Name: Layered Taco Bake with Ground Beef 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; 1/2 cup salsa con queso; 3 (8-inch) flour tortillas; 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend, divided

There’s something incredibly comforting about this easy-to-make **Layered Taco Bake with Ground Beef Recipe**—it’s like all your favorite taco flavors nestled into gooey, cheesy layers. It’s perfect for those nights when you want a satisfying dinner without fuss, and I promise you’ll be hooked!

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 Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Layered Taco Bake with Ground Beef Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Layered Taco Bake with Ground Beef Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Layered Taco Bake with Ground Beef Recipe quickly became one of my go-tos for weeknight dinners because it saves time but still feels like a special treat. You’ll enjoy the layers of flavor and that melty cheese that makes everything better.

Simple to prepare: Just a few ingredients and layering is all it takes—no complicated steps.
Full of flavor: The taco seasoning and salsa con queso give a tasty kick to the beef.
Family-friendly: It’s a crowd-pleaser — even picky eaters ask for seconds!
Versatile and customizable: Swap ingredients to suit dietary preferences or what you have on hand.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Layered Taco Bake with Ground Beef Recipe plays its part to create a balanced, flavorful dish. Having good quality ground beef and a tasty cheese blend makes a big difference, plus the salsa con queso adds a creamy, spicy note that sets this bake apart.

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: Use lean ground beef for less grease but plenty of flavor; browning it well ensures great texture.
Taco seasoning: Adds that classic taco spice blend—feel free to tweak it if you like more heat or a smokier flavor.
Water: Needed to activate the seasoning; follow packet instructions for best results.
Salsa con queso: This creamy, cheesy salsa brings a unique twist; if spicy isn’t your thing, a mild cheese dip works well too.
Flour tortillas: Soft taco-sized tortillas layer everything together—don’t skimp here, as they form the base and support the layers beautifully.
Mexican cheese blend: Using a mix of cheeses gives great melt and flavor, from sharp cheddar to creamy Monterey Jack.

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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

I like to tweak this Layered Taco Bake with Ground Beef Recipe depending on what’s in my fridge or how hearty I want it. It’s so easy to swap in veggies or try different cheeses to keep it fresh and fun.

Variation: I’ve added a layer of black beans or corn before the cheese for extra texture and fiber — it’s delicious and filling!
Spice it up: Toss in some diced jalapeños with the ground beef if you want a little more heat.
Dairy-free option: Use a plant-based cheese substitute and salsa style that fits your dietary needs.
Make it vegetarian: Replace beef with seasoned lentils or a plant-based ground meat alternative.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Layered Taco Bake with Ground Beef 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 the beef just right

First, I heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef until it’s nicely browned and crumbly—don’t rush this step because the browned bits add so much flavor. Make sure to drain excess grease so your bake isn’t soggy.

Step 2: Season and stir in salsa con queso

Once the beef is cooked, add the taco seasoning and water (use the amount recommended on your packet). Let it simmer until the liquid reduces and the beef is seasoned through, then stir in the salsa con queso for that creamy, tangy boost.

Step 3: Layer it up

Spray an 8-inch round baking pan with nonstick spray, then lay down one tortilla as the base. Spread a third of the beef mixture evenly over it, then sprinkle with a third of the cheese. Repeat two more times, ending with cheese on top.

Step 4: Bake and rest

Bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is perfectly melted and the edges are slightly golden. Let it cool a few minutes so the layers set and slicing isn’t messy.

Top Tip

Over the years of making this layered taco bake, I’ve learned a few tricks that make all the difference between a good bake and a spectacular one. Here are my top tips to help you nail it:

Drain the beef thoroughly: Excess grease makes the bake soggy, so use a fine mesh strainer or paper towels to remove it well.
Don’t overlayer: Stick to the three layers; too many and it gets hard to slice neatly and heats unevenly.
Use fresh tortillas: Avoid stale or dry tortillas to keep the bake moist and fresh.
Let it rest: Cooling for 5–10 minutes after baking helps the cheese firm up for easier serving.

How to Serve Layered Taco Bake with Ground Beef Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping mine with dollops of sour cream and some fresh diced tomatoes—it adds freshness and creaminess that pairs perfectly with the warm, melty bake. A sprinkle of chopped cilantro or sliced green onions is also a nice touch.

Side Dishes

Pair this with a crisp green salad or some Mexican street corn if you want to wow your guests. For an easier weeknight, simple chips and guacamole work wonders alongside it.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or dinners, I sometimes serve the bake in individual ramekins for a fun twist. You could also layer it in a pretty glass dish to show off those tempting layers when serving straight from the oven.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After it cools completely, I cover leftovers tightly with foil or plastic wrap and keep them in the fridge. It stays tasty for up to 3 days, perfect for quick lunches or re-heated dinners.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this bake a few times with good results—just assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze before baking. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge then bake as usual, adding a few extra minutes if needed.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, pop a portion in the oven at 350°F for about 10–15 minutes covered with foil to keep moisture in. It reheats evenly and remains flavorful without drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?

You can substitute corn tortillas, but keep in mind they tend to be less pliable and might break when layering. Warm them briefly to make folding easier, or use smaller tortillas to build your layers.

What if I don’t have salsa con queso?

No worries! You can swap in your favorite cheese dip or even a creamy queso sauce. Alternatively, a mild salsa mixed with a bit of cream cheese can mimic the creamy texture and flavor.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the bake the day before and keep it covered in the fridge. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time since it will be going from cold.

How spicy is this Layered Taco Bake?

The spice level depends mostly on the taco seasoning and salsa con queso you use. If you prefer milder dishes, look for mild seasoning packets and cheese dips, or reduce the amount of salsa con queso.

Final Thoughts

This Layered Taco Bake with Ground Beef Recipe is one of those comforting, simple meals that never gets old in my kitchen. It’s truly satisfying, easy to pull together, and offers a cozy blend of cheesy, spicy, and meaty flavors that I know you’ll love as much as I do. So grab your skillet, layer it up, and enjoy—this recipe’s ready to become a favorite in your rotation!