Walking Taco Casserole

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.