Walking Taco Casserole: A Game Day Game Changer

Forget individual bags of chips – elevate your game day snacking with this Walking Taco Casserole! This recipe takes the fun and convenience of walking tacos and transforms them into a hearty, crowd-pleasing casserole perfect for parties, potlucks, or a casual weeknight dinner. It’s easy to customize, budget-friendly, and guaranteed to be a hit.

What Makes This Recipe So Great?

This Walking Taco Casserole offers several advantages over traditional walking tacos:

• Easy to Serve: No more individual bags to fill! This casserole is served family-style, making it perfect for large gatherings.
• Portion Control: While you can customize portion sizes, the casserole format allows for more controlled serving sizes compared to individual bags which can lead to overeating.
• More Flavorful: The casserole allows for a more even distribution of flavors, leading to a more consistent and flavorful experience than individual walking tacos.
• Customizable: Feel free to experiment with different toppings and meat choices to suit your preferences.

Ingredients You'll Need:

For the Base:

• 1 pound ground beef (or turkey, chicken, or vegetarian crumbles)
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained
• 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel), undrained
• 1 cup crushed tortilla chips (we recommend using a hearty, thick-cut variety)

For the Topping Layer:

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1/2 cup chopped tomatoes
• 1/2 cup sour cream or Mexican crema
• Optional toppings: diced onions, jalapeños, guacamole, salsa

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Brown the Meat: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
2. Add Seasoning & Veggies: Stir in the taco seasoning, black beans, corn, and Rotel. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
3. Prepare the Casserole Dish: Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
4. Layer the Casserole: Spread half of the crushed tortilla chips in the bottom of the baking dish. Pour the meat and vegetable mixture evenly over the chips. Top with the remaining crushed tortilla chips.
5. Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly.
6. Add Cheese: Remove from the oven and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Return to the oven for another 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Serve & Enjoy: Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Top with your favorite toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, onions, jalapeños, guacamole, and salsa.

Tips for Success:

• Don't overbake: Overbaking can result in dry tortilla chips. Keep a close eye on the casserole during the last few minutes of baking.
• Get creative with toppings: The possibilities are endless! Experiment with different cheeses, vegetables, and salsas.
• Make it ahead: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and baked just before serving.
• Leftovers: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

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This recipe is sure to be a touchdown at your next gathering! Enjoy!