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 use)

There’s something incredibly satisfying about a warm, cheesy bake that brings all your favorite taco flavors into one dish. This Layered Taco Bake with Ground Beef and Cheese Recipe is exactly that—comforting, easy to make, and seriously delicious. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again.

A round tortilla lays flat on a white marbled surface, covered with a thick, uneven layer of browned ground meat that shows small lumps and a light sauce. On top, a melted mix of yellow and white cheese spreads evenly, with some parts showing a glossy, slightly stringy texture. In the background, there are two small white bowls, one filled with shredded cheese and the other with chopped fresh red tomatoes. The whole scene is bright and clear. 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 honestly can’t say enough good things about this layered taco bake. It’s one of those recipes that makes weeknight dinners feel special without requiring a ton of fuss. Plus, it brings everyone to the table happy and ready for seconds.

Simple layering magic: The layers of tortillas, beef, and cheese create a perfect blend of textures and flavors in every bite.
Quick and fuss-free: You can have this ready in under an hour, making it perfect for busy evenings or last-minute guests.
Customizable to your taste: Whether you love spicy, mild, or loaded with extras, this bake adapts easily to what you have on hand.
Family favorite: Even picky eaters usually can’t resist this comforting dish, which makes dinner a breeze.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Layered Taco Bake with Ground Beef and Cheese Recipe plays a role in building those classic taco flavors with an extra cheesy twist. Using familiar ingredients makes it easy to shop for and super satisfying to eat.

Flat lay of one pound of raw ground beef formed into a loose mound, a small white ceramic bowl filled with golden-yellow taco seasoning powder, a small white bowl with clear water, a small white bowl of creamy orange salsa con queso, three whole uncut 8-inch soft flour tortillas stacked neatly, and a small white bowl piled with shredded Mexican cheese blend, placed 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: The hearty foundation of flavor and protein — I like to use 80/20 to keep it juicy and full of taste.
Taco seasoning: The blend of spices like cumin, chili powder, and garlic gives the beef that iconic taco flavor without extra effort.
Salsa con queso: Adds creaminess and a mild cheesy kick that makes this bake extra special — you can swap it for a milder cheese dip if you prefer less spice.
Flour tortillas: Soft tortillas hold the layers together while soaking up those delicious juices from the beef and cheese.
Mexican cheese blend: A mix of cheeses melts beautifully, giving the bake a golden, gooey top layer that’s irresistible.

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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 love tweaking this Layered Taco Bake with Ground Beef and Cheese Recipe to fit whatever mood I’m in or what’s in my fridge. It’s a versatile dish that welcomes creativity—don't be shy to make it your own!

Variation: One of my favorite tweaks is swapping the flour tortillas for corn tortillas to get a slightly firmer, more traditional texture—just be gentle when layering so they don’t tear.
Vegetarian option: Replace the ground beef with seasoned black beans or a plant-based meat alternative for a hearty meat-free version.
Extra veggies: Toss in chopped bell peppers, onions, or corn right into the beef mixture to sneak in some nutrients and add crunch.
Spice level: Adjust the amount of salsa con queso, or add a few dashes of hot sauce, depending on how bold you want those spicy notes.

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

A slice of baked casserole with three visible layers is placed on a white plate on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is a soft golden pastry crust, the middle layer is filled with cooked ground meat mixed with melted yellow cheese, and the top layer is bleeding melted cheese mixed with more ground meat. On top of the slice, there is a dollop of white sour cream topped with small red tomato chunks. Around the plate, there are several tomato pieces scattered. In the background, there are clear bowls filled with shredded yellow cheese and diced tomatoes. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Perfectly Brown the Ground Beef

I start by heating a skillet over medium-high heat and adding the ground beef. I break it up with a wooden spoon and let it brown thoroughly until no pink remains. Draining the excess fat here is crucial—too much grease makes the bake soggy, so I always tip the pan carefully or use a potato masher to press out the liquid while cooking.

