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## **Instructions:**
### **1. Preheat the Oven:**
Preheat your oven to **375°F (190°C)**. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a light coat of oil.
### **2. Cook the Ground Meat:**
In a large skillet, cook the **ground beef** (or your choice of ground meat) over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon until it’s browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat. Add the **taco seasoning mix** along with the **salsa**. Stir to combine and let the mixture simmer for a few minutes until the flavors meld together.
### **3. Layer the Bake:**
Once the meat mixture is ready, layer the bottom of the greased baking dish with the **crushed tortilla chips**. This will provide a crunchy base for the dish.
Next, evenly spread the **taco meat** mixture over the tortilla chips. If you’re using **black beans**, sprinkle them evenly over the taco meat for added texture and flavor.
### **4. Add the Cheese:**
Top the taco meat with a generous layer of both the **cheddar cheese** and **Mexican blend cheese**. The cheese will melt into the casserole and create that gooey, cheesy layer we all love.
### **5. Bake:**
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about **20-25 minutes**, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. The casserole should be golden brown on top.
### **6. Serve and Garnish:**
Once the Walking Taco Bake is ready, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with your favorite toppings, such as **shredded lettuce**, **green onions**, **black olives**, and a dollop of **sour cream**. You can also serve it with a side of **salsa** or **guacamole** for an extra touch of flavor.
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## **Why You’ll Love Walking Taco Bake:**
– **Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor**: You only need a few basic ingredients to create a dish that’s packed with flavor. The combination of seasoned meat, cheese, salsa, and crunchy chips is a crowd-pleasing favorite everyone will love.
– **A Fun Twist on Tacos**: Who doesn’t love tacos? This bake takes all the best elements of tacos and turns them into an easy-to-serve, one-dish meal that’s fun and filling.
– **Perfect for Meal Prep**: Walking Taco Bake is a great option for meal prep. You can make it ahead of time, store it in the fridge, and reheat individual portions throughout the week. It’s the kind of dish that gets even better the next day.
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## **Tips for the Perfect Walking Taco Bake:**
– **Use Quality Tortilla Chips**: For the best crunch, use sturdy tortilla chips that will hold up to the toppings and cheese. Avoid chips that are too thin, as they can become soggy in the casserole.
– **Add Heat to Your Bake**: If you like things spicy, throw in some diced **jalapeños**, **chopped green chilies**, or a few dashes of hot sauce into the taco meat mixture to add some heat.
– **Vegetarian Option**: To make the dish vegetarian, simply replace the ground beef with **black beans**, **refried beans**, or **vegetarian crumbles**. The salsa and taco seasoning will still give it that bold, taco-inspired flavor.
– **Make It Ahead**: This dish is great for meal prep! Assemble the entire bake in advance, cover it, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. You can also freeze it for later, making it an excellent option for busy nights.
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## **Conclusion:**
**Walking Taco Bake** is the perfect combination of comfort food and convenience. With layers of crispy tortilla chips, savory taco meat, and gooey melted cheese, this dish brings the best of tacos to your dinner table in a fun and easy-to-serve casserole form. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a simple weeknight dinner, this recipe will quickly become a favorite.
Plus, it’s completely customizable to fit your taste. Add your favorite toppings, swap out the meat, or experiment with different types of cheese—the possibilities are endless! This is the type of dish that brings everyone to the table, ready to dig in and enjoy.
So, the next time you’re craving tacos but want something a little more filling and fun, try making this **Walking Taco Bake**—your taste buds will thank you!
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