Walking Taco Bake is a fun and delicious twist on traditional tacos, combining all your favorite taco ingredients into a convenient and hearty casserole. This dish is perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or game nights. With its flavorful ground beef, cheesy topping, and crunchy corn chips, Walking Taco Bake is sure to be a hit. Let’s dive into the recipe and learn how to make this scrumptious dish step-by-step.
Ingredients
Taco Seasoning Mix:
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp fine sea salt
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/4 tsp dried oregano
Taco Casserole:
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 can RO-TEL original, undrained
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 cups freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese
- 3 cups corn chips
Toppings:
- 1 jalapeno, optional – sliced and diced to taste
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 8 cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 2 tbsp diced cilantro
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup salsa
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Taco Seasoning Mix
- Mix Seasonings: In a small bowl, combine the chili powder, ground cumin, sea salt, ground black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, crushed red pepper flakes, and dried oregano. Stir well to blend. This homemade taco seasoning mix will add a burst of flavor to your taco bake.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
- Heat Skillet: In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of oil over medium-high heat.
- Cook Onion and Beef: Add the diced yellow onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until it starts to soften. Add the lean ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
Step 3: Add Seasoning and RO-TEL
- Season Beef: Once the beef is cooked, drain any excess fat from the skillet. Add the homemade taco seasoning mix to the beef and stir to coat evenly.
- Add RO-TEL: Pour in the can of RO-TEL (undrained) and 1/4 cup of water. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes until the flavors meld together and the mixture thickens slightly.
Step 4: Assemble the Taco Bake
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Layer Corn Chips: Spread 2 cups of corn chips evenly in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Add Beef Mixture: Pour the seasoned beef mixture over the corn chips, spreading it out evenly.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese over the beef mixture.
- Top with Remaining Corn Chips: Scatter the remaining 1 cup of corn chips on top of the cheese.
Step 5: Bake
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serving
- Add Toppings: Remove the taco bake from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Top with shredded lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced green onions, diced cilantro, and optional jalapeno slices.
- Serve: Serve warm with a dollop of sour cream and a spoonful of salsa on top. Enjoy the delicious combination of flavors and textures!
Cooking Notes
- Ground Beef: For a healthier option, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
- Cheese: Feel free to use a blend of cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, or a Mexican cheese blend for added flavor.
- Corn Chips: Fritos or tortilla chips work great in this recipe, adding a delightful crunch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the beef mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, assemble the casserole with the corn chips and cheese, then bake as directed.
Q: How do I store leftovers? A: Store any leftover Walking Taco Bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Q: Can I freeze this casserole? A: Yes, you can freeze the assembled, unbaked casserole. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
Keto/Low Carb Version
To make a keto or low-carb version of this recipe, follow these modifications:
- Corn Chips: Substitute the corn chips with pork rinds or a low-carb tortilla chip alternative.
- RO-TEL: Ensure the RO-TEL used is low in carbs and sugar.
- Toppings: Use keto-friendly toppings like extra cheese, sour cream, and avocado slices.
Walking Taco Bake is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that brings all the flavors of tacos into a convenient and hearty casserole. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe is sure to be a hit with family and friends. Try this recipe today and enjoy a comforting, homemade meal that’s both satisfying and flavorful!
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