Craving tacos but don’t want the mess of assembling them one by one? This beef taco bake is the perfect solution.
It takes all the best parts of a taco—savory meat, melty cheese, crunchy shells, and flavorful toppings—and layers them into one easy-to-make dish.
With just a single baking dish, you’ll have a meal that’s satisfying, family-friendly, and packed with Tex-Mex goodness.
What Makes This the Ultimate One-Pot Recipe?
One-pot meals are a lifesaver for busy cooks. They minimize cleanup while delivering bold, layered flavors. This beef taco bake is the ultimate one-pot recipe because:
- It’s quick and easy – No need to cook multiple elements separately.
- Layers of flavor – Everything bakes together, allowing the spices and ingredients to blend perfectly.
- Versatile – You can customize it with different proteins, cheeses, or spice levels.
- Minimal dishes – Since it all comes together in one dish, there’s less cleanup afterward.
The Perfect Balance of Texture & Flavor
A great taco isn’t just about taste—it’s about texture. This dish combines multiple layers to create a satisfying bite every time.
- Creamy refried beans form the base, keeping everything moist.
- Melted cheese brings richness and gooey goodness.
- Crunchy taco shells mimic the satisfying crispness of traditional tacos.
- Savory, seasoned beef is the heart of the dish, bringing bold, Tex-Mex-inspired flavors.
- Fresh toppings like scallions or avocado add the final touch of brightness.
Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try for Taco Night
Taco night is always a hit, but it can be messy and time-consuming. This one-pot recipe makes everything easier without sacrificing flavor.
- No more assembling tacos one by one – Everything is layered into the dish, so you get all the flavors in every bite.
- Perfect for a crowd – Whether it’s a family dinner or a casual gathering, everyone can dig in without the hassle of separate taco shells.
- Easy to prep ahead – Assemble the dish in advance and pop it in the oven when you’re ready.
How to Customize Your One-Pot Taco Bake
The beauty of this dish is that you can tailor it to your tastes or dietary needs. Try these simple swaps:
- Protein variations – Use ground turkey, shredded chicken, or black beans for a meat-free option.
- Cheese choices – Colby Jack is a great option, but Monterey Jack, cheddar, or a Mexican blend also works beautifully.
- Spice it up – Add jalapeños, extra chili powder, or a drizzle of hot sauce for an extra kick.
- Make it low-carb – Skip the taco shells and add extra cheese and toppings for a taco-inspired casserole.
Serving Ideas for the Ultimate Taco Feast
This beef taco bake is hearty enough to stand alone, but pairing it with simple sides makes for an even more satisfying meal. Here are some easy ideas:
- A crisp salad with lime dressing for freshness.
- A side of rice—Mexican-style or cilantro-lime—for extra heartiness.
- Tortilla chips and salsa for some extra crunch.
- A dollop of sour cream or guacamole to cool down the spice.
This dish takes everything you love about tacos and simplifies it into an easy, no-fuss one-pot recipe that’s guaranteed to be a new favorite in your meal rotation.
Best Beef Taco Bake One-Pot Recipe
Equipment
- 8-inch square baking dish
Ingredients
- 1 pound 90 percent lean ground beef
- 1 onion chopped fine
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1½ teaspoons minced fresh oregano or ½ teaspoon dried
- ½ teaspoon table salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon packed brown sugar
- 2 10-ounce cans Ro-tel Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies, drained
- 1 16-ounce can refried beans
- ¼ cup minced fresh cilantro
- 8 ounces Colby Jack cheese shredded (2 cups), divided
- 12 taco shells broken into 1-inch pieces (2 cups), divided
- 2 scallions sliced thin
Instructions
Preheat & Cook Beef:
- Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 375°F.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine ground beef, onion, garlic, chili powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Microwave, stirring occasionally and breaking up the meat, until most of the beef is cooked (some pink will remain), about 5 minutes.
- Stir in vinegar, brown sugar, and half of the Ro-tel tomatoes.
Assemble Layers:
- In a separate bowl, mix remaining Ro-tel tomatoes, refried beans, and cilantro. Spread this mixture evenly into an 8-inch square baking dish.
- Sprinkle with ½ cup cheese and scatter 1 cup broken taco shells over the top.
- Crumble cooked beef mixture over the dish and sprinkle with ½ cup cheese.
- Top with remaining 1 cup broken taco shells and remaining 1 cup cheese.
Bake & Serve:
- Bake until the filling is bubbling and the cheese is melted and browned, about 25 minutes.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes. Sprinkle with scallions before serving.
Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.