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Easy Taco Bake: A Simple, Cheesy Family Dinner

Easy Taco Bake

A warm, cheesy taco casserole layered with seasoned ground beef, refried beans, salsa, tortillas, and melted cheese. It is a family-friendly dinner that serves 6 and comes together with everyday ingredients.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 pound Lean ground beef
  • 1 small Small yellow onion, diced
  • 1 packet, about 1 ounce Taco seasoning
  • 2/3 cup Water
  • 1 15-ounce can Refried beans
  • 1 cup Chunky salsa
  • 8 tortillas Small corn or flour tortillas, 6-inch, cut in half
  • 1 1/2-2 cups Shredded cheddar or Mexican-blend cheese
Optional Toppings
  • As desired Chopped tomatoes, sliced black olives, green onions, sour cream, lettuce, or avocado

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9-inch square baking dish or similar 2-quart casserole dish.
  2. Cook the ground beef and diced onion in a skillet over medium-high heat for 6 to 8 minutes, breaking the beef into small pieces as it browns. Drain the excess fat thoroughly.
  3. Stir the taco seasoning and water into the beef. Simmer for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens.
  4. Warm the refried beans and salsa together in a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl. Stir until smooth enough to spread easily.
  5. Layer half of the tortillas or tortilla chips in the prepared dish. Spread on half of the bean mixture, half of the seasoned beef, and about one-third of the shredded cheese.
  6. Repeat with the remaining tortillas or chips, bean mixture, and beef. Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over the top.
  7. Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 8 to 12 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the casserole is bubbling.
  8. Let the taco bake rest for 5 to 10 minutes before cutting. Add tomatoes, olives, green onions, sour cream, lettuce, or avocado just before serving.

Notes

Drain the beef well so excess grease does not make the casserole watery. Tortilla chips may replace the tortillas. For variations, add one drained 15-ounce can of corn or black beans to the beef, or use 1 cup of enchilada sauce or canned diced tomatoes with green chiles in place of some or all of the salsa.