Dive into the festive spirit with a Walking Taco Casserole, a dish that transforms the portable pleasure of walking tacos into a hearty, family-friendly casserole. This recipe is perfect for anyone looking to bring the fun and flavor of street food into the comfort of their home. Combining seasoned ground meat, crunchy tortilla chips, and all your favorite taco toppings in one delicious bake, this casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether it’s game day, a casual gathering, or a weeknight dinner, the Walking Taco Casserole promises a fiesta of flavors with every bite.
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Why You’ll Love Walking Taco Casserole:
- Fun and Flavorful: Enjoy the taste of tacos in a fun and novel casserole form.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable with various toppings and mix-ins to suit your taste.
- Family-Friendly: Sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.
- Easy Prep: Simple ingredients and straightforward preparation make this an ideal choice for busy nights.
Ingredients Notes For Walking Taco Casserole:
- Ground Meat: Beef, turkey, or chicken, seasoned with taco seasoning for that classic taco flavor.
- Tortilla Chips: Provide the crunchy base and topping, reminiscent of walking tacos’ portable charm.
- Cheese: A blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese melts beautifully, adding gooeyness and flavor.
- Beans: Black or pinto beans for added protein and texture.
- Toppings: Customize with lettuce, tomatoes, olives, sour cream, and jalapeños, allowing for personalization at serving time.
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Recipe Steps:
- Cook the Meat: Brown the ground meat in a skillet, draining any excess fat. Stir in taco seasoning and water as directed on the seasoning packet, simmering until thickened.
- Layer the Base: In a greased baking dish, create a layer with half of the crushed tortilla chips.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spread the seasoned meat over the chips, followed by a layer of beans. Sprinkle with shredded cheese.
- Bake: Cover with the remaining tortilla chips and more cheese. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Add Toppings: Let the casserole cool slightly before adding fresh toppings like chopped lettuce, diced tomatoes, olives, and sliced jalapeños. Serve with dollops of sour cream.
Storage Options:
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Best to add fresh toppings after reheating.
- Freeze: Freeze the baked casserole without toppings for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat in the oven, then add fresh toppings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 can 15 ounces black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can 8 ounces tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 cup corn kernels canned, frozen, or fresh
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 bag 9.75 ounces Fritos corn chips or similar
- Optional toppings: chopped lettuce diced tomatoes, sliced olives, sliced jalapeños, sour cream, and salsa
Instructions
Preheat the Oven:
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
Cook the Beef:
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In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
Add Taco Seasoning:
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Stir in the taco seasoning, black beans, tomato sauce, and water to the skillet with the beef. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes, or until slightly thickened. Stir in the corn and remove from heat.
Assemble the Casserole:
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Spread half of the Fritos corn chips at the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Pour the beef mixture over the chips. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses evenly over the top. Finish by covering with the remaining corn chips.
Bake:
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Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve with Optional Toppings:
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Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve with your choice of optional toppings like chopped lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced olives, sliced jalapeños, sour cream, and salsa on the side.