Name: Layered Taco Bake with Ground Beef Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 packet taco seasoning; 3/4 cup water; 1/2 cup salsa con queso; 3 (8-inch) flour tortillas; 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend, divided

Layered Taco Bake with Ground Beef Recipe is like your favorite taco night and cheesy casserole had a delicious, cozy baby. It’s loaded with layers of seasoned beef, melty cheese, and soft tortillas that come together into a simple, crowd-pleasing meal you’ll reach for again and again.

A round tortilla lays flat on a white marbled surface, covered with a thick, uneven layer of browned ground meat that shows small lumps and a light sauce. On top, a melted mix of yellow and white cheese spreads evenly, with some parts showing a glossy, slightly stringy texture. In the background, there are two small white bowls, one filled with shredded cheese and the other with chopped fresh red tomatoes. The whole scene is bright and clear. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Layered Taco Bake with Ground Beef Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Layered Taco Bake with Ground Beef Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Layered Taco Bake with Ground Beef Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Layered Taco Bake with Ground Beef Recipe packs all the flavors of a taco night without the fuss of assembling individual tacos. Plus, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a hungry crowd with minimal effort and maximum flavor. I’ve shared this dish countless times, and it always disappears fast!

Comfort Food Made Easy: It layers all your favorite taco ingredients into a fuss-free bake that’s ready in under an hour.
Simple Ingredients: Pantry staples come together beautifully with taco seasoning and creamy salsa con queso.
Customizable: You can easily swap toppings, cheese, or even add veggies to suit your family’s tastes.
Feeds a Crowd: Great for casual dinners, potlucks, or meal prepping for the week ahead.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Layered Taco Bake with Ground Beef Recipe plays a starring role. From savory, spiced beef to soft flour tortillas and melty Mexican cheese, everything comes together to create those irresistible layers you want from a bake like this.

Flat lay of one pound of raw ground beef formed into a loose mound, a small white ceramic bowl filled with golden-yellow taco seasoning powder, a small white bowl with clear water, a small white bowl of creamy orange salsa con queso, three whole uncut 8-inch soft flour tortillas stacked neatly, and a small white bowl piled with shredded Mexican cheese blend, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Ground beef: I prefer 80/20 for balanced juiciness and flavor; browning it well adds depth.
Taco seasoning: Using the packet keeps it simple, but feel free to use homemade for extra flavor.
Water: As instructed on the seasoning packet to blend flavors perfectly in the beef mixture.
Salsa con queso: This adds a creamy, slightly spicy kick—if you want something milder, regular cheese dip works wonderfully.
Flour tortillas: Choose soft taco-sized ones for perfect layering and texture.
Mexican cheese blend: The blend melts beautifully and adds that classic taco flavor.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite things about this Layered Taco Bake with Ground Beef Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. Whether you prefer it spicier, loaded with veggies, or want a cheesy topping crust, you can make it truly your own.

Vegetable boost: I often sneak in some sautéed peppers and onions or even some corn to add texture and freshness without losing that taco vibe.
Swap the protein: Ground turkey or chicken can work well here if you want a leaner option.
Cheese variations: Try pepper jack if you want a little more zip, or add a sprinkle of cotija cheese just before serving for that authentic touch.
Mild or spicy: Adjust how much salsa con queso you add or swap for a mild cheese dip if you’re cooking for kiddos or sensitive palates.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Layered Taco Bake with Ground Beef Recipe

A slice of baked casserole with three visible layers is placed on a white plate on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is a soft golden pastry crust, the middle layer is filled with cooked ground meat mixed with melted yellow cheese, and the top layer is bleeding melted cheese mixed with more ground meat. On top of the slice, there is a dollop of white sour cream topped with small red tomato chunks. Around the plate, there are several tomato pieces scattered. In the background, there are clear bowls filled with shredded yellow cheese and diced tomatoes. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Brown that beef just right

I always start by heating a skillet over medium-high heat and adding the ground beef. Break it up with a spatula and cook until it’s nicely browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess grease to keep the bake from getting too greasy — this helps keep the layers tender, not soggy.

