Walking Taco Casserole

Alright, folks, buckle up because I’m about to dive into the world of the Walking Taco Casserole. Yes, that’s right—it’s tacos; it’s a casserole; it’s genius. Why? Because sometimes, we need to feed our busy lives without skimping on flavor. This dish is like a cozy comfort blanket made of crunchy, cheesy taco goodness that hugs you right back. If you’re a fan of low-prep and high-payoff, this one’s calling your name.

This little gem has become somewhat of a legend in my house. Picture this: my husband and I, sitting on the couch with our legs tucked under us, plates balanced carefully on our knees, binge-watching yet another crime drama. This casserole’s become our go-to for those nights when we just need pure, unadulterated joy on a fork. Even the kids (bless their chaotic little hearts) are obsessed, and getting them to agree on dinner? I might as well be a magician.

Why You’ll Love This Walking Taco Casserole

Oh boy, where do I even begin?

– It’s like your favorite taco truck ran into a pan and couldn’t get back out. It’s dangerously delicious.
– Perfect for when you can’t be bothered to wash a million pans. One dish, folks, one dish.
– It’s forgiving. Seriously, if you’re missing an ingredient, just wing it. Call it a culinary adventure.

How to Make It

Grab your pan, warm it up a little too much like my first attempt with this baby, and toss in some ground beef. You’re gonna want the sizzle, not smoke, folks. Cook that down until it looks like it means business. Next, sprinkle in some taco seasoning – the kind you shove to the back of the spice drawer until a moment like this arises. Add a can of diced tomatoes ’cause everyone needs a little veggie moment, right? Mix in some corn and black beans. You’re practically a culinary wizard at this point. Layer it all into a baking dish with gobs of cheese and some crunched-up tortilla chips. All the crunchy bits are mine, but you can have some, too. Bake it until it’s golden and bubbly like a sunbeam on a lazy afternoon.

Ingredient Notes

– **Ground Beef:** This is your flavor powerhouse. Brown it till it’s no longer doing that weird pink thing.
– **Taco Seasoning:** I once tried a different brand without checking… not worth it. Stick with what you love.
– **Tortilla Chips:** These are your crunch factor. I once used the broken bits at the bottom of the bag. Could be genius or lazy – you decide.

### Recipe Steps

1. Preheat your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C).
2. Brown the ground beef in a pan, seasoning it like your best-kept secret.
3. Stir in taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, corn, and black beans. Simmer happiness.
4. Layer meat mixture into a baking dish. Blanket in cheese and crushed tortilla chips.
5. Bake until it’s bubbly and golden – about 20 minutes of pure anticipation.

What to Serve It With

Tips & Mistakes

1. Don’t judge the chaos – it’s a casserole, not a beauty contest.
2. Taste as you go so that you can adjust as needed. Ever added salt twice? Me neither.

Storage Tips

Leftovers? Toss them in a container, stash in the fridge. Cold taco casserole for breakfast? Heck yes, been there. It’s a vibe.

Variations and Substitutions

– Black beans on protest? Well, swap for kidney beans, or no beans at all if that’s your jazz.
– No cheese or a cheese overload throne is all yours – no judgement here.
– Out of chips? Crunchy cornflakes in a pinch. I know, wild, but it happened once.

Frequently Asked Questions

Walking Taco Casserole

This Walking Taco Casserole combines all your favorite taco ingredients layered with cheese and baked to perfection for an easy weeknight meal.

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Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes minutes

Servings: 6

Calories: 120kcal

Ingredients

 

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Main Ingredients

• ▢ 1 lb ground beef
• ▢ 1 packet taco seasoning mix
• ▢ 1 can refried beans 16 oz
• ▢ 2.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ▢ 3 cups tortilla chips crushed
• ▢ 0.5 cup sour cream
• ▢ 0.5 cup sliced black olives optional

Instructions

Preparation Steps

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• In a skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
• Stir in taco seasoning and refried beans, cook for another 2 minutes.
• In a 9x13 inch baking dish, layer half of the crushed tortilla chips, then spread the beef and bean mixture evenly on top.
• Sprinkle with half of the shredded cheddar cheese and dot with sour cream.
• Repeat layers with remaining chips, beef mixture, and cheese. Top with sliced black olives if desired.
• Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

This casserole can be customized with your favorite taco toppings like jalapeños or fresh cilantro for extra flavor.