Description
Walking Taco Bake is a quick, family-friendly casserole that combines all the classic taco flavors into a warm, cheesy dish. Featuring seasoned ground beef, crunchy tortilla chips, melted cheese, and fresh taco toppings, this comforting bake is perfect for busy weeknights and customizable to your taste preferences.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 3 cups crushed tortilla chips (gluten-free if needed)
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 1 cup refried beans
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
Optional Toppings
- Sour cream (for serving)
- Salsa (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the Meat Mixture: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat, then stir in the taco seasoning along with a splash of water as directed on your seasoning packet. Let it simmer until thickened and flavorful.
- Assemble the Base Layer: In a baking dish, spread a layer of crushed tortilla chips evenly across the bottom. Next, evenly distribute a layer of refried beans atop the chips, creating a rich, creamy base.
- Add Meat and Cheese Layers: Pour the seasoned beef over the beans, spreading it out gently. Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese over the top, covering the mixture evenly to ensure gooeyness in every bite.
- Bake Until Bubbling: Place the dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden at the edges.
- Add Fresh Toppings: Once out of the oven, sprinkle diced tomatoes and green onions on top. Serve with sides of sour cream and salsa for added creaminess and tang.
Notes
- Use sturdy, thick tortilla chips to maintain crunch after baking.
- Keep layers balanced to avoid sogginess or density.
- Add fresh toppings only after baking to keep them crisp and vibrant.
- For extra gooey cheese, add half before baking and half after, then broil briefly.
- Always taste and adjust seasoning in the meat mixture before layering.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg