Description
A delicious and easy-to-make Taco Bake featuring seasoned ground beef layered with tortillas, cheddar cheese, nacho cheese, and taco sauce, baked to golden perfection and topped with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and sour cream. Perfect for a hearty family dinner.
Ingredients
Meat Mixture
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 (1 oz) packets taco seasoning
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
Layering Ingredients
- 6 (8-inch) flour tortillas
- 1 (15 oz) can nacho cheese, warmed
- 1 (7.5 oz) bottle taco sauce
- 8 oz cheddar cheese, shredded
Toppings
- 1 cup iceberg lettuce, sliced
- 1 cup tomatoes, diced
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and spray a 9 x 13 inch baking pan with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook Ground Beef and Onion: Add the ground beef and diced onion to a large skillet over medium heat. Break the meat into small bite-sized pieces using a wooden spoon. Cook until the beef is browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease to reduce fat.
- Add Seasoning and Sauce: Stir in the taco seasoning packets and tomato sauce into the cooked beef mixture. Continue to cook over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly, blending all the flavors together.
- Assemble the Layers: Lay out two flour tortillas in the prepared baking pan. Spread half of the beef mixture evenly over the tortillas. Place another two tortillas on top, then spread the warmed nacho cheese and the remaining beef mixture evenly over these tortillas. Finally, place the last two tortillas on top.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Spread the entire bottle of taco sauce over the top layer of tortillas, then sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top to create a golden cheesy crust when baked.
- Bake: Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until the cheddar cheese on top becomes golden brown and bubbly.
- Add Fresh Toppings and Serve: Remove the taco bake from the oven and top with sliced iceberg lettuce, diced tomatoes, and dollops of sour cream. Serve warm and enjoy this flavorful layered taco casserole.
Notes
- For lower fat, use ground turkey instead of ground beef and reduced-fat cheese options.
- You can substitute corn tortillas if you prefer gluten-free, but some flour tortillas may contain gluten.
- Adjust the amount of taco seasoning and sauce according to your taste and spice preference.
- This dish can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking; increase baking time by a few minutes if baking from cold.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
