Quick & Easy Walking Taco Casserole
When you’re craving the flavors of your favorite street food but want to enjoy it in the comfort of your own home, this Quick & Easy Walking Taco Casserole is the perfect solution. Inspired by the classic walking taco, this hearty casserole brings together all the delicious elements of the beloved dish in a convenient, one-pan meal. Packed with seasoned ground beef, crunchy tortilla chips, gooey cheese, and flavorful toppings, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Plus, with simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have this satisfying meal on the table in no time.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
- 2 cups crushed tortilla chips
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Optional toppings: diced avocado, sour cream, chopped cilantro, sliced jalapenos
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
- Drain any excess grease from the skillet, then add the taco seasoning, black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes with green chilies. Stir well to combine.
- Spread half of the crushed tortilla chips evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Spoon the beef mixture over the tortilla chips, spreading it out into an even layer.
- Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the beef mixture.
- Repeat the layers, starting with the remaining crushed tortilla chips, followed by the remaining beef mixture, and finally the remaining shredded cheddar cheese.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and the casserole is heated through.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
- Garnish with your favorite toppings, such as diced avocado, sour cream, chopped cilantro, and sliced jalapenos, if desired.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Make It Spicy: Add a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes to the beef mixture for an extra kick of heat.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils or your favorite meat alternative for a vegetarian-friendly version of this casserole.
- Cheese Varieties: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or Mexican blend, for a unique flavor twist.
Keto and Low-Carb Version:
To make this Walking Taco Casserole keto and low-carb friendly, simply make the following substitutions:
- Replace the black beans and corn with additional vegetables like diced bell peppers, zucchini, or cauliflower florets.
- Swap the crushed tortilla chips for crushed pork rinds or almond flour tortilla chips to reduce the carb count.
- Use a keto-friendly taco seasoning blend or make your own with spices like chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder, omitting any added sugars.
With its bold flavors and easy preparation, this Quick & Easy Walking Taco Casserole is sure to satisfy your cravings for Tex-Mex comfort food. Whether you’re serving it up for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends, it’s a crowd-pleasing dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Plus, with the option to customize the ingredients to suit your dietary preferences, it’s a versatile recipe that can be enjoyed by all
