Bring the vibrant flavors of a classic taco to your dinner table with this delicious Layered Taco Bake! Perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving Mexican food, this dish combines all your favorite taco ingredients—spicy ground beef, gooey cheese, fresh vegetables, and zesty seasonings—layered between soft tortillas and baked to perfection. It’s an easy-to-make, one-pan meal that’s a real crowd-pleaser, sure to be loved by kids and adults alike. Plus, it’s versatile, so you can customize it with your favorite toppings and fillings. Let’s dig into this simple yet flavorful 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
- Serve this Layered Taco Bake with a side of Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.
- To freeze, wrap individual portions in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven for best results.
Helpful Notes
- For a vegetarian option, substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or extra black beans and vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free tortillas.
- You can make this recipe spicier by adding more diced green chilies or hot salsa, or milder by using mild salsa and omitting the jalapeños.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
Rick Bayless suggests adding a squeeze of fresh lime juice to the taco filling just before layering for a zesty kick.
Ree Drummond recommends mixing some refried beans into the meat mixture for extra creaminess and flavor.
Bobby Flay suggests sprinkling a little smoked paprika on top of the cheese for a hint of smokiness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, ground chicken, turkey, or even shredded rotisserie chicken can be used as substitutes for ground beef.
How do I prevent the tortillas from getting soggy?
Make sure to drain excess liquid from ingredients like canned tomatoes and cook the filling until it’s thick and not too watery.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Diced zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach can be great additions to the filling.
What if I don’t have taco seasoning?
Make your own by mixing chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare and assemble the taco bake up to 24 hours in advance. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. Bake it just before serving.
What type of cheese works best?
A Mexican blend of cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, and pepper jack works great, but you can use any cheese you love.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can layer the ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
Is it possible to make a dairy-free version?
Yes, use dairy-free cheese alternatives and make sure to substitute with dairy-free sour cream or guacamole as a topping.
Can I add rice to the bake?
Certainly! Adding a layer of cooked Mexican or cilantro lime rice can make the dish even heartier.
How do I reheat leftovers without drying them out?
Reheat in the oven covered with foil to keep it moist, or microwave it with a damp paper towel over the top.
Enjoy your Layered Taco Bake, a delicious and fun twist on taco night that everyone will love!
