Walking Taco Casserole is a delicious twist on the popular “walking tacos,” where all the ingredients are combined into a hearty casserole dish. Here’s a full recipe for Walking Taco Casserole:
**Ingredients:**
– 1 lb ground beef (or turkey)
– 1 small onion, chopped
– 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning mix
– 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
– 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 can (15 oz) corn kernels, drained
– 1 cup salsa
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend cheese), divided
– 1 bag (9 oz) corn chips (like Fritos), lightly crushed
– Optional toppings: chopped lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, sliced jalapeños, chopped cilantro
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat the oven:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick spray or oil.
2. **Cook the ground beef:** In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and chopped onion over medium-high heat until the beef is browned and the onion is softened, about 5-7 minutes. Drain off any excess fat.
3. **Add taco seasoning and vegetables:** Stir in the taco seasoning mix, diced tomatoes with green chilies, black beans, corn kernels, and salsa. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through and well combined.
4. **Assemble the casserole:** Spread half of the crushed corn chips evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spoon half of the meat mixture over the chips. Sprinkle with half of the shredded cheese. Repeat layers with the remaining chips, meat mixture, and shredded cheese.
5. **Bake:** Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. **Serve:** Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with optional toppings such as chopped lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, sliced jalapeños, and chopped cilantro.
7. **Enjoy!** Scoop out portions of the casserole onto plates or into bowls and serve immediately. It’s a hearty and satisfying dish that combines the flavors of tacos with the convenience of a casserole.
This Walking Taco Casserole is perfect for feeding a crowd or for a family dinner. It’s easy to customize with your favorite taco toppings and is sure to be a hit at any gathering!