Walking Taco Casserole: A Tex-Mex Delight

If you’re a fan of walking tacos, you’re in for a treat with this Walking Taco Casserole recipe. This dish takes all the delicious components of a walking taco – seasoned ground beef, cheesy goodness, and crunchy toppings – and transforms them into a comforting and shareable casserole. It’s perfect for family gatherings, game day parties, or anytime you’re craving that classic Tex-Mex flavor. Let’s dive into making this flavorful casserole!

Ingredients:

For the Beef Layer:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 cup salsa

For the Casserole Layer:

• 6 cups corn chips (like Fritos), crushed
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 cups shredded lettuce
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1 cup diced red onions
• 1 cup sliced black olives
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup guacamole
• 1 cup pickled jalapeños (optional, for spice)
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat Your Oven

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Brown the Beef

• In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until it’s browned and crumbled. Drain any excess grease.

3. Add Aromatics and Seasoning

• Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the cooked beef. Sauté for a few minutes until the onion is soft and translucent.
• Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the beef mixture and stir to combine.
• Pour in the salsa, and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

4. Assemble the Casserole

• Spread half of the crushed corn chips evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
• Next, layer on half of the beef mixture.
• Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the beef.
• Repeat the layers with the remaining chips, beef, and cheese.

5. Bake

• Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

6. Garnish and Serve

• Once out of the oven, top the casserole with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, diced red onions, sliced black olives, and pickled jalapeños if desired.
• Dollop sour cream and guacamole over the casserole.
• Finish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a burst of flavor and color.

7. Dig In

• Serve your Walking Taco Casserole while it’s still hot and let everyone dig in. You can scoop out portions with a spatula and enjoy the fusion of textures and flavors.

Cook’s Tips:

• Customize the toppings to your liking. This casserole is incredibly versatile, so feel free to add your favorite taco toppings like diced avocado, pico de gallo, or even a drizzle of hot sauce.
• If you prefer a spicier casserole, you can add some diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the beef mixture.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Simply reheat in the oven or microwave.

Walking Taco Casserole Variation:

Vegetarian Option:

If you prefer a meatless version, you can substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or use a combination of black beans and corn for a hearty and delicious vegetarian walking taco casserole.

Enjoy your Walking Taco Casserole – a Tex-Mex twist on a classic comfort food! It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply enjoying a cozy family dinner, this dish brings all the flavors of a walking taco right to your table.