Transform the fun and convenience of a walking taco into a hearty, oven-baked casserole with this Walking Taco Bake recipe. This dish layers savory ground beef, creamy refried beans, zesty salsa, and crisp tortilla chips, all topped with a generous amount of melted cheese. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for game day gatherings, family dinners, or any time you’re looking for a delicious and satisfying meal with a twist.
Ready to enjoy the bold flavors of tacos in a new and exciting way? This casserole is easy to prepare and even easier to love. Let’s dive into making this fun and tasty Walking Taco Bake that’s sure to become a new favorite.
Festive and Easy: A Taco Night Twist
This Walking Taco Bake offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors, making it a standout dish for any casual occasion. Here’s how to make sure your taco bake is as delicious as it is enjoyable.
Expert Tips for the Perfect Taco Bake:
- Layer for Success: Building the layers properly ensures each bite is packed with flavor. Start with beans, then meat, and build from there.
- Season Well: Make sure the ground beef is well-seasoned with taco seasoning to carry the taco flavors throughout the dish.
- Cheesy Goodness: Don’t skimp on the cheese—it adds a crucial melty, gooey component that binds everything together.
- Crisp Topping: Adding crushed tortilla chips gives a nice crunch that contrasts the creamy layers underneath.
- Fresh Toppings: Finish with fresh toppings like green onions and tomatoes after baking for a burst of freshness.
Walking Taco Bake Recipe:
- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Equipment: Skillet, 9×13 inch baking dish
Bring the excitement of a walking taco into your kitchen with this simple and delicious casserole.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 1 package (1 oz) taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 can (16 oz) refried beans
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups crushed tortilla chips
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh tomatoes
- 1/4 cup sliced jalapeños (optional)
Directions:
- Preheat and Prepare Beef: Set your oven to 375°F. In a skillet, brown the ground beef, drain, and mix with taco seasoning and water. Simmer until thickened.
- Layer Base: Spread refried beans in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Top with the seasoned beef.
- Build Layers: Add a layer of salsa, then sour cream. Sprinkle crushed tortilla chips over the sour cream.
- Add Cheese and Toppings: Cover with shredded cheese and arrange black olives, green onions, tomatoes, and jalapeños on top.
- Bake: Cook in the oven for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Serve hot, with optional avocado or guacamole.
Enjoy Every Bite!
This Walking Taco Bake brings all the joy and flavor of a walking taco into a delightful and easy-to-serve casserole. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a fun dinner idea, this recipe delivers big on flavor and excitement. Enjoy the combination of crunchy, creamy, and cheesy elements that make this dish a guaranteed hit.
PrintWalking Taco Bake
Bring the excitement of a walking taco into your kitchen with this simple and delicious casserole.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 1 package (1 oz) taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 can (16 oz) refried beans
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups crushed tortilla chips
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh tomatoes
- 1/4 cup sliced jalapeños (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Beef: Set your oven to 375°F. In a skillet, brown the ground beef, drain, and mix with taco seasoning and water. Simmer until thickened.
- Layer Base: Spread refried beans in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Top with the seasoned beef.
- Build Layers: Add a layer of salsa, then sour cream. Sprinkle crushed tortilla chips over the sour cream.
- Add Cheese and Toppings: Cover with shredded cheese and arrange black olives, green onions, tomatoes, and jalapeños on top.
- Bake: Cook in the oven for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Serve hot, with optional avocado or guacamole.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes