Taco Bake

This Taco Bake is what happens when taco night meets lazy night, and honestly, it’s magic. All those classic taco flavors baked into one cheesy, bubbly taco casserole that saves dinner on busy nights. You can even prep it ahead of time, so when the kids are running in five directions, dinner’s basically done. It’s easy, it’s family-approved, and it never misses.

Watch How This Recipe Comes Together

@thechaotictable Taco Tuesday is starting off strong with my family‘s favorite taco bake. It is all of your taco favorites layer together in a casserole pan loaded with nacho cheese. #tacobake #tacotuesday #tacocasserole #tacorecipe #tacoideas #foodbloggerlife ♬ original sound - The Chaotic Table

Taco Recipes

If your family loves this taco casserole recipe as much as mine does, you have to try my Tater Tot Nachos or Rotel Tacos for more fun twists on taco night. My Naan Taco Pizza and One Pot Taco Pasta are perfect for those nights when you want something quick but still packed with flavor. And if you’re in full-on comfort mode, don’t miss my Taco Cornbread Casserole or Crockpot Taco Soup. Oh, and make sure to whip up this Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe to bring all those flavors together.

What is Taco Bake?

A taco bake consists of layers of taco meat and soft tortillas generously drenched in creamy nacho cheese and taco sauce. The whole dish is topped with melted cheddar cheese and finished off with lettuce and tomatoes, resembling a traditional taco.

What do I serve with this?

• Spanish rice
• Green Rice
• Street corn
• Chips and salsa
• Beans – refried or black beans.

What are substitutions that I can make?

• Ground beef – ground turkey, chicken, pork, or veal are all possible variations you could use.
• Taco seasoning – If you want to use homemade taco seasoning, you will need 6 tablespoons.
• Flour tortillas – you can use gluten-free, low-carb, or even corn tortillas if you would prefer.
• Cheddar cheese – Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or even Pepper Jack are all good alternatives.
• Tomatoes – you can use a large tomato to dice it, or you can use the grape tomatoes quartered.

How should I store my leftovers?

• Taco Bake should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• To Freeze: If you would like to freeze the taco bake, you want to assemble it to the point of placing it in the oven in a disposable pan and then wrap the whole pan in a layer of plastic wrap and then a layer of aluminum foil. Be sure to write the date and what it is on the outer layer. Then, freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking according to the instructions, adding 5-10 minutes to the baking time as it will be starting cold.
• To Reheat: You can reheat single servings in the microwave for 45-60 seconds at a time till thoroughly heated. If you have a lot left that you want to reheat, place your leftovers in an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.

Taco Bake Ingredients

• Ground beef
• Medium Onion
• Taco seasoning – 2(1 oz.) packets
• Tomato sauce – 1(15 oz.) can
• Flour tortillas – (8 inch)
• Nacho cheese – 1(15 oz.) can
• Taco sauce – 1(7.5 oz.) bottle
• Cheddar cheese – shredded
• Iceberg lettuce
• Tomatoes
• Sour cream

How to make Taco Bake?

• Preheat the oven to 375°F and spray a 9 x 13 baking pan with nonstick spray.
• Add the ground beef and onion to a large skillet over medium heat. Using a wooden spoon, break the meat into bite-sized pieces and cook until browned. Drain the excess grease. Stir in the taco seasoning and tomato sauce. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens, about 3 to 5 minutes.

• Lay out two tortillas in the baking pan. Spread half of the ground beef mixture onto the tortillas. Top the beef mixture with another two tortillas. Spread the nacho cheese and the remaining beef mixture over the top. Place the final two tortillas on top. Spread the taco sauce over the tortillas and sprinkle the cheddar cheese on top.

• Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese is golden brown.
• Top the taco bake with lettuce, tomato, and sour cream, and enjoy.