Mama Jill’s Taco Bake Copycat Recipe

When you’re craving comfort food with a Mexican twist, Mama Jill’s Taco Bake is the ultimate go-to dish. With layers of seasoned ground beef, creamy taco sauce, melted cheese, and soft flour tortillas, this dish is like a lasagna but with all the bold flavors of tacos. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it’s easy to make, hearty, and completely satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for a quick family meal, this taco bake will hit the spot every time.

Why Everyone Will Love This Recipe

Mama Jill’s Taco Bake is the best of both worlds—easy to make, yet packed with flavor. The taco-seasoned beef is rich and creamy, thanks to the addition of sour cream and cheese sauce, while the tortillas create a comforting, layered texture that feels like a casserole. Topped with more cheese for that golden, bubbly finish, this dish is sure to be a hit with both adults and kids alike. Bonus: it’s customizable! You can add more toppings or spice it up with extra salsa or jalapeños.

What Is Mama Jill’s Taco Bake?

Mama Jill’s Taco Bake is a layered casserole that combines ground beef, taco seasoning, cheese, and tortillas, all baked together to create a warm, comforting meal. It’s a quick and easy version of taco night, with all the flavors of your favorite taco fillings stacked in a hearty casserole form. The creamy beef mixture is sandwiched between soft flour tortillas and topped with melted cheese for a deliciously satisfying dish.

Cooking Tips

• Brown the beef thoroughly: Be sure to brown the ground beef well before adding the taco seasoning for the best texture and flavor.
• Layer carefully: When layering the tortillas and meat mixture, make sure to evenly spread the beef to avoid any dry spots.
• Customize your toppings: Add extra salsa, guacamole, or sour cream on top for extra flavor. You can also use a mix of your favorite shredded cheeses for variety.
• Bake until golden: Make sure to bake the taco bake long enough for the cheese to melt and bubble, creating that irresistible golden top.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes! Ground turkey works perfectly as a leaner substitute for ground beef in this recipe. You can also use ground chicken if you prefer.

Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?

While flour tortillas are preferred for their soft texture, you can use corn tortillas if that’s what you have on hand. Just note that corn tortillas may be a little firmer after baking.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the taco bake ahead of time, cover it, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just add an extra few minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

How to Store

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven, adding a little extra cheese if you like.

How to Freeze

Allow the taco bake to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake at 350°F until heated through.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 (1-ounce) packet taco seasoning
• 1 cup water
• 2 tablespoons taco sauce
• 5 tablespoons sour cream
• 1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese (plus more for topping)
• 1 jar of Herdez Salsa con Queso Dip (or another jarred cheese sauce)
• 5–6 large flour tortillas

Step-by-Step Instructions