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Instructions for Walking Taco Casserole
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish or baking dish with non-stick spray or a small amount of olive oil.
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until fully browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
- Season the Beef: Once the beef is browned, add the taco seasoning and water (as directed on the seasoning packet) to the skillet. Stir to combine and simmer for about 2-3 minutes until the seasoning mixture has thickened and the flavors have melded together.
- Add Beans, Tomatoes, and Corn: Stir in the black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and corn. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Assemble the Casserole: Layer the casserole starting with the crushed tortilla chips. Spread them evenly across the bottom of the greased casserole dish. Then, pour the beef mixture on top of the chips, spreading it out evenly. Top with the shredded cheese, ensuring it covers the beef mixture.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through.
- Optional Layer of Sour Cream: For an extra creamy texture, you can spread a layer of sour cream on top of the casserole before baking, or after it comes out of the oven, as a topping.
- Serve and Add Toppings: Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Add your favorite taco toppings like shredded lettuce, sliced avocado, salsa, jalapeños, or chopped cilantro.
Tips for the Best Walking Taco Casserole
- Taco Seasoning: If you don’t have a packet of taco seasoning, you can easily make your own with a combination of chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.
- Make It Spicy: To kick up the heat, use spicy salsa or chopped fresh jalapeños. You can also mix in some sriracha or hot sauce to the beef mixture.
- Add Extra Veggies: For an extra nutrient boost, try adding bell peppers, zucchini, or even spinach to the beef mixture. These will blend in well and add extra flavor without compromising the texture.
- Use Ground Turkey or Chicken: If you prefer a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken is an excellent substitute for beef and will still provide great flavor and texture.
- Make It Ahead: You can prepare the casserole a day ahead and refrigerate it, then just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to serve. This makes it perfect for meal prep or large gatherings.
- Gluten-Free Option: To make this casserole gluten-free, simply swap the regular tortilla chips for gluten-free chips and double-check that your taco seasoning doesn’t contain any gluten.
Serving Suggestions for Walking Taco Casserole
Walking Taco Casserole is already a complete meal in itself, but you can serve it with some side dishes to round out the meal:
- Mexican Rice: A side of fluffy Mexican rice pairs beautifully with the casserole and helps balance the rich flavors.
- Refried Beans: Serve a side of refried beans (or black beans) for a hearty, comforting side dish.
- Fresh Salad: A simple side salad with avocado, tomatoes, and cilantro will add freshness and a burst of flavor to your meal.
- Chips and Salsa: For an extra crunch, serve some tortilla chips with salsa or guacamole on the side.
Why Walking Taco Casserole Is a Must-Make
Walking Taco Casserole takes all the goodness of a walking taco and transforms it into a hearty, cheesy casserole that is perfect for feeding a crowd. It’s a one-dish wonder that delivers all the bold flavors of taco night in a convenient and easy-to-serve package. The best part? It’s incredibly customizable, so you can make it your own by adding different toppings, using your favorite taco fillings, or adjusting the heat level to suit your tastes.
Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a game-day party, this casserole is guaranteed to become a favorite. So gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to enjoy a comforting, flavorful dish that’s sure to bring smiles to the table!
Enjoy your Walking Taco Casserole! 🌮
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