Easy Taco Bake Casserole Recipe
This taco bake casserole combines layers of seasoned meat, cheese, tortillas, and flavorful toppings for an easy, crowd-pleasing dish. With a prep time of 15 minutes and a total cooking time of 35 minutes, it’s a quick and versatile dinner option.Customize it with your favorite ingredients and enjoy a satisfying meal that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1 packet taco seasoning or homemade equivalent
- 6-8 small tortillas or 4 cups tortilla chips
- 2 cups shredded cheese cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend
- 1 cup salsa
Optional:
- 1 cup black beans
- 1 cup corn kernels
- ½ cup sour cream for topping
- ½ cup diced tomatoes for topping
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro for topping
- ½ avocado sliced or diced for topping
Instructions
Preheat and Prep
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish lightly with cooking spray.
Cook the Meat
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef or turkey over medium heat.
- Drain any excess grease and stir in the taco seasoning according to the package instructions. Add a splash of water to ensure even coating and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
Layer the Ingredients
- Spread a thin layer of salsa on the bottom of the baking dish.
- Add a layer of tortillas or chips, overlapping slightly to cover the base.
- Spoon half of the cooked meat mixture over the base layer.
- Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese on top.
- Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of cheese.
Bake
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Cool and Serve
- Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Serve with your favorite toppings, such as diced tomatoes, sour cream, or guacamole.
Notes
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