Walking Taco Casserole
Who out there is a fan of the walking taco? You know, that genius idea where you take a bag of chips, stuff it with your favorite taco fillings, and then eat it with a fork? A portable bag of crunch and taco goodness for the win! Well, as we love to do here at 12 Tomatoes, we’ve taken that same concept and translated it into a casserole. You still get crunchy chips, you still get plenty of beefy, zesty taco deliciousness, you just scoop it out of a casserole dish! While this version might not be quite as portable, it’s a comforting dish that everyone loves just as much as the original.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Walking Taco Casserole is a hit for several reasons. It’s incredibly easy to make, perfect for feeding a crowd, and brings all the flavors of a classic walking taco into a warm, comforting dish. Plus, it’s customizable—add your favorite taco toppings and enjoy!
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- Large Skillet
- 9×13-inch Casserole Dish
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Ingredients
- 1 1⁄2 pounds Ground Beef
- 1⁄3 large Onion, chopped
- 1 small can Green Chilies
- 1 can Enchilada Sauce
- 2 ounces Cream Cheese
- 1 bag Fritos Corn Chips
- 1 bag Shredded Cheese
- 3⁄4 cup Lettuce, shredded
- 1⁄2 cup Tomato, fresh, diced
- 16 ounces Salsa
- 8 ounces Sour Cream
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion over medium heat until the beef is fully cooked and the onion is soft.
- Add the green chilies, enchilada sauce, and cream cheese to the skillet. Stir until the cream cheese is melted and everything is well combined.
- Spread a layer of Fritos corn chips in the bottom of a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
- Pour the beef mixture over the layer of chips.
- Top with a generous layer of shredded cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and melted.
- Serve with toppings of shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, salsa, and sour cream as desired.
Tips for Success
- For extra flavor, consider using flavored chips like chili cheese Fritos.
- Let the casserole sit for a few minutes after baking to make serving easier.
Additional Tips and Variations
You can add black beans or corn to the beef mixture for extra texture and flavor. If you enjoy spicier dishes, consider adding jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)
Calories: Approximately 400
Protein: 20g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fat: 25g
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken would work well as a substitute for ground beef.
How can I make this ahead of time?
Prepare the beef mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Assemble and bake the casserole just before serving.
Conclusion
This Walking Taco Casserole is a delightful twist on a classic, bringing all the flavors you love into a convenient and comforting dish. Give it a try and let us know how it turned out! We’d love to hear about your experience and any creative twists you added. Enjoy!
