso is too spicy, substitute with a regular cheese dip to adjust heat level.
- You can add additional toppings like sliced jalapeños, chopped onions, or avocado for extra flavor.
- Use corn tortillas for a gluten-free variation and adjust diet classification accordingly.
- Leftovers can be reheated in the oven or microwave for a quick meal the next day.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
