This taco dish concept combines the feel of good taco flavors through Layered Taco Bake! This is an easy fix for the crazy days you come home from work craving Mexican and wanting to glaze the day off. The Layered Taco Bake employs all the crunchy facets that contribute to the excitement of a Mexican meal-Spiced ground beef, cheese, vegetables fresh, spices, sandwiched between tender tortillas baked in the oven to savor it! For the great feast-pan preparation, it’s seldom skipped and always satisfied-desired by the taste-testing grown-ups and the munchkins. Further, the value-added component is the flexibility to sprinkle and customize with various toppings just as you desire. Now let’s talk about…What a straightforward recipe!
Ingredients
For the Taco Filling:
- Ground beef (1 lb)
- Olive oil (1 tbsp)
- Onion (1 medium, diced)
- Red bell pepper (1, diced)
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced)
- Taco seasoning mix (2 tbsp)
- Black beans (1 can, drained and rinsed)
- Corn kernels (1 cup, fresh or frozen)
- Diced tomatoes with green chilies (1 can, drained)
- Salsa (1 cup)
- Fresh cilantro (a handful, chopped, optional)
For the Layers:
- Flour tortillas (6 large or 8 medium)
- Mexican blend cheese (3 cups, shredded)
For Topping:
- Sour cream (½ cup)
- Sliced black olives (¼ cup)
- Green onions (2, chopped)
- Jalapeños (sliced, optional)
- Fresh cilantro (chopped, optional)
- Diced avocado or guacamole
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Taco Filling
In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté the diced onion and bell pepper until they become soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the skillet. Stir in the taco seasoning mix, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and salsa. Let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes until it thickens slightly. Stir in the chopped fresh cilantro, if using, and remove from heat.
Step 2: Assemble the Taco Bake
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little olive oil. Place one or two tortillas (depending on size) on the bottom of the dish, trimming if necessary to cover the base completely.
Spread a layer of the taco filling over the tortillas, followed by a generous sprinkle of shredded cheese. Repeat the layers—tortilla, taco filling, cheese—until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of cheese on top.
Step 3: Bake the Taco Bake
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden brown on top.
Step 4: Add Toppings and Serve
Remove the taco bake from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Top with dollops of sour cream, sliced black olives, chopped green onions, jalapeños, and fresh cilantro. Add diced avocado or a side of guacamole for extra flavor. Slice into squares and serve warm.
Serving and Storage Tips
Mexican rice, refried beans, or fresh salad are the sides to complete the meal with Layered Taco Bake.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for about 3 days in the fridge, then reheat them in the oven at about 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until warm.
Store single-serve portions in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and keep them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
When reheating directly from the freezer, heat for best results in the oven.
Helpful Notes
Substitute for ground beef may be a plant-based meat alternative or extra black beans, zucchini, and mushrooms for a vegetarian option.
For the gluten-free version, use gluten-free tortillas.
You can add much spicier mushrooms by adding more diced green chilies or hot salsa, or you can add less spice by using mild salsa.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
When prepping taco fillings for layering, a squirt of fresh lime juice a la Rick Bayless is always deliciously thought-provoking.
Ree Drummond states that if some refried beans are mixed into meat mix, in addition to the oil as suggested by other celebrities, the flavors and soft textures would be good.
What Bobby Flay really likes is after sprinkling shredded cheese to put just a bit of smoked paprika on top; mild smokiness is a good thing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can one use a different kind of meat?
Yes, you can use ground chicken, turkey, and even shredded rotisserie chicken as substitutes for ground beef.
Can I prevent the tortillas from turning soggy?
Be sure to get rid of any excess liquid from the ingredients, such as canned tomatoes, and make sure the filing be done to a certain thickness only.
Can I add more veggies?
Definitely! Diced zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach or others complement the filling.
What happens if one has no taco seasoning from the supplier?
You could prepare your own by mixing together alone or in a combo chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Can you prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare and assemble the taco bake up to 24 hours ahead. Cover it snugly in cling wrap and keep it in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
What kind of cheese works best?
A Mexican blend of cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, and pepper jack together work best, but feel free to use the cheese you like.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
You can layer the ingredients into the slow cooker and cook for 4-5 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high.
Is there a dairy-free version?
Absolutely! Use dairy-free cheese alternative and make sure to replace the dairy-free sour cream or guacamole for a topping.
Can I put rice in the bake?
Absolutely! You can create an additional layer of cooked Mexican or cilantro lime rice to make a hearty dish.
How can leftovers be reheated without the dish drying out?
Simply cover with foil and reheat in the oven to keep the dish moist; alternately, reheat in the microwave with a wet paper towel over the top.
So, enjoy your Layered Taco Bakewith a tasty and unique twist on taco night that everyone will love!
