Name: Layered Taco Bake with Ground Beef and Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 packet taco seasoning; 3/4 cup water (as called for on seasoning packet); 1/2 cup salsa con queso; 3 (8-inch) flour tortillas; 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend (divided)

There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, cheesy casserole that layers those bold taco flavors in every bite. This Layered Taco Bake with Ground Beef and Cheese Recipe is exactly that—easy to make, supremely tasty, and perfect for feeding a hungry crowd or enjoying as leftovers throughout the week.

A round tortilla is fully covered with a layer of cooked ground meat mixed with melted yellow and white cheese, creating a marbled yellow and white texture on top. The edges of the tortilla are slightly crisp and browned from the cooked meat and cheese mixture. Behind the tortilla, there are two small white bowls placed on a white marbled surface: one bowl contains finely shredded pale yellow cheese, and the other holds diced red tomatoes. A clear glass bottle is partially visible on the left, and a striped blue and white cloth is underneath the tortilla and bowls. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Layered Taco Bake with Ground Beef and Cheese Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Layered Taco Bake with Ground Beef and Cheese Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Layered Taco Bake with Ground Beef and Cheese Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I remember the first time I made this Layered Taco Bake with Ground Beef and Cheese Recipe—my family devoured it in no time! It’s one of those dishes that combines comfort food vibes with the fresh, vibrant flavors of a taco night, all wrapped up in a cheesy, melty package.

Simple layering: It’s a straightforward, no-fuss casserole that even beginner cooks can nail.
Versatile and customizable: You can easily swap ingredients to fit what’s in your pantry or your taste buds.
Kid-friendly comfort: The gooey cheese and familiar taco flavors make it a crowd-pleaser for all ages.
Leftovers taste great: It holds up well in the fridge and reheats beautifully, perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Layered Taco Bake with Ground Beef and Cheese Recipe really lies in just a few simple ingredients that sing together. Each element plays a role — from the seasoned beef to the creamy, slightly spicy salsa con queso — and ensures each bite is perfectly balanced.

Flat lay of one pound of fresh ground beef, a small white ceramic bowl of bright red chunky salsa con queso, three soft 8-inch white flour tortillas stacked neatly, a small white ceramic bowl filled with a colorful shredded Mexican cheese blend, a small white ceramic bowl with clear water, and one packet of taco seasoning displayed as an opened kraft paper sachet alongside, all arranged with perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Ground beef: This is the hearty base, and browning it properly ensures great texture and flavor.
Taco seasoning packet: I love using store-bought packets for convenience, but feel free to use homemade seasoning for extra control.
Salsa con queso: Adds a creamy, tasty zing; if you prefer milder, a regular cheese dip works just as well.
Flour tortillas: Soft, sturdy, and perfect for layering without sogginess.
Melted shredded Mexican cheese blend: The melty glue that holds everything together and adds that irresistible cheesy goodness.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite things about this Layered Taco Bake with Ground Beef and Cheese Recipe is how easy it is to tailor it to what you love or what you have on hand. I've adjusted this recipe plenty of times, so don’t hesitate to get creative.

Variation: I’ve swapped ground beef with ground turkey or even black beans for a vegetarian twist—both work beautifully and add variety.
Spice it up: Adding a diced jalapeño or topping with hot sauce brings extra heat if you enjoy a kick.
Cheese options: Use pepper jack cheese for more zest or a blend of mozzarella and cheddar for a milder, gooey texture.
Add veggies: Layer in sautéed onions, bell peppers, or corn for more color and nutrition.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Layered Taco Bake with Ground Beef and Cheese Recipe

A slice of food with two layers of a golden brown textured base, covered with ground meat mixed with melted light orange cheese, topped with a dollop of white cream and small diced red tomato pieces scattered on and around it, placed on a white plate with a white marbled surface in the background; two small clear glass bowls filled with shredded yellow cheese and diced tomatoes sit slightly blurred behind the plate photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Brown and Season the Ground Beef

Start by heating a skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound of ground beef and break it apart with a spoon or spatula. Cook until it's browned and no longer pink, about 5 to 7 minutes. Make sure to stir frequently so it cooks evenly. Drain off any excess grease for a cleaner flavor and less oily bake.

