Walking Taco Casserole is a crowd-pleasing dish that's simple to prepare and bursting with flavor. Start by browning ground beef with onions, then mix in green chilies, enchilada sauce, and cream cheese for a creamy, savory base. Layer the meat mixture with Fritos corn chips and shredded cheese in a baking dish, then bake until bubbly and golden. Serve hot, topped with fresh lettuce, diced tomatoes, salsa, and sour cream. This casserole is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, offering a convenient and delicious way to enjoy all your favorite taco flavors in one dish.
Looking for a quick and delicious meal that everyone will love? Try this Walking Taco Casserole! It combines all your favorite taco flavors into a convenient, easy-to-make casserole that's perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
INGREDIENTS:
- Ground Beef: 1 1⁄2 pounds of lean ground beef to ensure a rich, meaty base for the casserole.
- Onion: 1⁄3 of a large onion, finely chopped to add a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Green Chilies: 1 small can of green chilies for a mild, tangy kick.
- Enchilada Sauce: 1 can of enchilada sauce to provide a rich, spicy tomato flavor that ties all the ingredients together.
- Cream Cheese: 2 ounces of cream cheese to add creaminess and balance the heat from the chilies and enchilada sauce.
- Fritos Corn Chips: 1 bag of Fritos corn chips for a crunchy, salty layer that complements the savory meat mixture.
- Shredded Cheese: 1 bag of shredded cheese, preferably a Mexican blend, to add a melty, gooey top layer.
- Lettuce: 3⁄4 cup of shredded lettuce for a fresh, crisp contrast to the rich casserole.
- Tomato: 1⁄2 cup of fresh, diced tomatoes to add juiciness and a burst of color.
- Salsa: 16 ounces of salsa for a zesty, tangy topping that enhances the overall flavor.
- Sour Cream: 8 ounces of sour cream to add a cool, creamy finishing touch.
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it's ready for baking once the casserole is assembled.
- Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown 1 1⁄2 pounds of ground beef with 1⁄3 of a large chopped onion until the beef is fully cooked and the onion is tender, about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Step 3: Add 1 small can of green chilies, 1 can of enchilada sauce, and 2 ounces of cream cheese to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cream cheese is fully melted and incorporated into the mixture, creating a creamy and flavorful meat sauce.
- Step 4: In a 9×13 inch baking dish, start layering the casserole. Begin with a layer of Fritos corn chips, ensuring they cover the bottom of the dish evenly.
- Step 5: Spread half of the meat mixture over the Fritos, spreading it out evenly to cover all the chips.
- Step 6: Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheese (about half the bag) over the meat mixture.
- Step 7: Repeat the layers: another layer of Fritos corn chips, the remaining meat mixture, and top with the rest of the shredded cheese.
- Step 8: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Step 9: While the casserole is baking, prepare the fresh toppings. Shred 3⁄4 cup of lettuce, dice 1⁄2 cup of fresh tomatoes, and have 16 ounces of salsa and 8 ounces of sour cream ready.
- Step 10: Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
- Step 11: Serve individual portions of the casserole topped with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, salsa, and a dollop of sour cream as desired.
Serving and Storage Tips:
- Serving: Serve the Walking Taco Casserole hot, directly from the oven. For a complete meal, pair it with a side of Spanish rice or a simple green salad. The fresh toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, salsa, and sour cream can be set out in separate bowls, allowing each person to customize their serving to their taste.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place a portion in the microwave and heat until warmed through, or reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.
Helpful Notes:
- For a spicier version, add a chopped jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture.
- Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack or Monterey Jack, to add more flavor.
- This recipe can easily be made vegetarian by substituting the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or black beans.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free corn chips and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
- Renowned chef Rick Bayless suggests adding a squeeze of fresh lime juice and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro on top for an extra burst of freshness.