If you’re craving a fun and unique twist on the classic taco, look no further than this Walking Taco Bake! Packed with seasoned ground beef, crunchy tortilla chips, creamy cheese, and a zesty kick of salsa, this hearty and crowd-pleasing dish is the perfect way to enjoy tacos in a whole new way. Whether you’re hosting a casual family dinner, a game day gathering, or just need a quick and satisfying meal, this Walking Taco Bake is guaranteed to be a hit.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade seasoning)
- 1 cup salsa (choose your preferred heat level)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- 1 small red onion, finely diced
- 1 bag of tortilla chips (about 10-12 oz)
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
- 1/4 cup jalapeño slices (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a light drizzle of olive oil.
- Prepare the Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it up into small crumbles. Drain any excess fat. Stir in the taco seasoning and salsa, then cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Layer the Dish: Spread a layer of tortilla chips evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Make sure the chips cover the bottom but don’t need to be perfectly aligned. This provides a crispy base that complements the rest of the dish.
- Add the Beef Mixture: Pour the seasoned ground beef mixture over the chips, spreading it evenly to cover them.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the beef layer, covering it completely. The cheese will melt into the layers, creating a gooey, delicious topping.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are slightly golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Top with fresh shredded lettuce, diced tomato, red onion, black olives, and jalapeños. For an extra creamy touch, add dollops of sour cream on top. Garnish with fresh cilantro, if desired.
- Serve: Scoop out portions of the taco bake and serve with additional salsa, sour cream, or any other toppings you love.
This Walking Taco Bake is a delightful, cheesy, and flavorful dish that brings the fun of walking tacos right into your oven. Enjoy every bite of this perfect comfort food with a twist!