Walking Taco Bake: A Weeknight Delight!
Walking Taco Bake is a popular dish that is not just delicious but also exciting to make. Don’t let the name fool you; this isn’t a dish you walk with but a hearty casserole you sit down and enjoy with friends and family. Its special trait is in the layers of flavors it presents, perfect for both feeding a large family and impressing guests.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Baking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 6-8 servings
Why Make This Recipe
As all taco lovers will confirm, one taco is almost never enough. And with Walking Taco Bake, you introduce a fresh spin to the classic taco dish by transforming it into a shareable casserole that everyone will love. This is a dish full of flavor with each of the ingredients equally contributing to making it a complete meal.
How to Make Walking Taco Bake
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 packet taco seasoning
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 bag (10 oz) tortilla chips
– 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
– 1 cup salsa
– 1 cup sour cream
– 2 cups shredded lettuce
– 1 cup diced tomatoes
– 1/2 cup sliced black olives (optional)
– 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (optional)
Directions:
– Oven has to be preheated to 375°F (190°C).
– On a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat and drain excess fat.
– Add in taco seasoning and water to the simmering beef and let it sit for 5 minutes.
– Introduce black beans to the beef mixture and stir well for even distribution.
– Layer half of tortilla chips onto the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
– Spread the beef and bean mixture over the chips evenly.
– Pour half the salsa over the beef layer and sprinkle with half of the cheese.
– Now use your remaining chips, salsa, and cheese for another layer.
– Bake it in the preheated oven for 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
– Let it cool slightly after removing from the oven.
– Prior to serving, top it with sour cream, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, olives, and cilantro.
How to Serve Walking Taco Bake
You could serve the Walking Taco bake just as it is, straight from the casserole. All you need alongside is a refreshing pitcher of margaritas or an ice-cold bottle of soda. Round it off with a scoop of guacamole or some spicy salsa if you desire some added heat.
How to Store Walking Taco Bake
The Walking Taco Bake can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Cover the casserole dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the leftover portion to an airtight container.
Tips to Make Walking Taco Bake
– Use fresh ingredients wherever possible.
– Take your time layering your ingredients to get the best flavor combo in every bite.
– Substitute ground beef with chicken or turkey for a variant.
– Use a variety of cheeses to maximize flavor and creaminess.
Variations
For a vegetarian version of the Walking Taco Bake, substitute ground beef with a mix of veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, and corn. Also, seasoned tofu can act a wonderful protein replacement.
FAQs
1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the recipe ahead and refrigerate it before the baking step. When you’re ready to enjoy it, bake as directed.
2. How can I add more heat to my Walking Taco Bake?
Jalapeno, habanero, or your preferred variety of hot peppers can be added to the bake. Alternatively, spicy salsa or hot sauce can be the approach.
3. What can I substitute for ground beef?
Ground turkey, chicken, pork, or a vegetarian alternative like mushrooms or tofu can be used instead of ground beef.
We hope this walking taco bake brings a fiesta to your table! Enjoy every crunchy, cheesy, and juicy bite of it. This dish is sure to delight you and your loved ones.