WALKING TACO CASSEROLE

Optional Toppings

• Lettuce, diced tomatoes, or sliced jalapeños
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Salsa or pico de gallo
• Guacamole or diced avocado
• Cilantro for garnish

Equipment Needed

• Large skillet
• Mixing bowl
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Spatula or wooden spoon

Step-by-Step Recipe

1. Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the casserole.

2. Prepare the Meat Mixture

• Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add ground meat and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula.
• Drain any excess fat, if necessary.
• Stir in diced onion and garlic; cook until softened.
• Add taco seasoning and mix well.
• Stir in canned tomatoes and optional corn, simmering for 3-5 minutes to combine flavors.

3. Assemble the Casserole

• Spread refried beans evenly across the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
• Layer the cooked meat mixture over the beans.
• Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheese over the meat.
• Add a layer of crushed chips on top for crunch.

4. Bake the Casserole

• Place the casserole in the preheated oven.
• Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before adding fresh toppings.

5. Add Toppings and Serve

• Top the casserole with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, and any other desired toppings.
• Serve immediately with additional chips on the side for scooping.

Variations to Try

1. Vegetarian Walking Taco Casserole

• Replace ground meat with black beans, pinto beans, or a plant-based protein crumbles.
• Add extra vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for added nutrition.

2. Spicy Walking Taco Casserole

• Use spicy taco seasoning and hot diced tomatoes.
• Add sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce.

3. Breakfast Walking Taco Casserole

• Swap the ground meat for cooked sausage or chorizo.
• Add scrambled eggs and top with salsa and avocado.

4. Low-Carb Walking Taco Casserole

• Replace chips with crushed pork rinds or omit altogether.
• Use cauliflower rice instead of refried beans for a lighter base.

5. Kids’ Favorite

• Use mild seasoning and include mini pepperoni or diced hot dogs for a kid-friendly twist.

Tips for Perfect Walking Taco Casserole

1. Layer Strategically: Spread ingredients evenly for consistent flavor in every bite.
2. Don’t Overbake: Remove the casserole as soon as the cheese melts to avoid dried-out layers.
3. Freshen with Toppings: Add toppings right before serving to maintain their freshness and texture.
4. Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole a day ahead and refrigerate; bake just before serving.

Nutritional Insights

A typical serving of walking taco casserole provides:

• Calories: Approximately 400-500 per serving, depending on ingredients.
• Protein: Ground meat and beans offer a high-protein meal.
• Carbohydrates: Chips and beans contribute carbs for energy.
• Fat: Cheese and chips provide richness, but options like low-fat cheese can reduce fat content.

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