A Walking Taco Casserole is a fun and flavorful twist on the classic walking taco! It combines the deliciousness of taco ingredients with the ease of a casserole, all baked together in one dish. Here’s a simple recipe for you:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey)
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade taco seasoning)
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (or plain diced tomatoes)
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (frozen or canned)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a cheese blend)
- 1 cup crushed tortilla chips (plus extra for topping)
- 1/2 cup sour cream (optional for topping)
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions (optional for garnish)
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (optional for garnish)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the Ground Beef:
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the taco seasoning, tomatoes with green chilies, black beans, and corn. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through and well mixed.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread the beef mixture evenly.
- Top the beef mixture with 1 cup of crushed tortilla chips. This will give it a crunchy texture in the casserole.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake the Casserole:
- Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Top with additional crushed tortilla chips, sour cream, sliced green onions, and chopped cilantro, if desired.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the casserole directly from the dish and let everyone top their portion with their favorite taco toppings like guacamole, jalapeños, salsa, or lettuce.
This Walking Taco Casserole is perfect for a family meal, potluck, or game day. It’s easy to make, customizable, and sure to be a crowd-pleaser!