Walking Taco Casserole is a fun and delicious twist on the classic taco salad, but in casserole form. It’s a layered dish made with seasoned ground beef, cheese, and all the taco toppings you love. Plus, it’s served with tortilla chips on top for that crunch you’d expect from a walking taco! Perfect for a quick dinner or party dish!
Ingredients:
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1 lb ground beef
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1 small onion, diced
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1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade taco seasoning)
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1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
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1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies (optional for a little extra flavor)
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1/2 cup sour cream (for topping)
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2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Mexican blend, or a mix)
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2 cups crushed tortilla chips (plus more for serving)
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1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
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1/2 cup frozen corn kernels (optional)
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1/2 cup chopped green onions (optional)
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Salsa (for serving)
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Chopped lettuce (optional for garnish)
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Sour cream (optional for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Cook the Ground Beef:
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In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
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Add the diced onion and cook for another 2-3 minutes until softened.
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Stir in the taco seasoning and tomato sauce (and green chilies if using). Let it simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to combine. If you’re using black beans and corn, you can add them now and stir them into the beef mixture. Remove from heat.
2. Prepare the Casserole Dish:
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
3. Layer the Casserole:
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Start by spreading the ground beef mixture evenly across the bottom of the casserole dish.
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Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese over the beef mixture.
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Crush the tortilla chips and sprinkle them on top of the cheese layer.
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Add the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese on top of the chips.
4. Bake:
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Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through.
5. Serve:
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Once baked, remove from the oven. Let it cool for a couple of minutes.
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Serve the casserole with a dollop of sour cream, salsa, and a sprinkle of green onions and chopped lettuce for garnish.
Tips and Variations:
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Meat options: Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even ground pork for a leaner version.
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Toppings: Customize the toppings based on your preferences. Add jalapeños, avocado, or guacamole for extra flavor.
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Vegetarian version: Skip the meat and add more beans, corn, and veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms.
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Spicy version: For a spicier dish, use hot taco seasoning or add sliced jalapeños and some hot sauce to the beef mixture.
Walking Taco Casserole is easy to make, comforting, and packed with all the great taco flavors you love. It’s a perfect crowd-pleaser for casual dinners, parties, or game days! Enjoy!