Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 25 mins
Rest Time 10 mins
Total Time 55 mins
Cooking Method:
Cuisine:
Courses: ,
Difficulty: Beginner
Cooking Temp: 180  C
Servings: 6
Best Season: All Seasons
Description

A delicious and hearty Layered Taco Bake made with layers of seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, tortillas, and flavorful toppings. This easy, crowd-pleasing Mexican-inspired casserole is perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or family dinners.

Ingredients
    For the Beef Layer
  • 500 g ground beef
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion (finely chopped)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 2 tbsp taco seasoning
  • 0.25 cup water
  • 1 cup canned black beans (drained and rinsed)
  • 0.5 cup corn kernels (fresh or canned)
    • For the Sauce Layer
  • 1 cup tomato salsa (medium or mild)
  • 0.5 cup sour cream
  • 0.25 tsp chili powder
  • 0.25 tsp cumin
    • For the Layers & Topping
  • 6 small flour tortillas
  • 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 0.5 cup chopped green onions
  • 0.5 cup chopped fresh tomatoes
  • 0.25 cup sliced black olives (optional)
  • Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Instructions
    Preheat Oven
  1. 1
    Preheat your oven to 180°C. Grease a 9x13-inch (or medium-sized) baking dish with a bit of oil or non-stick spray.
    2. Cook the Beef Mixture
  2. 2
    Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent (about 3 minutes). Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat. Add taco seasoning and water, stir well. Mix in black beans and corn. Simmer for 3–5 minutes. Remove from heat.
    3. Prepare the Sauce
  3. 3
    In a small bowl, combine salsa, sour cream, chili powder, and cumin. Stir until smooth. This creamy salsa blend will add moisture and flavor between the layers.
    4. Layer the Ingredients
  4. 4
    Place two tortillas at the bottom of the greased dish. Spread a third of the beef mixture evenly. Drizzle with some of the salsa sauce. Sprinkle a mix of cheddar and mozzarella cheese on top. Repeat two more times, ending with cheese on the top layer.
    5. Bake
  5. 5
    Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then uncover and bake for an additional 5 minutes until cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
    6. Rest and Garnish
  6. 6
    Let the taco bake rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped tomatoes, green onions, olives, and fresh cilantro.
Note

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing: Assemble and freeze unbaked for up to 1 month. Bake straight from frozen, covered, for 45 minutes.

Variations: Use ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives. Swap black beans with refried beans or pinto beans. Add jalapeños for heat.

Serving Tip: Pairs well with guacamole, tortilla chips, or a side of Mexican rice.

Keywords: easy taco casserole, Mexican dinner recipe, weeknight dinner, layered taco bake, kid-friendly
Read it online: https://petitepanini.com/recipe/layered-taco-bake-recipe/