Okay, friends, gather ’round because I’m about to share a recipe that’s not only for weeknights, but also for weekend meals. What’s a lifesaver but tastes like cheesy hug? Remember those hamburger helper meals mom used to make? What’s a Taco Bake recipe? Imagine layers of GROUND BEEF, creamy sauce, and mountains of melted cheese, all baked to perfection. Golden-brown perfection Is it like a taco party in casserole form? Plus, even the pickiest eaters in my family gobble up this up, which is a major win for me!
What is Taco Bake?
Alright, let’s break it down. Think of Taco Bake as a layered casserole that captures all the best parts of tacos without the heat. What is the fuss of individual shells? What is essentially a deconstructed taco, baked until bubbly and delicious? You’ve got your seasoned meat, a creamy cheesy sauce that ties everything together, and of course, you have the grilled chicken. Is it true that cheese makes everything better? What is a taco in bake form? What’s a good Sunday dinner? I always make a huge batch because leftovers (if there are any) are fantastic.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Where do I even begin? Let’s start with the flavor. The combination of savory ground beef, zesty taco seasoning, and that creamy, cheesy sauce is just…chef’s kiss! It’s seriously addictive. Then there’s the simplicity. This Taco Bake Recipe comes together in under an hour, start to finish. What I love most about this is that you can prep most of it ahead of time, making it even easier on busy weeknights. I often brown the beef and mix the sauce in the morning so that when Dinner Rolls around, all I have to do is assemble and bake. So Easy!
And let’s not forget about the budget-friendly aspect. Ground beef is a relatively inexpensive protein, and the other ingredients are pantry staples that most of us usually have on hand. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile! You can customize it with your favorite taco toppings, like salsa, sour cream, guacamole, or even a sprinkle of chopped cilantro. I also add a layer of crushed tortilla chips for added texture. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and the perfect way to use up leftover taco meat, if you have any! This reminds me of my Grandma’s Chicken Pot Pie, but with a fun taco twist. It’s comfort food at its finest!
How do I make a Taco Bake?
Quick Overview
How do you make a Taco Bake? Brown your GROUND BEEF, whip up a quick and creamy sauce, layer everything in an ovenproof dish, and bake for 30 minutes. Serve warm. What is the beauty of this recipe? What are some ways to swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand or your family prefers? What are some of the most forgiving recipes? What are some good vegetarian recipes for black beans and corn?
Ingredients
For Taco Meat:
* 1 pound ground beef (I prefer lean ground beef)
* 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade, see tips below!)
* 1/2 cup water
What is the Creamy Sauce?
* 8 ounces Cream Cheese, softened
* 1 cup sour cream
* 1/2 cup mayonnaise
* 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained (Rotel)
For the Topping:
* 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite blend) (optional)
* Crushed tortilla chips (optional, but highly recommended!)
* Your favorite taco toppings (salsa, sour cream, guacamole, etc.)
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. I like to use a little bit of cooking spray to make sure nothing sticks, but you can also use it for cooking. What can I do to prep my pan now?
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain off any excess grease. Nobody wants a greasy taco bake! I always use a meat chopper to break up the beef into small pieces while it’s cooking.
Step 3: Season the Beef
Stir in the taco seasoning and water. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the liquid has reduced and the beef is tender. Is it well I always taste it at this point to make sure the seasoning is just right. I have a lot of garlic and pepper. I sometimes add a pinch of cumin for extra depth of flavor.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
In a large bowl, combine the softened Cream Cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, and diced tomatoes. Set aside. Mix until smooth and creamy. If your cream cheese isn’t fully softened, you might end up with lumps, so make sure it’s nice. Is it a good idea to start soft before you start? I sometimes use a stand mixer for this, but hand mixer works just as well. I have found that I prefer to use my hand mixer when I am only making half the recipe.
Step 5: Assemble the Taco Bake
Spread half of the creamy sauce evenly over the bottom of a prepared baking dish. Top with seasoned ground beef. Spread the remaining creamy sauce over the ground meat. Is it safe to serve tortilla chips with shredded cheese? I really like to use a good quality colby jack cheese for beautiful presentation!
Step 6: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on it to make sure the cheese doesn’t burn. Every oven is different, so start checking around 20 minutes.
Step 7: Cool Slightly & Serve
Let the Taco Bake cool for a few minutes before slicing. What are some good taco toppings to top a tortilla and enjoy!
What should I serve it with?
What are the best taco bakes?
What is Taco Fiesta?Serve with Sour Cream, guacamole, fresh salsa, and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro. A side of Mexican rice and refried beans completes the meal.
For a Casual Get-Together: Offer a variety of toppings, like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced olives, and jalapeños. Serve with tortilla chips and your favorite dips.
For a lighter meal:Serve with a green salad tossed with lime vinaigrette. The freshness of the salad balances out the richness and crunch of baked goods. My family loves to have a taco bake bar so that everyone can customize their slice. How do people like it? What is a fun way to enjoy this recipe?
What are some tips for perfecting a Taco Bake?
What are some tricks to make this Taco Bake recipe even better?
Homemade Taco Seasoning: WhatHow do you make your own taco seasoning? Is it easy to customize spices to your liking? I usually use a mix of chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, garlic powder and onion powder. I also like to use garlic paste. What is a pinch of cayenne pepper?
Don’t overbakCan overbaking dry out taco bake? As the cheese melts, it becomes bubbly.
Add a Layer of Beans: How do I add them to For added flavor and texture, try adding a layer of refried beans or black beans between the ground beef and the creamy sauce.
Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the ground beef or use a spicier taco seasoning. You can also add some chopped jalapeños to the creamy sauce.
Make it Vegetarian: Substitute the ground beef with black beans, corn, and diced Bell Peppers for a delicious vegetarian option.
Cheese, Please!: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of cheese. Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or a Mexican blend would all be delicious in this recipe. I will often use a bag of Mexican blend cheese to kick up the flavor and fun!
I have made the mistake of using a cheese that does not melt well, so stick with the classics like cheddar, colby jack, or monteray jack!
Storing and Reheating Tips
This Taco Bake Recipe is great for meal prepping because it stores really well.
Storing: Let the taco bake cool completely before covering and refrigerating. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: To freeze, wrap the cooled taco bake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. I have used this for meal prepping for the week!
Reheating: Reheat individual slices in the microwave or the entire taco bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Glaze Timing: If you plan to freeze the taco bake, it’s best to add the glaze after reheating, as it can sometimes become watery when thawed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
I truly believe that this Taco Bake Recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves tacos and easy weeknight dinners. It’s packed with flavor, incredibly simple to make, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re feeding a family, hosting a party, or just craving some comfort food, this recipe is sure to hit the spot. If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also like my Chicken Enchilada Casserole or my One-Pan Taco Pasta. Both are equally delicious and easy to make!
Happy baking, and I can’t wait to hear how your Taco Bake turns out! Don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know what you think. And if you try any variations, be sure to share them with me – I’m always looking for new ideas! I would love to see a picture too!
Taco Bake Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground beef 80/20 blend recommended
- 1 packet Taco seasoning Your favorite brand
- 1 cup Chopped onion
- 1 cup Diced tomatoes Canned, undrained
- 2 cups Tortilla chips Crushed
- 2 cups Shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
- Stir in taco seasoning, onion, and diced tomatoes. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Pour beef mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle with crushed tortilla chips and shredded cheese.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