Step 2: Season and Add Salsa con Queso

Once the beef is browned and drained, I sprinkle in the taco seasoning and add the water as the packet suggests, usually about ¾ cup. Let it simmer until everything thickens nicely, then off the heat, I stir in that ½ cup of salsa con queso to add creamy, cheesy depth. This little addition makes the whole dish sing.

Step 3: Layer It Up in the Baking Pan

I preheat my oven to 350°F and spray an 8-inch round baking pan with nonstick spray to keep things simple when it’s time to serve. I layer a tortilla on the bottom, then spread about a third of the seasoned beef mixture, followed by a third of the shredded cheese. I repeat these layers two more times—tortilla, beef, cheese—until everything is stacked beautifully.

Step 4: Bake to Gooey, Golden Perfection

Pop the layered bake into the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is melty, bubbling, and starting to turn a lovely golden brown around the edges. Let it sit a few minutes before slicing; this helps it set so every slice holds together well.

Top Tip

From my many times making this bake, I’ve learned a few tricks that really bring it from good to great—here’s what I always do to nail it every time.

Drain thoroughly: I can’t emphasize enough how important it is to drain the beef well after browning—too much grease means a soggy bake.
Even layering: I try to keep my layers as even as possible to ensure every slice has a perfect balance of beef, cheese, and tortilla.
Rest before slicing: Letting the bake cool for a few minutes after baking helps the layers firm up, making it easier to cut clean slices.
Salsa con queso swap: If you’re sensitive to spice, swapping salsa con queso for a milder cheese dip keeps the flavor creamy without overwhelming heat.

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

Garnishes

I usually top mine with dollops of sour cream and a scattering of fresh diced tomatoes for brightness. Sometimes I add sliced jalapeños or chopped green onions if I’m feeling fancy. Cilantro is another fresh touch that really lifts the dish, and a squeeze of lime over the top adds a little zing that balances the richness.

Side Dishes

Simple sides work best here—Mexican rice or cilantro lime rice pairs beautifully, and a crisp green salad or black beans with corn provide a healthy contrast. I also like to serve with classic guacamole or chips on the side for extra crunch and color at the table.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve used individual ramekins to create personal-sized layered taco bakes—it’s fun and feels a bit more festive. Another idea is to turn it into a taco bar where guests add toppings themselves, turning this bake into a sharing experience that everyone enjoys.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover taco bake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When I reheat it, I cut it into portions and cover with foil to keep it from drying out. It reheats nicely in the oven or microwave.

Freezing

This Layered Taco Bake with Ground Beef and Cheese Recipe freezes well if you want to make a double batch. I let it cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. When ready to eat, thaw overnight and warm in the oven until heated through.

Reheating

For best results, I reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, for about 15 minutes. This method keeps the cheese melty without drying out the bake. You can also microwave individual slices for a quick fix, but the oven really helps maintain that fresh-baked texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Layered Taco Bake with ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey makes a leaner option and works great here. Just follow the same instructions, browning and seasoning it just like you would the beef.

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

You can swap salsa con queso with a mild cheese dip or even cream cheese mixed with a bit of salsa or taco sauce. This keeps that creamy cheesy element without the heat if you prefer it milder.

Can I prepare the build-ahead Layers in advance?

Yes! You can assemble the bake a few hours ahead and keep it covered in the fridge until ready to bake. Just give it a good 15-20 minutes in the oven, possibly a bit longer if it’s cold from the fridge.

How many servings does this Layered Taco Bake make?

This recipe is designed to serve about 6 people, making it perfect for a family dinner or small gathering. You can easily double the ingredients and use a larger baking dish if needed.

Final Thoughts

This Layered Taco Bake with Ground Beef and Cheese Recipe really is one of my all-time go-to dishes when I want comfort food without complicated prep. It’s a crowd-pleaser that feels homey and hearty every time—and it never fails to bring smiles at the table. I hope you’ll give it a try and make it part of your regular rotation, too. I’m confident it’ll become a favorite in your kitchen, just like it is in mine.