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### **Instructions for Making Walking Taco Casserole**
#### **1. Preheat the Oven**
Start by preheating your oven to **375°F (190°C)**. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
#### **2. Cook the Ground Beef**
In a large skillet, cook the **ground beef** over medium heat, breaking it up into small pieces as it browns. Once the beef is fully cooked, drain any excess fat, then add the **diced onion**. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent.
#### **3. Add the Seasoning and Tomatoes**
Stir in the **taco seasoning** and **water**, then add the **diced tomatoes** (with their juices). Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
#### **4. Layer the Casserole**
In the prepared baking dish, spread the **ground beef mixture** evenly on the bottom. Next, layer the **black beans** on top of the beef, followed by half of the **shredded cheese**. Sprinkle a generous layer of **crushed tortilla chips** over the cheese.
#### **5. Bake**
Top the casserole with the remaining **cheese**, then place the dish in the oven and bake for **20 minutes**, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
#### **6. Add Toppings and Serve**
Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes to cool slightly. Top with additional **crushed tortilla chips** for added crunch. Serve with a dollop of **sour cream**, **salsa**, and a sprinkle of **green onions** and **fresh cilantro** for extra flavor.
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### **Tips for Perfect Walking Taco Casserole**
1. **Use Ground Turkey or Chicken**: If you want to make the casserole leaner, you can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. Both options work wonderfully and still deliver a satisfying flavor.
2. **Make It Spicy**: If you love heat, consider using spicy taco seasoning or adding a can of diced green chilies or jalapeños to the casserole mixture.
3. **Add Extra Veggies**: For a more nutritious twist, try adding some chopped bell peppers, corn, or even spinach to the ground beef mixture. This is an easy way to sneak in extra veggies without compromising the flavor.
4. **Use Homemade Tortilla Chips**: If you have leftover tortillas, you can make your own crispy tortilla chips by cutting them into strips and baking them in the oven with a little oil and salt.
5. **Top with Fresh Ingredients**: While sour cream and salsa are great options for toppings, feel free to get creative. Guacamole, diced avocado, or even pickled jalapeños can add a fresh and flavorful touch to the casserole.
6. **Make Ahead and Freeze**: Walking Taco Casserole is a great dish to prepare ahead of time. Assemble the casserole and cover it tightly before refrigerating for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, simply pop it in the oven. You can also freeze the casserole for up to 3 months. Just be sure to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
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### **Why You’ll Love Walking Taco Casserole**
– **Easy to Make**: With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, this casserole is a quick and easy dinner solution. No need for individual taco assembly—just layer, bake, and enjoy!
– **Taco-Inspired Comfort**: The crunchy tortilla chips, seasoned beef, and melty cheese offer all the delicious flavors of tacos but in a more filling, casserole format.
– **Perfect for Meal Prep**: Walking Taco Casserole stores and reheats beautifully, making it ideal for meal prepping. It’s also great for feeding a crowd at a potluck or family gathering.
– **Customizable**: You can adjust the recipe to suit your family’s taste preferences. Whether you want more heat, extra veggies, or a different protein, this dish can easily be tweaked to suit your needs.
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### **Conclusion**
**Walking Taco Casserole** is the ultimate taco-inspired dish that’s perfect for busy families, potlucks, and any occasion that calls for comfort food with a twist. It combines all the beloved flavors of tacos with the ease and convenience of a casserole, making it a crowd-pleasing meal everyone will enjoy. Whether you’re making it for dinner tonight or preparing it ahead of time for a busy week, this casserole is sure to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen.
Give this Walking Taco Casserole a try and see just how easy and delicious taco night can be!
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