Indulge in the ultimate weeknight comfort food with this Cheap Easy Taco Bake, a budget-friendly casserole that's as simple to make as it is satisfying to eat! Loaded with layers of crunchy tortilla chips, seasoned ground beef, zesty salsa, and gooey melted cheddar cheese, this dish delivers all the bold flavors of tacos in a warm, cheesy bake. With a quick 15-minute prep time and minimal ingredients, it’s perfect for busy families or anyone craving a hearty, stress-free meal. Top it off with a dollop of sour cream and your favorite taco toppings—like diced tomatoes, lettuce, or black olives—for a customizable twist that'll please even the pickiest eaters. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for easy leftovers, this delicious taco bake is sure to become a mealtime favorite!
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until it is browned and fully cooked, about 8-10 minutes.
Drain any excess grease from the skillet, then stir in the taco seasoning and water. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens.
In a 9x13-inch baking dish, spread an even layer of tortilla chips on the bottom.
Spoon the cooked ground beef mixture evenly over the layer of tortilla chips.
Pour the salsa over the beef layer, spreading it evenly with the back of a spoon.
Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the salsa layer.
Add another layer of tortilla chips on top, then sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese evenly over the chips.
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool slightly for 5 minutes.
Serve with sour cream on the side, and, if desired, garnish with optional toppings like diced tomatoes, chopped lettuce, or sliced black olives.
Calories |
3058 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 224.4 g | 288% | |
| Saturated Fat | 102.6 g | 513% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 22.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 604 mg | 201% | |
| Sodium | 8966 mg | 390% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 128.8 g | 47% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 13.7 g | 49% | |
| Total Sugars | 19.3 g | ||
| Protein | 150.1 g | 300% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 2105 mg | 162% | |
| Iron | 10.2 mg | 57% | |
| Potassium | 1984 mg | 42% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.