To prepare a Walking Taco Casserole, follow these simple steps:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef (or turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat substitute)
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces) corn, drained
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 cup crushed tortilla chips
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese blend)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
- 1/4 cup diced tomatoes (optional)
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions (optional)
- Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked and no longer pink. If using turkey, chicken, or a plant-based alternative, follow the same process.
- Drain any excess grease from the cooked meat and return it to the skillet. Add the taco seasoning mix and follow the instructions on the packet, usually adding some water and simmering until the mixture thickens slightly. This will create the seasoned meat mixture for your casserole.
- In a separate bowl, mix the drained black beans, corn, and salsa.
- In a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish, layer half of the crushed tortilla chips on the bottom.
- Spread half of the seasoned meat mixture over the chips.
- Layer half of the bean, corn, and salsa mixture on top of the meat.
- Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the beans, corn, and salsa layer.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining crushed tortilla chips, seasoned meat mixture, bean, corn, and salsa mixture, and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Optionally, add sliced black olives, diced tomatoes, and sliced green onions on top of the cheese layer.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted and the casserole is heated through.
- Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly.
- Serve the Walking Taco Casserole with dollops of sour cream and garnish with fresh cilantro, if desired.
This Walking Taco Casserole is a delicious and hearty dish that combines all the flavors of a classic taco in a convenient casserole form. Enjoy it as a flavorful meal for your family and friends!
