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Mexican Taco Casserole Bake

Mexican Taco Casserole Bake

A quick and flavorful Mexican Taco Casserole Bake featuring layers of seasoned ground beef or turkey, soft tortillas, gooey melted cheese, and tangy tomato sauce or salsa. Perfect for busy weeknights, this one-dish meal combines vibrant spices, creamy textures, and cheesy goodness for a comforting taco-inspired dinner that the whole family will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Seasoning

  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey
  • 2 tbsp taco seasoning (blend of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika)
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup tomato sauce or salsa

Tortilla Layers

  • 810 flour or corn tortillas (softened if using corn)

Cheese

  • 2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican cheese blend

Optional Add-ins

  • 1/2 cup canned beans (black beans or pinto), rinsed and drained (optional)
  • 1/2 cup corn kernels (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the taco meat: Heat a skillet over medium heat and sauté diced onions and minced garlic until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Add ground beef or turkey, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if necessary. Stir in taco seasoning and tomato sauce or a splash of water. Simmer for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  2. Assemble the casserole layers: Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce or salsa on the bottom. Layer tortillas evenly to cover the base. Spoon a generous portion of the taco meat over tortillas, sprinkle some shredded cheese, and optionally add beans or corn. Repeat layering tortillas, meat, optional add-ins, and cheese until all ingredients are used, finishing with a thick layer of shredded cheese on top.
  3. Bake to bubbly perfection: Cover casserole loosely with aluminum foil. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 10 minutes or until cheese is golden and bubbly. Allow casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing to help layers set and flavors combine.

Notes

  • Use fresh or room temperature tortillas for best layering and texture.
  • Allow the casserole to rest after baking for easier slicing and flavor melding.
  • Adjust cheese quantity to your preference—more cheese for creaminess, less to highlight meat flavor.
  • Customize seasoning by adding extra chili powder or smoked paprika for deeper flavor.
  • Keep casserole covered during the initial baking to prevent drying out the top.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mexican taco casserole, taco bake, layered tortilla casserole, ground beef casserole, weeknight dinner, easy Mexican recipe