Pin
All the bold Tex Mex taco flavors land in one gooey, bubbly pan—this cheesy taco bake cooks up in just over a half hour. Everything comes together in a single dish that’s perfect for a crazy weeknight and big enough for family or a pile of friends. Let everyone pile on their favorite toppings and dig in.
Came up with this one night when the fridge was nearly empty—now it’s my quick fix for party snacks or whenever I want a chill, satisfying dish that doesn’t take much fuss at all.
Cheesy Ingredients
- Crushed tortilla chips: makes a crisp topping that holds up under all the melty cheese—use a fresh bag for best crunch
- Shredded Mexican blend cheese: gives that melty, gooey finish—if you can, shred your own cheese so it gets nice and stringy
- Salsa: keeps things juicy and zesty—you can go chunky for texture or smooth if you like it more saucy
- Frozen corn: throws in a sweet snap and color—grab non-GMO if that matters to you
- Black beans: make it extra filling and add a fiber punch—no salt beans let you keep the flavors right where you want them
- Rotel tomatoes with green chilies: brings tang plus a little spicy zing—choose hot or mild depending what you’re feeling
- Taco seasoning: throws in a big wallop of flavor—use homemade or your top store-bought blend
- Diced onion: sweetens and deepens the taste—doesn’t matter if you go yellow or white here
- Ground beef or turkey: loads on hearty flavor and substance—pick leaner meat if you want less fat
- Optional toppings: cilantro, green onions, avocado, sour cream, jalapenos—top however you want with whatever you’ve got handy
Easy Step by Step
- Rest and Top
- When you pull the pan out, let it chill for a bit so the cheese stays put. Pile on all your chosen toppings while it’s warm and serve right from the skillet.
- Bake Until Bubbly
- In the hot oven, let the dish bake for about ten to twelve minutes, just until things get melty and the edges bubble up golden and delicious.
- Add Cheese and Chips
- Kill the heat. Half the cheese goes into the skillet to mix in and melt, then toss the crushed chips across the top and layer over the last bit of cheese.
- Simmer with Seasonings
- Stir in the taco seasoning, salsa, beans, Rotel, and corn. Stir until everything mixes and warms through—about five minutes will do the trick as all those flavors blend up.
- Brown the Meat and Aromatics
- First, cook up your ground meat and onion in a big oven-safe skillet on medium. Let the beef brown and onion soften, then spoon off grease if you see too much.
Pin
There’s something about that cheesy lid and crunchy chip layer that just begs everyone to dig in. I think cilantro and a cold spoonful of sour cream on top makes it perfect.
Leftover Storing Advice
Let everything cool off a bit before sealing up. Stash leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to three days. For keeping longer, wrap up tight and freeze for two months. Pop it in the microwave in short bursts or cover and warm slowly in the oven.
Switch-Ups
Got ground chicken or want to go meatless? Swap that in or bump up the beans for a veggie version. Out of Rotel? Mix up a can of diced tomato with chopped green chiles. Not big on black beans? Pinto beans fill in no problem.
How to Serve
Scoop it straight from the skillet or set up a DIY toppings bar—extra cheese, avocado, spicy jalapenos, or a squeeze of lime all work. Need more? Pair with a fresh salad or fluffy Mexican-style rice and you’re set.
Pin
History and Backstory
This kind of one-pan dish started in busy American kitchens where Tex Mex nights needed to be family-style and fast. By skipping the taco shells, everyone just digs in together—it’s laid-back, quick, and still packed with all the best flavors.
FAQs About the Recipe
- → Is ground turkey a good swap for beef?
Definitely! Ground turkey keeps things a little lighter but still brings loads of flavor.
- → Can you prep this ahead and bake later?
You sure can. Put it all together earlier, then just bake when you're ready for the full cheesy effect.
- → Do I have to buy Rotel, or can I use something else?
Rotel combines diced tomatoes and green chilies fast, but you can mix in regular diced tomatoes with diced green chilies on your own if that's what you've got.
- → What are some good toppings for this cheesy skillet?
Try adding a scoop of sour cream, creamy avocado slices, tangy jalapeños, green onions, or a sprinkle of cilantro for fresh flavor.
- → How do I make this skillet meatless?
Just use extra beans or a plant-based protein instead of the meat and you'll have a tasty veggie version.