Name: Easy Layered Taco Bake Recipe
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef: The heart of our taco bake! Ground beef provides that classic, hearty taco flavor that everyone loves. You can use lean ground beef to minimize grease, or opt for a slightly higher fat content for richer flavor – it’s really a matter of personal preference. Don’t be afraid to experiment with ground turkey or even ground chicken for a lighter twist, though ground beef truly delivers that authentic taco taste.; 1 packet taco seasoning: This is your flavor powerhouse! Taco seasoning is a pre-mixed blend of spices that takes the guesswork out of achieving that perfect taco taste. There are tons of brands and varieties available, from mild to spicy, so you can customize the heat level to your family’s liking. Look for low-sodium options if you are watching your salt intake. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even make your own taco seasoning from scratch for a truly personalized flavor profile.; Water as called for on back of seasoning packet (usually 3/4 cup water): Water is crucial for properly incorporating the taco seasoning into the ground beef. It helps to create a flavorful sauce that coats the beef evenly and prevents it from drying out. Always refer to the back of your specific taco seasoning packet for the exact water amount, as it can vary slightly between brands.; ½ cup salsa con queso: This is the creamy, cheesy secret ingredient that elevates this taco bake from good to amazing. Salsa con queso adds a rich, velvety texture and a delicious cheesy flavor that complements the taco meat perfectly. You can find salsa con queso in jars or refrigerated tubs at most grocery stores. Choose your favorite brand and heat level – mild, medium, or hot – to customize the spice level. For a homemade touch, you can even whip up a batch of your own salsa con queso!; 3 (8-inch) flour tortillas (soft taco size): These soft flour tortillas are the layers that hold everything together in our taco bake. They provide a tender, slightly chewy texture that contrasts beautifully with the savory beef and melted cheese. Using 8-inch tortillas is ideal for an 8-inch round baking pan, but you can adjust the size and number of tortillas depending on the size and shape of your pan. For a gluten-free version, you can substitute with gluten-free tortillas.; 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend (divided use): Cheese is a must-have in any taco-inspired dish, and this recipe is no exception! A Mexican cheese blend is a perfect combination of cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, and sometimes queso quesadilla or asadero. This blend melts beautifully and provides a fantastic cheesy flavor. Dividing the cheese ensures that we get cheesy goodness in every layer, as well as a perfectly melted and golden-brown topping. Feel free to experiment with other cheese blends like cheddar and Monterey Jack, or even a pepper jack for a spicier kick.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound ground beef: The heart of our taco bake! Ground beef provides that classic, hearty taco flavor that everyone loves. You can use lean ground beef to minimize grease, or opt for a slightly higher fat content for richer flavor – it’s really a matter of personal preference. Don’t be afraid to experiment with ground turkey or even ground chicken for a lighter twist, though ground beef truly delivers that authentic taco taste.

1 packet taco seasoning: This is your flavor powerhouse! Taco seasoning is a pre-mixed blend of spices that takes the guesswork out of achieving that perfect taco taste. There are tons of brands and varieties available, from mild to spicy, so you can customize the heat level to your family’s liking. Look for low-sodium options if you are watching your salt intake. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even make your own taco seasoning from scratch for a truly personalized flavor profile.

Water as called for on back of seasoning packet (usually 3/4 cup water): Water is crucial for properly incorporating the taco seasoning into the ground beef. It helps to create a flavorful sauce that coats the beef evenly and prevents it from drying out. Always refer to the back of your specific taco seasoning packet for the exact water amount, as it can vary slightly between brands.

½ cup salsa con queso: This is the creamy, cheesy secret ingredient that elevates this taco bake from good to amazing. Salsa con queso adds a rich, velvety texture and a delicious cheesy flavor that complements the taco meat perfectly. You can find salsa con queso in jars or refrigerated tubs at most grocery stores. Choose your favorite brand and heat level – mild, medium, or hot – to customize the spice level. For a homemade touch, you can even whip up a batch of your own salsa con queso!

3 (8-inch) flour tortillas (soft taco size): These soft flour tortillas are the layers that hold everything together in our taco bake. They provide a tender, slightly chewy texture that contrasts beautifully with the savory beef and melted cheese. Using 8-inch tortillas is ideal for an 8-inch round baking pan, but you can adjust the size and number of tortillas depending on the size and shape of your pan. For a gluten-free version, you can substitute with gluten-free tortillas.

2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend (divided use): Cheese is a must-have in any taco-inspired dish, and this recipe is no exception! A Mexican cheese blend is a perfect combination of cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, and sometimes queso quesadilla or asadero. This blend melts beautifully and provides a fantastic cheesy flavor. Dividing the cheese ensures that we get cheesy goodness in every layer, as well as a perfectly melted and golden-brown topping. Feel free to experiment with other cheese blends like cheddar and Monterey Jack, or even a pepper jack for a spicier kick.

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Instructions

Brown and crumble the ground beef: Start by placing your pound of ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. As the beef cooks, use a spatula or spoon to break it apart into crumbles. Continue cooking until the beef is browned and no longer pink. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Browning the beef is crucial for developing flavor and ensuring it’s cooked through.

Drain excess grease: Once the ground beef is browned, carefully drain off any excess grease from the skillet. This step helps to prevent the taco bake from becoming greasy and heavy. You can tilt the skillet and use a spoon to scoop out the grease, or carefully pour the beef into a colander set over a bowl.

Add taco seasoning and water: Return the drained ground beef to the skillet. Sprinkle the packet of taco seasoning over the beef. Then, pour in the amount of water specified on the back of your taco seasoning packet (usually around ¾ cup).

Simmer according to seasoning packet directions: Stir the taco seasoning and water into the ground beef, making sure everything is well combined. Bring the mixture to a simmer and then reduce the heat to low. Continue to simmer, uncovered, for the time indicated on your taco seasoning packet. This allows the flavors of the seasoning to meld with the beef and the sauce to thicken slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Stir in salsa con queso: Once the taco meat is ready, turn off the heat. Add the ½ cup of salsa con queso to the skillet. Stir thoroughly until the salsa con queso is completely melted and evenly incorporated into the taco meat mixture. This creates a creamy, cheesy taco filling.

Preheat oven to 350°F: While you’re preparing the taco meat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the oven is at the correct temperature when you’re ready to bake the taco bake.

Spray baking pan: Lightly spray an 8-inch round baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. This prevents the taco bake from sticking to the pan and makes for easier serving and cleanup. You can also use a square or rectangular baking dish of similar size if you don’t have a round one.

Layer tortillas, taco filling, and cheese: Now it’s time to assemble the taco bake! Place one of the flour tortillas in the bottom of the prepared baking pan, ensuring it covers the base. Spoon about ⅓ of the ground beef taco filling evenly over the tortilla layer. Sprinkle about ⅓ of the shredded Mexican cheese blend over the taco filling.

Repeat layers: Repeat the layering process: place another tortilla over the cheese, top with another ⅓ of the taco mixture, and then another ⅓ of the shredded cheese.

Final layer: Finish with the last tortilla, the remaining taco mixture, and the remaining shredded cheese. Make sure the top layer of cheese is evenly distributed for a nice, melted topping.

Bake: Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown around the edges. The baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on it.

Cool and serve: Once baked, remove the taco bake from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the layers to set slightly and makes it easier to cut and serve. Garnish with your favorite taco toppings and enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving Size: One Normal Portion
Calories: 450-550