Taco Lasagna Layered Bake

Category: Dinner Ideas That Actually Work

This dish brings the bold flavors of tacos together in a comforting layered casserole. Seasoned ground beef and beans are combined with plenty of melty shredded cheese and tender flour tortillas, all arranged in generous layers. Once baked, the top turns golden and bubbly, making each slice rich and hearty. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping for the week, or storing in the freezer for future meals, it’s a family favorite that offers flexibility with toppings and sides. Enjoy a satisfying blend of textures and tastes in every bite.

Clare Recipes
Created By Lily Chen
Updated on Tue, 17 Jun 2025 14:12:10 GMT
A plate of taco lasagna. Save
A plate of taco lasagna. | lilicooks.com

Taco lasagna is my answer to busy weeknights when everyone is craving comfort food, but I want something a little different from the usual tacos. With layers of seasoned beef, beans, melty cheese, and flour tortillas all baked to golden perfection, this recipe has become a go-to whenever I need a crowd-pleaser that leaves us with leftovers for lunch.

I made this first during a stretch of back-to-back soccer practices. Now it has become a Sunday prep staple and I even freeze slices for a quick after-school snack.

Ingredients

  • Ground beef: Use a fresh batch so your lasagna has the juiciest texture and the richest flavor. Go for 85 percent lean for just enough richness.
  • Flour tortillas: Choose taco sized for easy layering in the pan or upgrade to burrito size for a thicker bite. Check for soft and pliable tortillas so they layer smoothly.
  • Beans: Pinto beans black beans or refried beans each bring something a bit different. Look for low sodium or rinse if canned for best flavor balance.
  • Taco seasoning: Opt for your favorite brand or homemade mix for the best flavor punch and to control spice level.
  • Shredded cheese: Pick a blend like Mexican style cheddar or pepper jack for meltiness and flavor. Grate it yourself if you want maximum ooze.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Brown the beef:
Cook ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Break it up thoroughly with a spatula. Add the taco seasoning as soon as the meat starts to brown. Let it cook until there is very little pink left for robust flavor
Create the tortilla base:
Spray a nine by thirteen casserole dish with cooking spray. Arrange tortillas to cover the bottom of the dish completely. Tear some tortillas if you need to fill in gaps at the edges
Layer the meat and beans:
Spoon half the taco seasoned beef over the tortilla layer. Use a slotted spoon to leave behind any excess grease. Scatter half the beans evenly across the meat for protein and texture
Add the first cheese layer:
Sprinkle one third of the shredded cheese over the beans to create a gooey melting layer. Make sure cheese covers every corner for even flavor
Repeat the layers:
Place another full layer of tortillas on top of the cheese. Add the rest of the beef and beans. Sprinkle another third of the cheese for extra richness
Finish and top:
Add a final layer of tortillas to enclose the lasagna. Top evenly with the last third of the shredded cheese for an extra crispy golden topping
Bake and serve:
Place casserole uncovered in a preheated three hundred seventy five degree oven. Bake for twenty five minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbling at the sides. Let cool slightly before slicing to help the layers stay together
A stack of taco lasagna. Save
A stack of taco lasagna. | lilicooks.com

My favorite part is the gooey bubbling cheese on top which my kids fight over every time. Once we even made this as a family after coming home from a fall festival I will never forget the way the kitchen smelled

Storage tips

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat slices in the microwave or oven for best texture. For longer storage wrap individual portions tightly and freeze for easy heat and eat lunches.

Ingredient substitutions

You can swap ground turkey or shredded chicken for the beef and use gluten free tortillas if needed. Any type of bean works so use what you like or what is on hand. Dairy free cheese can be used for a vegan spin as long as you check the ingredients on the taco seasoning.

Serving suggestions

Top with diced tomatoes sour cream sliced green onions or even crumbled tortilla chips for an extra crunch. I love adding pickled jalapenos or a splash of hot sauce for adults at the table. It pairs well with a simple salad of crisp greens and lime dressing.

A plate of taco lasagna. Save
A plate of taco lasagna. | lilicooks.com

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use different types of beans?

Yes, you can use pinto, black, or refried beans. Choose according to your preference for texture and flavor.

→ What cheese works best?

A mix of shredded Mexican blend, cheddar, or pepper jack melts well and adds a nice punch of flavor.

→ Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble up to a day in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve. It also freezes well.

→ How do I prevent soggy tortillas?

Use a slotted spoon to drain excess liquid from the beef and beans before layering to keep the texture just right.

→ What toppings go well with this dish?

Top with chopped tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, diced avocado, fresh cilantro, or a dollop of sour cream for extra flavor.

→ Can ground turkey or chicken replace beef?

Yes, both ground turkey and ground chicken are great alternatives for a lighter option with similar results.

Taco Lasagna Layered Bake

Tender beef, beans, and cheese layered with tortillas for a flavorful dish that reheats beautifully for easy meals.

Preparation Time
15 min
Cooking Time
25 min
Overall Time
40 min
Created By: Lily Chen

Category: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly

Cuisine Type: Mexican-American

Output: 8 Serves

Dietary Options: ~

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

01 1.5-2 lbs ground beef
02 12 taco-sized flour tortillas or 9 burrito-sized flour tortillas
03 1 - 16 oz can beans (pinto, black beans, or refried)
04 1 - 1 oz packet taco seasoning
05 3.5 cups shredded cheese, divided (Mexican blend, cheddar, pepper jack, etc.)

Steps

Step 01

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 02

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles with a spatula. Stir in the taco seasoning and cook until no pink remains. Remove from heat.

Step 03

Spray a 9x13 casserole dish with non-stick spray.

Step 04

Lay flour tortillas on the bottom of the dish to create an even base layer. Rip tortillas as needed to fit the pan.

Step 05

Spread half the cooked ground beef evenly over the tortilla base using a slotted spoon to drain excess grease. Add half the beans, then sprinkle one-third of the shredded cheese over the layer.

Step 06

Add another layer of flour tortillas, followed by the remaining ground beef, remaining beans, and another one-third of the cheese.

Step 07

Top with a final layer of tortillas and sprinkle the remaining one-third of the cheese evenly over the top.

Step 08

Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted.

Step 09

Slice into portions and serve with your choice of toppings.

Tips

  1. This dish reheats well, making it perfect for meal prep or freezer storage.

Required Tools

  • Large skillet
  • 9x13 casserole dish
  • Spatula
  • Slotted spoon

Allergy Information

Always check each ingredient for allergens, and consult a medical professional if unsure.
  • Contains dairy (cheese).
  • Contains gluten (flour tortillas).

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These details are shared for general guidance and don’t replace professional advice.
  • Calories: 370
  • Fats: 18 g
  • Carbohydrates: 21 g
  • Proteins: 24 g