Go Back
- 1 lb ground turkey or beef - 1 small onion, diced - 1 bell pepper, diced - 1 packet taco seasoning - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed - 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen) - 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies - 2 cups tortilla chips, crushed - 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese - 1 cup sour cream - Fresh cilantro and jalapeños for garnish When I make my Easy Taco Bake, I always start with fresh and tasty ingredients. The main players here are the ground turkey or beef, onion, and bell pepper. These three form the base of flavor. Ground turkey is lean and healthy, but beef adds a rich taste. I prefer turkey for a lighter meal. The diced onion and bell pepper bring sweetness and crunch. Next, I add a packet of taco seasoning. This step is key! It gives the dish its signature taco flavor. I also toss in black beans. They add protein and fiber, making the meal heartier. Corn adds a sweet pop, while diced tomatoes with green chilies give a nice kick. For the crunch, I crush tortilla chips. They provide a great texture in every bite. I then layer shredded cheddar cheese, which melts beautifully and adds creaminess. Sour cream cools the dish down and brings a lovely tang. Finally, I finish with fresh cilantro and jalapeños. These colorful garnishes make the dish look as good as it tastes! {{ingredient_image_1}} - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). - Dice the onion and bell pepper. Start by heating your oven. This step is important for getting that nice, crispy top on your taco bake. While the oven warms up, grab your onion and bell pepper. Dice them into small pieces. This way, they cook evenly and mix well with the meat. - Sauté onion and bell pepper. - Brown the meat. In a large skillet, add a splash of oil over medium heat. Toss in your diced onion and bell pepper. Cook them for about 5 to 7 minutes, until they soften and smell great. Next, add your ground turkey or beef. Break it up with a spatula. Cook until it turns brown. This step adds flavor and texture to your dish. - Layer crushed tortilla chips. - Add meat and bean mixture. - Spoon sour cream and sprinkle cheese. In a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spread half of your crushed tortilla chips on the bottom. This creates a crunchy base. Next, add the cooked meat and bean mixture right on top. Make sure to spread it evenly. Then, spoon dollops of sour cream over the meat. Finally, sprinkle half of your shredded cheddar cheese on top. This will melt beautifully as it bakes. - Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. - Check for doneness. Place your taco bake in the oven. Bake it for 25 to 30 minutes. You'll know it's done when the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden. This is the moment when your kitchen fills with delicious aromas, making everyone eager to dig in! - How to prevent soggy layers To stop soggy layers in your taco bake, use less sauce. Drain all canned items well. Spread the crushed chips evenly for a good base. This helps keep the bottom crunchy. - Choosing the right cheese I love using sharp cheddar cheese. It melts well and gives great flavor. You can mix in pepper jack for a spicy kick. Always aim for fresh cheese for the best results. - Best sides to serve with taco bake Fresh salad pairs nicely. You can also serve it with rice or beans. Corn on the cob is a fun side too. Don’t forget some tortilla chips for extra crunch! - Ideal beverages to pair Cold lemonade or iced tea works well. If you like soda, try a light cola. For adults, a light beer or margarita adds a nice touch to the meal. - Garnishing options Top your taco bake with cilantro for color. Sliced jalapeños add a spicy flair. You can also use diced tomatoes or green onions for freshness. - Serving in colorful dishes Use vibrant dishes to make your meal pop. A bright casserole dish can make the food more inviting. Consider using plates that match the theme of your dinner. Pro Tips Choose Your Meat Wisely: Using ground turkey is a healthier option, but if you prefer beef, go for lean ground beef to keep the dish light. Layering is Key: Ensure that you spread the ingredients evenly in layers to get the perfect bite every time, with a mix of textures and flavors. Customize Your Spice Level: If you like it hot, consider adding more diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture before baking. Let It Rest: After baking, allow the dish to cool for a few minutes. This helps the layers set and makes serving easier. {{image_2}} You can easily swap ground turkey for beef. Ground turkey is leaner, making it a healthy choice. It still gives great flavor. If you want a vegetarian option, try using lentils or quinoa. These options pack in protein and keep it hearty. For a spicier taco bake, add jalapeños. You can mix them in with the meat or sprinkle them on top. They add a nice kick! Another fun idea is to add different beans. Black beans are great, but try pinto or kidney beans for a twist. Each type brings its own flavor. If you need gluten-free options, use gluten-free tortilla chips. They work just as well and taste great. For a dairy-free version, substitute sour cream with a plant-based yogurt. You still get a creamy texture without the dairy. Adjusting these ingredients makes this dish fit for everyone! After enjoying your taco bake, store any leftovers right away. First, let the dish cool to room temperature. Then, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. You can also place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh for up to three days in the fridge. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. Cut the taco bake into portions and wrap each piece well. Place them in freezer-safe bags or containers. It will last for up to three months in the freezer. When it’s time to eat the leftovers, reheating is key. The best method is to use an oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the taco bake in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 20 minutes or until hot all the way through. You can also use a microwave for a quick fix. Place a portion on a microwave-safe plate. Heat it on high for 1-2 minutes. Check to see if it is hot enough. If not, heat in 30-second bursts. To revive the leftovers, add a little cheese on top. This will make it melty and delicious again. Can I make taco bake ahead of time? Yes, you can make taco bake ahead. Prepare it, then cover and chill. Bake it the next day. This saves time on busy nights. What can I substitute for sour cream? You can use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. It gives a similar taste. Cream cheese is another option for a rich texture. How do I make it spicier? Add diced jalapeños to the meat mix. You can also sprinkle chili powder in the taco seasoning. Hot sauce on top will give it a nice kick. Can I use different types of meat? Yes, feel free to swap ground turkey for beef or chicken. You can even use a meat substitute for a vegetarian option. How long can taco bake be stored? Taco bake lasts about 3-4 days in the fridge. Keep it in an airtight container for best results. Can I make a smaller portion? Absolutely! You can halve the recipe and use a smaller dish. Just adjust the cooking time as needed. This taco bake combines simple ingredients for a delicious meal. You learned about each step, from preparing the ingredients to baking. We explored tips for serving and creative variations too. Try making this dish and enjoy all the tasty options. You'll impress your family and friends. Remember, cooking is fun and full of surprises! Enjoy your taco bake experience.

Cheesy Taco Bake

A delicious and hearty taco bake layered with meat, beans, cheese, and tortilla chips.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground turkey or beef
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 whole bell pepper, diced
  • 1 packet taco seasoning (about 1 oz)
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 2 cups tortilla chips, crushed
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • to taste Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • to taste Jalapeños, sliced (optional for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the diced onion and bell pepper until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the ground turkey or beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula.
  • Stir in the taco seasoning, black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes with green chilies. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until everything is heated through and well combined.
  • In a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spread half of the crushed tortilla chips evenly across the bottom.
  • Top the crushed chips with the meat and bean mixture, spreading it out evenly.
  • Spoon dollops of sour cream over the meat mixture, then sprinkle with half of the shredded cheddar cheese.
  • Add the remaining crushed tortilla chips on top, followed by the rest of the cheese.
  • Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is slightly golden.
  • Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro and jalapeño slices if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

Feel free to add more toppings like avocado or olives.
Keyword bake, casserole, cheesy, taco