Ground Beef & Cheese Tortilla Stack – Meaty, Cheesy & Baked to Golden!

This Ground Beef & Cheese Tortilla Stack is a delicious twist on taco night that layers bold Tex-Mex flavors into a hearty, cheesy, sliceable bake. Imagine all the goodness of a taco—seasoned beef, melty cheese, and soft tortillas—stacked into a lasagna-style dish that’s perfect for slicing and serving. It’s simple, satisfying, and made to please the whole table.

The magic begins with well-seasoned ground beef, simmered in classic taco spices until thick and flavorful. This beefy filling is then layered with flour tortillas and shredded cheese, forming a rustic, golden-topped tower that bakes into savory perfection. Optional salsa adds extra zing between the layers, while toppings like sour cream, guacamole, or sliced green onions provide a cool contrast.

Perfect for weeknights, this dish comes together quickly and doesn’t require any fancy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. You can even customize the fillings with beans, peppers, or corn to make it your own. It’s the kind of low-effort, high-reward meal that tastes like comfort food with a fun twist.

Whether you’re feeding a family or just craving something cozy and cheesy, this tortilla stack hits the spot. Serve it alongside a crisp salad or tortilla chips and watch it disappear—slice by hearty, meaty slice.

Servings: 4–6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients :

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • ½ cup water
  • 5–6 large flour tortillas
  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese or Mexican cheese blend
  • ½ cup salsa (optional)
  • Sour cream, guacamole, or sliced green onions for topping (optional)

Instructions :

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess fat. Add taco seasoning and water, then stir and simmer for about 5 minutes until thickened.
  3. In a round baking dish or oven-safe skillet, lay down one tortilla. Add a portion of the seasoned beef, sprinkle some shredded cheese, and spoon a bit of salsa if using. Repeat the layering process—tortilla, beef, cheese, salsa—until all the ingredients are used. Finish with a tortilla topped generously with cheese.
  4. Bake uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes, until the top is melted, golden, and bubbling.
  5. Let it cool for 5 minutes, then slice into wedges like a pie. Top with sour cream, guacamole, or green onions if desired, and serve warm.

Variations :

  • Spicy Version: Use hot salsa, add jalapeños between layers, or sprinkle chili flakes for heat.
  • Vegetarian Option: Swap beef for black beans, refried beans, or a meatless crumble.
  • Chicken Stack: Use shredded rotisserie chicken seasoned with taco spices for a lighter alternative.
  • Tex-Mex Add-ins: Add corn, sautéed bell peppers, or diced tomatoes between layers for extra texture and flavor.

Tips :

  • Use a springform pan for easier slicing and cleaner layers.
  • Press down gently after each layer to keep the stack even and compact.
  • For crispier edges, lightly toast the tortillas in a dry skillet before assembling.
  • Leftovers can be wrapped and reheated in the oven or microwave for a quick meal the next day.
  • If using salsa, choose a thicker one to avoid sogginess between layers.