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### How to Make Walking Taco Casserole
#### Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef
1. **Brown the Meat**: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until browned and fully cooked through.
2. **Add Taco Seasoning**: Drain any excess grease, then stir in the taco seasoning along with a little water (as per the seasoning packet’s instructions) and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the seasoning is well incorporated and the mixture is fragrant.
3. **Add Tomatoes and Salsa**: Stir in the diced tomatoes and salsa. Let the mixture simmer for about 3-5 minutes until everything is well combined and heated through.
4. **Optional Beans**: If you’re using black beans for extra protein, stir them into the meat mixture now and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
#### Step 2: Assemble the Casserole
1. **Prepare the Baking Dish**: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
2. **Layer the Casserole**: Begin by spreading the crushed tortilla chips evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish. This will form the crispy base of your casserole.
3. **Add the Beef Mixture**: Pour the seasoned beef and salsa mixture evenly over the tortilla chips, making sure to cover them completely.
4. **Add the Cheese**: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese (or your preferred cheese) evenly over the beef mixture.
#### Step 3: Bake the Casserole
1. **Bake**: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are golden brown.
2. **Optional Crisp**: For extra crunch, you can turn on the broiler for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking to slightly crisp up the cheese and tortilla chips.
#### Step 4: Serve
1. **Garnish**: Once the casserole is out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes. Then, garnish with sour cream, chopped green onions, and any other desired toppings such as jalapeños, lettuce, avocado, or fresh cilantro.
2. **Serve**: Slice into squares and serve immediately. You can serve the casserole with extra salsa or your favorite taco sauce on the side.
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### Tips for the Perfect Walking Taco Casserole
1. **Use Your Favorite Chips**: While traditional tortilla chips are great, feel free to use flavored chips like nacho cheese or chili lime for an extra layer of flavor.
2. **Add Veggies**: To make this casserole even heartier, you can add veggies like bell peppers, corn, or diced onions to the beef mixture. Sauté them with the beef for added flavor.
3. **Customize the Meat**: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. You can also make this casserole vegetarian by replacing the meat with black beans or lentils.
4. **Make It Spicy**: If you love heat, add jalapeño slices to the casserole before baking, or top the finished dish with a drizzle of hot sauce.
5. **Make Ahead**: You can prepare this casserole in advance and refrigerate it overnight. When ready to serve, just pop it in the oven and bake until hot and bubbly.
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### Why This Recipe Works
Walking tacos are a beloved, fun, and easy meal, and this **Walking Taco Casserole** takes the best parts of that meal and transforms them into a hearty, comforting dish. The combination of crispy chips, seasoned beef, and gooey melted cheese creates the perfect balance of textures and flavors. Plus, with minimal prep and cooking time, it’s the perfect weeknight dinner or crowd-pleasing dish for parties.
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### Conclusion
If you’re looking for a fun and flavorful meal that’s sure to please everyone, **Walking Taco Casserole** is the answer. It combines all the best parts of tacos—seasoned beef, salsa, cheese, and crispy chips—into an easy, one-pan dish that’s perfect for feeding a family or entertaining guests. Whether you’re making it for Taco Tuesday or any occasion, this casserole is guaranteed to be a hit. So gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and enjoy a taco-inspired dinner everyone will love!
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