Name: Layered Taco Bake – Easy Recipes with Ground Beef
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 packet taco seasoning; 1/2 cup water; 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1/4 cup chopped green onions; 8 small flour tortillas; 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese; 1 cup salsa; Optional toppings: chopped tomatoes, sliced olives, jalapeños, cilantro

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This Layered Taco Bake is the perfect comfort meal—easy to make, packed with flavor, and layered with cheesy goodness. If you’re looking for easy recipes with ground beef, this one hits the spot. It’s ideal for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or family gatherings. Loaded with taco-seasoned beef, creamy cheese, and crispy tortillas, it blends the best of a taco and a casserole in one satisfying dish. Whether you’re into easy recipes for dinner, comfort food easy recipes, or quick and easy recipes, this taco bake will become your go-to. And yes—it’s just as irresistible as it sounds, making it a must-try for fans of cheesey potatoes easy recipe vibes with a Tex-Mex twist!

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Layered Taco Bake Recipe
3) Ingredients for Layered Taco Bake
4) How to Make Layered Taco Bake
5) Tips for Making Layered Taco Bake
6) Making Layered Taco Bake Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Layered Taco Bake
8) Try these Casserole recipes next!
9) Layered Taco Bake Recipe
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

Perfect for quick weeknight meals and easy recipes with ground beef.
Combines bold Mexican flavors with creamy and cheesy layers.
Customizable with your favorite toppings and easy to make ahead.
Great for feeding a crowd or storing leftovers for lunch.

2) Easy Layered Taco Bake Recipe

This easy Layered Taco Bake recipe from Elena Cooks is a crowd-pleaser, blending cheesy comfort food with classic taco night ingredients. If you’re searching for easy recipes with ground beef, this dish is a must-try. Packed with bold Mexican flavors and layers of tortillas, seasoned beef, sour cream, and melted cheese, this recipe brings the best of two worlds together. What makes it even better is how quick and easy it is to prepare. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner or looking for a quick family meal, the taco bake is a top-tier comfort food easy recipe. Using common pantry staples and minimal prep time, this dish proves that quick and easy recipes can be incredibly delicious. Plus, with just a few adjustments, you can make it suit your family’s preferences—add extra heat, go gluten-free with corn tortillas, or use ground turkey for a lighter spin.

3) Ingredients for Layered Taco Bake

Ground Beef: A staple protein that makes this dish hearty and satisfying. Choose lean or regular, depending on your preference. Ground beef delivers the meaty texture and robust flavor that forms the base of this recipe.

Taco Seasoning: A packet of taco seasoning turns your beef into a flavorful fiesta. It’s the essential spice blend that brings in those signature taco vibes.

Water: Used to simmer the beef and evenly distribute the seasoning. Helps the spices coat every bite of ground meat.

Cream Cheese: Softened and blended with sour cream to make a creamy layer that offsets the spice of the beef. It adds richness and smoothness to each bite.

Sour Cream: Adds tang and creaminess to the layered base. It balances out the bold taco flavors and keeps the dish from feeling too heavy.

Green Onions: Chopped green onions give a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color throughout the creamy layer.

Flour Tortillas: Serve as the “lasagna” layers of this taco bake. Use small flour tortillas, or swap with corn for a gluten-free version.

Mexican Blend Cheese: A combo of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and other cheeses that melts beautifully over each layer. It brings the gooey deliciousness everyone loves in cheesey potatoes easy recipe style meals.

Salsa: Brings in moisture, tang, and tomato flavor. Choose mild or spicy depending on your heat preference.

Optional Toppings: Customize with sliced olives, jalapeños, chopped tomatoes, cilantro, or avocado.

4) How to Make Layered Taco Bake

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks. Once browned, drain the excess grease.

Step 2: Add taco seasoning and water to the skillet. Simmer the beef mixture for about 5 minutes until the liquid thickens and the flavors combine thoroughly. This is the flavor-packed core of your easy recipes with ground beef masterpiece.

Step 3: In a mixing bowl, blend the softened cream cheese with sour cream and green onions. Stir until smooth and set aside.

Step 4: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a layer of the cream cheese mixture. Add two flour tortillas, slightly overlapping, over the base layer.

Step 5: Spoon half the beef mixture on top of the tortillas. Follow with a layer of salsa and a generous sprinkle of shredded cheese. Repeat the layers: tortillas, cream cheese mix, beef, salsa, and cheese.

Step 6: Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly. Allow it to cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm with your favorite toppings and enjoy this comfort food easy recipe!

5) Tips for Making Layered Taco Bake

To make your taco bake even easier and tastier, try prepping ingredients in advance. For example, brown the ground beef and mix the sour cream layer ahead of time. Use room temperature cream cheese to make blending smoother. Choose a good-quality salsa to boost flavor and moisture. Want more veggies? Add in sautéed bell peppers, zucchini, or even black beans between the layers. For a crispy top, broil the last 2 minutes after baking. If you’re using corn tortillas, consider softening them in the microwave or stovetop first to avoid breaking. The real secret to this dish’s success? Don’t skimp on cheese—it gives you that gooey, irresistible bite reminiscent of easy casserole recipes that everyone loves!

6) Making Layered Taco Bake Ahead of Time

This taco bake is ideal for prepping ahead. You can fully assemble the dish the day before and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Simply cover with foil and store in the fridge. When it’s time to cook, take it out and let it rest on the counter while the oven preheats. You may need to add 5–10 extra minutes of baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge. Alternatively, prepare the beef and cream cheese mixtures separately and assemble the layers just before baking. It’s a great way to include quick and easy recipes in your weekly meal prep without sacrificing flavor or quality.

7) Storing Leftover Layered Taco Bake

Leftovers are just as tasty the next day, making this a go-to for easy meal planning. Store any leftover taco bake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When reheating, microwave individual portions or warm the entire dish in a 300°F oven for 15–20 minutes. If you’re planning to freeze it, wrap individual portions tightly in foil and then place them in a freezer bag. Reheat from frozen or let it thaw overnight in the fridge for best results. Just like many air fryer easy recipes, it retains great texture and flavor even after reheating!

8) Try these Casserole recipes next!

9) Layered Taco Bake Recipe