Taco Bake

This Taco Bake provides a delightful twist for taco night. It merges all the classic taco flavors into a casserole, generously topped with melted, gooey cheese.

This taco bake is an ideal dish for family gatherings as well as those hectic weeknight dinners! One of the best aspects of this recipe is that you can prepare it ahead of time, allowing you to pop it in the oven and enjoy your meal when you’re ready without any last-minute stress.

I find this dish to be one of my go-to meals, particularly during those busy weeks when the kids have sports practices or school activities that keep them on the go. With its delicious flavors and ease of preparation, it truly simplifies meal planning. So, whether you're hosting a gathering or just trying to get dinner on the table after a long day, this taco bake is sure to please!

@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

• Tater Tot Nachos
• Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe
• Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Crema Recipe

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 are other names for this?

• Taco casserole
• Taco torte

What do I serve with this?

• Spanish 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.