Description
Layered Taco Bake is a delicious and easy-to-make Tex-Mex casserole featuring layers of refried beans, seasoned ground beef, salsa, crispy tortilla chips, and melted cheese, topped with sour cream and green onions. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or casual get-together, this dish combines flavorful ingredients baked to perfection in just 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Seasoning
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1/4 cup water (for simmering beef and seasoning)
Layers
- 1 can refried beans (about 16 oz)
- 1 cup salsa
- 2 cups tortilla chips
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
Toppings
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the layered casserole.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, stirring occasionally, until it is thoroughly browned and no longer pink.
- Simmer with Seasoning: Add the taco seasoning packet along with about 1/4 cup of water to the cooked beef. Stir well and let it simmer for 5 minutes until the flavors meld and the mixture thickens slightly.
- Spread Refried Beans: Evenly spread the refried beans in the bottom of a baking dish, creating the base layer for your bake.
- Layer Cooked Beef: Spoon the seasoned ground beef evenly over the layer of refried beans, distributing it carefully to cover the beans.
- Add Salsa: Pour the salsa on top of the cooked beef layer, spreading it gently with the back of a spoon for even coverage.
- Layer Tortilla Chips: Add a layer of tortilla chips evenly over the salsa, providing a crunchy texture to the dish.
- Sprinkle Cheese: Generously sprinkle shredded cheese on top of the tortilla chips, ensuring good coverage for melting.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Add Toppings and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and top with sour cream and chopped green onions before serving to add creaminess and fresh flavor.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, use a hot salsa or add jalapeños to the layers.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef as a leaner option.
- Use gluten-free tortilla chips to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat leftovers in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
