Hey y'all! If you're craving a comforting meal that brings everyone straight to the table, Mama Jill's Taco Bake is your answer. Packed with savory beef, gooey cheese, zesty spices, and all the classic taco flavors layered into a bubbly casserole, it's the ultimate dish for busy weeknights, potlucks, or cozy family gatherings. With easy prep and loads of flavor, this recipe is bound to become your new go-to favorite. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Mama Jill's Taco Bake
- Quick and simple dinner solution—on the table in under an hour.
- Crowd-pleaser for parties, potlucks, and family nights alike.
- Perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and spicy taco flavors.
- Easy to customize with your favorite toppings or proteins.
- Great for meal prep—tastes even better the next day!
Ingredients for Mama Jill's Taco Bake
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 (1 oz) packet taco seasoning mix
- ⅔ cup water
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel), drained
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup salsa
- 8 small flour tortillas (6-inch), cut into 2-inch strips
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional toppings: sliced green onions, diced tomatoes, jalapeños, avocado, cilantro
How to Make Mama Jill's Taco Bake
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with olive oil or non-stick spray.
Step 2: Cook the Beef and Onions
In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Sauté the diced onion for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add ground beef and cook, breaking up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through—about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat.
Step 3: Season and Add Beans & Tomatoes
Sprinkle in the taco seasoning and pour in the water. Stir well, then add the black beans and diced tomatoes with chilies. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until the mixture thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Layer Mama Jill's Taco Bake
Spread a thin layer of salsa on the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Layer half the tortilla strips evenly, followed by half of the beef mixture, half the sour cream, and half the cheddar cheese. Repeat the layers: tortillas, beef mixture, sour cream, cheese.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake another 10 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and lightly golden. Let cool 5 minutes before serving.
Notes for Mama Jill's Taco Bake Success
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Drain canned tomatoes well to avoid a watery casserole.
- For more casserole tips, check out Bon Appétit's Casserole Cooking Guide.
Variations of Mama Jill's Taco Bake
- Vegetarian: Omit meat and double the beans, or add sautéed bell peppers and corn.
- Spicy: Add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne to the beef mixture.
- Low-Carb: Substitute low-carb tortillas or use cauliflower tortillas.
Required Equipment for Mama Jill's Taco Bake
- Large skillet
- 9x13-inch baking dish
- Mixing spoon
- Cheese grater (if shredding cheese fresh)
- Foil
Storage Instructions for Mama Jill's Taco Bake
Let leftovers cool completely. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot. For freezing, wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as above.
Serving & Pairings for Mama Jill's Taco Bake
- Top with chopped cilantro, avocado slices, or extra salsa.
- Pair with a fresh green salad, Mexican rice, or refried beans.
- Try it with classic margaritas or lime agua fresca!
Pro Tips for Best Mama Jill's Taco Bake
- For extra crispy edges, broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for supreme melty goodness—learn why here.
- Let the bake rest before cutting to help the layers set and make serving easier.
FAQ: Mama Jill's Taco Bake
- Can I make Mama Jill's Taco Bake ahead of time?
- Yes! Assemble up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
- Can I freeze this casserole?
- Absolutely. Freeze tightly wrapped for up to 2 months. Thaw before reheating as directed above.
- What can I use instead of tortillas?
- Try using tortilla chips, corn tortillas, or even cooked rice for a fun twist.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6-8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix (1 oz)
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed (15 oz)
- 1 cup salsa
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 small flour tortillas
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup chopped green onions
- ½ cup sliced black olives (optional)
Instructions
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1Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
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2In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
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3Stir in taco seasoning, black beans, and salsa. Simmer for 5 minutes.
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4Layer 4 tortillas on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spread half of the beef mixture over the tortillas and sprinkle with 1 cup of cheese.
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5Repeat layers with remaining tortillas, beef mixture, and cheese.
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6Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly. Let cool for 5 minutes, then top with sour cream, green onions, and black olives before serving.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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