Layered Taco Bake (Print version)

A cheesy Layered Taco Bake with seasoned beef, refried beans, salsa, tortillas, and fresh taco toppings.

# Ingredients:

For the beef filling

01 - 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
02 - 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
03 - 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
04 - 1/2 cup (120 ml) water
05 - 1 cup (240 g) thick salsa
06 - 1 can (4 oz or 115 g) diced green chiles, drained
07 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the layers

08 - 1 can (16 oz or 450 g) refried beans
09 - 6 medium flour tortillas, 8-inch size
10 - 2 1/2 cups (280 g) shredded Mexican cheese blend, divided
11 - Nonstick cooking spray or 1 teaspoon oil for the baking dish

For serving

12 - 1 cup shredded lettuce
13 - 1 medium tomato, diced
14 - 1/2 cup (120 g) sour cream
15 - 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
16 - Lime wedges, optional

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9-inch square baking dish or similar 2-quart casserole dish.
02 - Cook the ground beef and onion in a large skillet over medium-high heat for 7-9 minutes, breaking the beef into small crumbles, until browned. Drain excess fat.
03 - Stir in taco seasoning, water, salsa, and green chiles. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until thickened. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
04 - Warm the refried beans in a small saucepan or microwave until spreadable. This makes the tortillas easier to layer without tearing.
05 - Spread a spoonful of beef mixture in the bottom of the dish. Add tortillas to cover, trimming or overlapping as needed. Spread with beans, add beef, then sprinkle with cheese. Repeat the layers, ending with cheese on top.
06 - Cover loosely with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake 8-10 minutes more, until the cheese is melted and the edges are bubbling.
07 - Let the taco bake rest for 8-10 minutes. Slice into 6 portions and top with lettuce, tomato, sour cream, cilantro, and lime if using.

# Good to know:

01 - Use thick salsa so the layers stay sturdy.
02 - Letting the bake rest before slicing gives cleaner portions.
03 - Add cold toppings after baking for the freshest texture.

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