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Walking Taco Casserole

A comforting casserole that combines the flavors of a traditional walking taco with layers of seasoned beef, crunchy tortilla chips, and gooey cheese, perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 600

Ingredients
  

Meat and Vegetables
  • 1 pound ground beef or turkey
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasoning and Canned Ingredients
  • 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
Casserole Components
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 4 cups tortilla chips, slightly crushed
Toppings
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup shredded lettuce
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes, optional
  • 1/2 cup sliced jalapeños, optional
  • 1/2 cup sliced black olives, optional
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish, optional

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef (or turkey). Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Once meat is cooked, add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent.
  4. Stir in the taco seasoning, black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes. Mix everything thoroughly until combined and heated through, taking about 3-5 minutes.
  5. In a large baking dish, begin layering: create a layer of crushed tortilla chips, followed by half of the meat mixture and then a layer of shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat with another layer of chips, meat mixture, and cheese.
  6. Cover the dish 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.
  7. While the casserole is baking, prepare toppings such as diced tomatoes, jalapeños, olives, and lettuce.
  8. Once baked, let the casserole sit for about 5 minutes. Top each serving with sour cream and your choice of toppings before serving.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave individual portions or warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until the cheese is melted again. Customize with variations like vegetarian options or spicy kicks.