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Walking Taco Bake

Walking Taco Bake
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Walking Taco Bake is a simple, hearty, and crowd-pleasing casserole that layers seasoned ground beef, crunchy crushed tortilla chips, creamy beans, salsa, and melty cheddar cheese baked to golden perfection. This one-dish Tex-Mex inspired meal is customizable, family-friendly, and perfect for quick weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 2 tbsp taco seasoning
  • 1 cup crushed tortilla chips
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup refried beans or black beans
  • 1 cup salsa or diced tomatoes

Optional Toppings

  • Sour cream
  • Sliced olives
  • Jalapeños
  • Green onions

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ground Beef: Heat a skillet over medium heat and brown the ground beef until fully cooked, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat, sprinkle in taco seasoning and a splash of water, then simmer for a few minutes until the flavors meld.
  2. Assemble the Layers: Grease a baking dish. Begin with a generous layer of crushed tortilla chips as the crunchy base. Evenly spread the seasoned ground beef over the chips, followed by a layer of beans, then spoon salsa or diced tomatoes on top.
  3. Add Cheese and Bake: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over the layers. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
  4. Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and garnish with your favorite toppings such as sour cream, sliced green onions, or jalapeños. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

  • Use fresh, crunchy chips right before assembling to keep texture balanced after baking.
  • Stick to one type of beans and spread evenly to avoid sogginess.
  • Use sharp cheddar or a cheese blend with Monterey Jack for extra melty, flavorful results.
  • Alternate chips and wet ingredients thoughtfully to prevent sogginess or dryness.
  • Let the bake rest a few minutes after baking so it firms up and cuts cleanly.

Nutrition

Keywords: walking taco bake, taco casserole, Tex-Mex casserole, ground beef casserole, easy family dinner, taco bake, cheesy casserole

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