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Walking Taco Bake

Walking Taco Bake
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This Walking Taco Bake is a quick, cheesy, and flavorful one-dish meal that combines all the vibrant flavors of walking tacos in a layered casserole. Made with seasoned ground beef, crunchy tostito chips, melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, diced tomatoes, and green onions, it’s a comforting and family-friendly dish perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Easy to customize and bake, it offers a deliciously melty, crunchy, and satisfying taco experience all in one.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 packet taco seasoning (or about 2 tablespoons)
  • 1 cup water (for seasoning simmer)
  • 4 cups crushed Tostito chips
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup sliced green onions

Toppings

  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • Optional: diced jalapeños, sliced black olives, chopped cilantro

Instructions

  1. Brown the Ground Beef: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef until browned and no longer pink. Break the meat apart as it cooks and then drain any excess fat to avoid greasiness.
  2. Add Taco Seasoning: Stir in the taco seasoning and about 1 cup of water. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes so the beef absorbs all the flavors and the sauce thickens slightly.
  3. Prepare the Baking Dish: Spread a generous and even layer of crushed Tostito chips on the bottom of a baking dish to form the base that will soak up the savory juices.
  4. Layer Ingredients: Evenly distribute the seasoned beef over the crushed chips. Next, sprinkle shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses on top, followed by diced tomatoes and green onions to add freshness.
  5. Bake and Melt: Place the assembled dish in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden on top.
  6. Add Toppings and Serve: Remove the bake from the oven and add a dollop of sour cream and any optional toppings like jalapeños, olives, or cilantro for extra flavor and creaminess. Serve warm.

Notes

  • Use fresh chips: Crush chips fresh just before layering for maximum crunch.
  • Don’t overbake: Watch carefully to avoid drying out the beef or burning the cheese.
  • Layer thoughtfully: For a deeper casserole, alternate layers of chips and meat to enhance texture.
  • Heat evenly: Let meat cool slightly before layering to prevent soggy chips.
  • Boost freshness: Add fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice just before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: Walking Taco Bake, taco casserole, cheesy taco bake, family dinner, easy dinner, gluten free, one-dish meal

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/walking-taco-bake/