Ultimate Walking Taco Casserole

Introduction

Welcome to your new favorite weeknight wonder: the Ultimate Walking Taco Casserole. This dish encapsulates all the zesty, comforting flavors of your beloved walking tacos but transformed into a hearty casserole that’s both satisfying and easy to make. Perfect for busy evenings, potlucks, or just when you need a taste of savory goodness, this recipe is designed to please palates and gather everyone around the table.

History of Walking Tacos

Walking tacos have a nostalgic and humble origin, often associated with fairs, festivals, and casual get-togethers. They typically involve mini bags of corn chips topped with taco fixings, made for eating on the go. Our casserole version takes this convenient concept and turns it into a family-style feast, perfect for sharing.

Ingredients:

To begin crafting this culinary delight, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning mix
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 cup salsa of your choice
• 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
• 3 cups crushed nacho-flavored tortilla chips
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/4 cup sliced green onions
• 1/4 cup sliced black olives
• 1/2 cup sour cream for garnish
• Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until it’s no longer pink. Drain any excess grease.
3. Add Flavors: Stir in the taco seasoning mix, black beans, tomato sauce, and salsa. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes until everything is well combined and slightly thickened.
4. Layering: Place half of the crushed tortilla chips at the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spoon the beef mixture over the chips and spread evenly. Sprinkle with one cup of cheese.
5. Repeat Layers: Add the remaining tortilla chips followed by the rest of the beef mixture and cheese. This layering ensures every bite is full of flavor and texture.
6. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Garnish: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes. Top with diced tomatoes, green onions, black olives, and dollops of sour cream. Sprinkle with fresh cilantro for a burst of color and freshness.
8. Serve: Serve hot, scooping out portions onto plates or bowls. Enjoy the heartiness of a taco in every forkful!

Pro Tips:

• Spice it Up: Feel free to add jalapenos or your favorite hot sauce to the beef mixture if you like it spicy.
• Make Ahead: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to bake.
• Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to add other typical taco toppings such as avocado, lime wedges, or shredded lettuce.

Conclusion

This Ultimate Walking Taco Casserole is more than a dish; it’s a fiesta of flavors, ready to make your dinner time special. With its rich layers of seasoned beef, cheese, and chips, followed by the fresh kick of toppings, it’s a meal that’s sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation.

For those evenings when you’re craving something deliciously comforting, let this casserole be your go-to. It’s not just food; it’s a mood, a moment, and a memory in the making. So, gather your ingredients, and let’s turn an ordinary night into a taco extravaganza!