Cheesy Taco Tortilla Bake (Easy Layered Mexican Casserole Recipe)
If you love tacos but want something hearty, cheesy, and perfect for slicing into generous squares, this Cheesy Taco Tortilla Bake is about to become your new go-to dinner. Think of it as a Mexican-inspired lasagna—layers of seasoned taco meat, creamy homemade cheese sauce, fresh pico de gallo, and soft flour tortillas baked until bubbly and golden.
It’s bold, comforting, and incredibly easy to throw together on a busy weeknight. And trust me—this is one of those dishes that tastes even better the next day.
Why I Love This Recipe
As someone who’s always testing family-friendly comfort meals, this one checks every box:
- ✅ Easy ingredients you probably already have
- ✅ Ready in about 40 minutes
- ✅ Feeds a crowd
- ✅ Perfect for leftovers
- ✅ Customizable heat level
It reminds me of the cozy vibes from my This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole Is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always a Hit—but with even more cheesy goodness layered into every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 package taco-size flour tortillas (about 12)
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- Pico de gallo (fresh or homemade)
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 3 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese (divided)
- 4 tablespoons butter
- Cajun seasoning
Ingredient Swaps & Notes
- Ground Turkey Option: Lean and slightly lighter, but still flavorful.
- Cheese Tip: Freshly shredded cheese melts smoother than pre-shredded.
- Spice Level: Add diced jalapeños between layers for extra heat.
- Cream Substitute: Half-and-half works, but the sauce won’t be as rich.
- Tortillas: Taco-size flour tortillas work best for easy layering.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spray a baking dish with non-stick spray.
2. Brown the Meat
Cook ground beef or turkey over medium heat until fully browned. Drain excess fat.
3. Season It Up
Add taco seasoning and prepare according to packet instructions (usually with water). Simmer until thickened and flavorful.
4. Make the Cheese Sauce
In a saucepan over medium-low heat, melt butter. Whisk in heavy cream and heat gently. Add 2 cups shredded cheese and stir until smooth and creamy.
5. Add Flavor
Sprinkle in Cajun seasoning and whisk to combine for a subtle spicy kick.
6. Build the First Layer
Cut tortillas in half and line the bottom of the baking dish. Spread ⅓ of the taco meat over the tortillas.
7. Add the Sauce
Spoon ⅓ of the cheese sauce over the meat, then scatter pico de gallo on top.
8. Repeat the Layers
Repeat layering tortillas, meat, cheese sauce, and pico two more times.
9. Finish Strong
Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup shredded cheese over the top.
10. Bake to Perfection
Bake for 20 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
Let rest 5–10 minutes before slicing so the layers hold together beautifully.
🕒 Total Time: About 40 minutes
Tips for Success
- Let it rest before cutting to avoid a soupy casserole.
- Don’t rush the cheese sauce—low and slow prevents separation.
- Drain meat well to avoid excess grease.
- For extra texture, lightly toast tortillas before layering.
- Make it ahead and refrigerate before baking for easy prep.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
This casserole is rich and cheesy, so pairing it with something fresh or refreshing balances it perfectly.
For drinks, try:
- A bright and zesty Classic Margarita Recipe – Easy and Delicious
- Or something family-friendly like This Blueberry Lemonade Is My Favorite Refreshing Drink for Sunny Days
Want to turn taco night into a full spread? Add:
- This Walking Taco Bar Is My Favorite No-Fuss Way to Feed a Crowd for parties
- Or keep the cozy Mexican theme going with These Chicken Enchiladas Are My Go-To for Cozy Crowd-Pleasing Dinners
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 540
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
(Values will vary depending on meat choice and exact cheese used.)
Storage & Leftover Tips
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze tightly wrapped portions for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm in oven at 325°F for best texture, or microwave in short bursts.
- Leftover Magic: The flavors deepen overnight—many say it’s even better the next day.
More Recipes You’ll Love
If you’re loving this layered comfort dish, don’t miss:
- This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole Is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always a Hit
- These Chicken Enchiladas Are My Go-To for Cozy Crowd-Pleasing Dinners
- This Walking Taco Bar Is My Favorite No-Fuss Way to Feed a Crowd
There’s just something magical about bold flavors, melty cheese, and simple ingredients coming together in one pan.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Taco Tortilla Bake is one of those recipes that feels indulgent but is secretly so simple to make. It’s perfect for weeknights, potlucks, game days, or whenever you need something guaranteed to disappear fast.
If you try it, I’d love to hear how you customized it—extra spice? Different cheese? Added beans?
Leave a comment, share your twist, and don’t forget to follow along at Chef Maniac for more crave-worthy comfort food.
– Jason Griffith
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