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Walking Taco Casserole

Walking Taco Casserole
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This Walking Taco Casserole is an easy, flavor-packed, and comforting family-friendly dish that combines classic taco ingredients into a cheesy, layered casserole. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, it features seasoned ground beef, refried beans, crunchy corn chips, and melty cheese baked to bubbly perfection, then topped with fresh garnishes for that authentic taco stand experience at home.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein and Beans

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 cup refried beans

Seasonings and Sauces

  • 2 tbsp taco seasoning
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1/2 cup tomato sauce or salsa

Vegetables

  • 1/2 cup diced onions
  • 1/2 cup diced bell peppers

Crunch and Cheese

  • 2 cups crushed corn chips, divided
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)

Optional Toppings

  • Sour cream
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Chopped jalapeños
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Diced avocado

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meat Mixture: Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks. Once nearly cooked through, drain any excess grease. Stir in taco seasoning and a splash of water, allowing the spices to meld thoroughly.
  2. Add Veggies and Beans: Mix in the diced onions, bell peppers, and refried beans. Cook together for a few minutes until the vegetables soften slightly and blend well with the meat.
  3. Layer the Casserole: Grease a baking dish and spread half of the crushed corn chips evenly on the bottom. Pour the meat and bean mixture over the chips. Top with the remaining crushed chips and sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheese over everything.
  4. Bake Until Bubbly: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden in spots.
  5. Add Fresh Toppings: Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to cool slightly before garnishing with your favorite fresh toppings such as salsa, sour cream, diced tomatoes, jalapeños, and fresh cilantro.

Notes

  • Use fresh corn chips crushed just before layering to maintain maximum crunch.
  • Don’t overload cheese to avoid a greasy casserole.
  • Adjust spice levels by tasting taco seasoning during cooking and adding jalapeños or hot sauce if desired.
  • Let casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving to help it set and slice neatly.
  • Use a shallow, wide baking dish to promote even cooking and crispy edges on the chips.

Nutrition

Keywords: walking taco casserole, taco casserole, easy family dinner, ground beef casserole, Mexican casserole, gluten free casserole

Find it online: https://marysplate.com/walking-taco-casserole/