Step 2: Season and stir in the creamy goodness

Next, sprinkle in your taco seasoning packet and pour in the water called for on the packet (usually around ¾ cup). Let it simmer gently until the sauce thickens and clings to the beef. After turning off the heat, stir in the salsa con queso—it really boosts the flavor of the meat with a smooth, slightly spicy creaminess.

Step 3: Layer, layer, layer!

Preheat your oven to 350°F and spray an 8-inch round baking pan with nonstick spray. Start with a flour tortilla on the bottom, then a layer of your delicious beef mixture, sprinkling on some cheese. Repeat those layers—tortilla, beef, cheese—until you’ve used everything up, finishing with a generous layer of cheese on top.

Step 4: Bake to melty perfection

Pop the pan into the oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted and edges start to turn golden and bubbly. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing—this helps it set so those beautiful layers hold their shape when you serve.

Top Tip

After making this Layered Taco Bake with Ground Beef Recipe several times, I’ve picked up a few tricks that really elevate the result while keeping it simple and stress-free.

Drain the beef well: Excess grease can make your bake soggy; I always pour off the liquid after browning and dab the beef lightly with a paper towel.
Don’t skip resting: Letting the bake cool for 5-10 minutes after baking helps it firm up and makes slicing cleaner.
Layer evenly: Spread each layer of beef mixture evenly over the tortillas to avoid heavy spots — this ensures every bite tastes consistent.
Use fresh tortillas: If your tortillas are a bit old or dry, warm them briefly in a pan before layering to keep them flexible and tasty.

How to Serve Layered Taco Bake with Ground Beef Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping mine with a dollop of cool sour cream, a sprinkle of fresh chopped tomatoes, and some crunchy shredded lettuce for texture contrast. A little drizzle of hot sauce or sliced jalapeños works wonders if you like heat. Fresh cilantro is optional but adds such a bright, fresh flavor.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides with this bake are simple and easy: Spanish rice or Mexican street corn salad really round out the meal beautifully. If you want something lighter, a crisp green salad with lime vinaigrette keeps things fresh.

Creative Ways to Present

For casual entertaining, I sometimes serve this bake family-style in a springform pan right at the table. Another fun idea is to prepare mini versions in muffin tins—perfect bite-sized portions for parties! Wrapping slices individually with a side of guacamole and chips can make a festive taco-inspired snack platter.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more after resting, making for a delicious next-day meal. Just reheat and enjoy!

Freezing

This bake freezes beautifully. I portion it into airtight containers or freeze slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently in the oven to keep that melty, fresh-out-of-the-oven feel.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer the oven or toaster oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes—this keeps the cheese melty without drying out the beef. Microwaving is quicker but can make the tortillas a bit chewy, so I recommend microwaving covered with a damp paper towel if speed is key.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Layered Taco Bake with Ground Beef Recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Just swap out the flour tortillas for gluten-free tortillas, which many grocery stores carry. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always double-check seasoning packets and dips.

What can I substitute for salsa con queso if I don’t have it?

You can use regular cheese dip or even cream cheese mixed with some salsa or taco sauce for a similar creamy texture and flavor. The important part is adding that smooth cheesy layer to keep the bake moist and flavorful.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can assemble the layered bake, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through.

How spicy is the Layered Taco Bake with Ground Beef Recipe?

The spice level depends mostly on the taco seasoning and salsa con queso you use. If you prefer mild, pick milder versions of both or reduce the amount of salsa con queso. You can always add hot sauce or jalapeños when serving for extra heat if desired.

Final Thoughts

This Layered Taco Bake with Ground Beef Recipe holds a special spot in my dinner rotation because it’s a perfect blend of easy, comforting, and downright satisfying. Whenever I make it, the leftovers always disappear quickly and the family requests it again soon after. I really hope you enjoy crafting it as much as I do—it's like a big warm hug in every bite and just the kind of meal that turns a regular night into something memorable.