**Walking Taco Casserole Recipe**
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### **Introduction:**
Walking Taco Casserole is a creative twist on the popular walking taco, where all the familiar flavors of a taco are combined into a hearty casserole that’s easy to serve and eat. The dish layers seasoned ground beef, cheese, and crunchy tortilla chips into a delicious, flavorful casserole that can be enjoyed by the whole family. It’s the perfect comfort food for a weeknight dinner, potluck, or tailgate party. The beauty of this casserole is that it’s customizable—whether you like it spicy, mild, or extra cheesy, you can make it your own!
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### **Origin and Cultural Significance:**
The concept of a “walking taco” likely originated at fairs, sporting events, and festivals in the United States, especially in the Midwest, where portable, easy-to-eat taco-inspired meals became a popular food trend. Essentially, a walking taco is a single-serve taco served in a small bag of chips, where the chips are used as the base and the toppings are added directly into the bag for an on-the-go snack.
The Walking Taco Casserole takes this convenient and tasty concept and turns it into a more substantial meal. By baking the ingredients together in a casserole dish, it adds comfort and versatility, making it a family-friendly dish that retains all the flavor of tacos but without the need for individual assembly.
Culturally, the walking taco represents convenience and simplicity, often enjoyed at social gatherings like sporting events, family picnics, and casual dinners. The casserole version carries the same spirit of easy, crowd-pleasing comfort food, perfect for sharing.
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### **Ingredients & Quantity:**
For the **Casserole**:
– **1 lb ground beef** (or ground turkey for a lighter version)
– **1 small onion** (chopped)
– **1 packet taco seasoning** (or homemade seasoning mix)
– **1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes** (drained)
– **1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce**
– **1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies** (optional, for added flavor)
– **2 cups shredded cheddar cheese** (or a cheese blend)
– **3 cups crushed tortilla chips** (or whole chips, roughly broken)
– **1 cup sour cream** (optional for topping)
– **1/4 cup chopped green onions** (optional for garnish)
For the **Optional Toppings** (after baking):
– Shredded lettuce
– Sliced tomatoes
– Jalapeño slices
– Salsa
– Guacamole
– Sliced olives
– Fresh cilantro
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### **Optional Additions:**
– **1/2 cup black beans** (drained and rinsed, for extra fiber)
– **1/2 cup corn kernels** (adds sweetness and crunch)
– **1 tablespoon taco sauce** (for added tang)
– **1/2 teaspoon chili powder** (for extra heat)
– **1/4 cup sliced olives** (for a briny, savory flavor)
– **1/2 cup diced bell peppers** (for additional crunch and color)
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### **Tips for Success:**
1. **Don’t overcook the beef**: Brown the ground beef until it’s just fully cooked. Overcooking can make the meat dry. Drain excess fat for a leaner casserole.
2. **Use quality cheese**: Shredded cheese melts best when it’s freshly shredded from a block. Pre-shredded cheese may not melt as smoothly.
3. **Layer evenly**: When layering the ingredients, make sure the tortilla chips are spread out evenly for the best crunch and flavor in every bite.
4. **Adjust seasoning to taste**: Depending on your spice preference, you can add extra chili powder, cayenne pepper, or even hot sauce to the beef mixture.
5. **Don’t skip the chips**: The crushed tortilla chips are key to getting the true “walking taco” experience—don’t substitute with just regular breadcrumbs or crackers.
6. **Make it ahead**: This casserole can be assembled a day in advance and baked just before serving. It’s great for prepping for busy days or entertaining.
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### **Instructions:**
1. **Preheat the oven** to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
2. **Cook the ground beef**: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
3. **Add seasoning and liquids**: Stir in the taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and green chilies (if using). Simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
4. **Assemble the casserole**: Spread a layer of crushed tortilla chips at the bottom of the prepared casserole dish. Pour the beef mixture evenly over the chips. Top with shredded cheese.
5. **Bake**: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. **Garnish and serve**: Remove from the oven and top with optional garnishes like sour cream, green onions, shredded lettuce, tomatoes, and any other desired toppings. Serve warm and enjoy!
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### **Description:**
Walking Taco Casserole is a delicious mash-up of all your favorite taco ingredients, baked together into a cheesy, comforting casserole. The layers of seasoned ground beef, zesty tomato sauce, and crunchy tortilla chips create a satisfying combination of textures. The melted cheese ties everything together, making each bite a flavorful explosion. It’s the perfect dish for a casual dinner or a crowd-pleasing potluck, with endless customization options to suit different tastes.
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### **Nutritional Information (per serving, assuming 8 servings):**
– **Calories**: 350
– **Fat**: 20g
– Saturated Fat: 9g
– **Carbohydrates**: 28g
– Fiber: 3g
– Sugars: 4g
– **Protein**: 17g
– **Cholesterol**: 50mg
– **Sodium**: 800mg
– **Vitamin A**: 8% DV
– **Vitamin C**: 10% DV
– **Calcium**: 20% DV
– **Iron**: 12% DV
*Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.*
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### **Conclusion:**
Walking Taco Casserole is a fun, easy-to-make dish that brings the flavors of a walking taco to the table in casserole form. It’s cheesy, savory, and loaded with satisfying crunch from the tortilla chips. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a family meal, this dish is a winner for taco lovers of all ages. The beauty of this casserole is that it’s easily customizable, so you can make it as spicy, cheesy, or veggie-packed as you prefer.
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### **Recommendation:**
If you’re looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal, Walking Taco Casserole is the way to go. It’s an ideal choice for busy weeknights, family dinners, or gatherings with friends. For a healthier version, consider using ground turkey or lean beef, and swapping out some of the cheese for a lighter option. You can also add extra vegetables like bell peppers or corn to increase the nutritional value while maintaining that satisfying taco flavor. Embrace the healthful indulgence of this taco-inspired casserole, and enjoy the perfect balance of flavor and convenience!