Step 2: Add Taco Seasoning and Salsa Con Queso

Next, sprinkle a packet of taco seasoning over the browned beef, then pour in water—usually about ¾ cup, but follow your packet’s instructions. Stir together and let it simmer a few minutes so the flavors meld. Once the meat mixture is done, turn off the heat and stir in ½ cup salsa con queso. This step adds that luscious creaminess that’s absolutely key!

Step 3: Prepare Your Layers

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grab an 8-inch round baking pan—springform pans work great for easy slicing—and spray it lightly with nonstick cooking spray. Place one flour tortilla on the bottom of the pan. Then, spoon about a third of the taco beef mixture evenly over the tortilla. Sprinkle a generous handful of shredded Mexican cheese on top.

Step 4: Build the Remaining Layers

Repeat the layering process: tortilla, taco meat, cheese. Finish with a final tortilla and a last layer of cheese on top to get that golden, bubbly crust after baking.

Step 5: Bake and Serve

Pop your layered casserole into the preheated oven and bake for about 15 to 20 minutes. You're looking for the cheese on top to melt fully and turn slightly golden around the edges. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing to help it set up for perfect squares. Then dig in!

Top Tip

From my experience making this layered taco bake, a few hacks really make the difference between “just okay” and “wow, this is a keeper.” These tips will help you nail it the first time and every time after.

Drain the beef well: Excess grease makes the bake soggy, so be sure to drain or blot the beef after cooking.
Don’t skip the salsa con queso: It adds a creamy, tangy layer that elevates this from a simple taco casserole to something truly special.
Use a springform pan if possible: It makes serving so much easier and keeps your layers intact.
Let it rest before slicing: This prevents the layers from sliding apart and keeps your portions looking neat.

How to Serve Layered Taco Bake with Ground Beef and Cheese Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping each slice with fresh, simple garnishes like dollops of sour cream, chopped tomatoes, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. Some nights, I add diced avocado or a squeeze of lime for extra brightness—it’s those fresh toppings that really contrast and complement the cheesy bake.

Side Dishes

This dish is pretty hearty on its own, but I like to add a crisp green salad or some roasted corn on the cob to round out the meal. A side of refried beans or Mexican rice is perfect if you want to amp up the taco night vibes even more.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, I’ve layered this recipe in mini muffin tins for cute, individual servings that guests absolutely love. You can also serve it family-style in a larger baking dish letting everyone customize their slices with a toppings bar—it really turns into a fun taco bake party!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once the bake has cooled, I cover it tightly with foil or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it a fantastic option for easy lunches or quick dinners during the week.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this bake a couple of times, and it holds up surprisingly well. Just wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil before freezing. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven to keep that melty texture and prevent sogginess.

Reheating

To bring leftovers back to life, I pop a slice in the microwave for a quick fix or reheat the whole dish in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is bubbly again. Avoid overcooking to keep it from drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?

You absolutely can! Corn tortillas will give a different texture and more traditional taco flavor, but they can be a bit more fragile. To avoid sogginess, try lightly toasting them before layering or warming them to make them pliable.

What can I substitute for salsa con queso if I can’t find it?

If salsa con queso isn’t available or is too spicy for your palate, use a milder cheese dip or even cream cheese mixed with a bit of salsa to replicate the creamy, tangy element. This keeps the bake rich without overwhelming heat.

How many servings does this recipe make?

This Layered Taco Bake with Ground Beef and Cheese Recipe typically serves about 6 people, depending on portion size. It’s perfect for feeding a family or serving at a casual gathering.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time and bake later?

Yes! You can assemble the bake and keep it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from chilled. It’s a great option for planning meals in advance.

Final Thoughts

This Layered Taco Bake with Ground Beef and Cheese Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen for good reason: it’s easy, satisfying, and always a hit. Whether you’re cooking for family, a group of friends, or just want a comforting meal that reheats well, give this one a try. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate—I promise, you’ll be making it again and again.