Walking Taco Bake

I. Introduction A. What is Walking Taco Bake? Walking Taco Bake is a fun and flavorful twist on the classic walking taco, a popular street food made by serving taco ingredients in a portable bag of chips. This baked version takes all the delicious flavors of tacos and combines them in a casserole dish for a hearty and satisfying meal. B. Brief history and origin The walking taco has its roots in American street food culture, where it's commonly found at fairs, festivals, and sporting events. The idea is to create a portable and mess-free way to enjoy tacos on the go, making it a convenient and popular option for casual dining. II. Ingredients To make Walking Taco Bake, you will need: Ground beef Onion Garlic Taco seasoning Canned diced tomatoes Black beans Corn Tortilla chips Shredded cheese Optional toppings (such as sour cream, salsa, avocado, and cilantro) III. Preparation A. Cooking the filling In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until it's browned and cooked through. Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until they are softened and fragrant. Stir in taco seasoning, canned diced tomatoes (undrained), black beans (drained and rinsed), and corn (drained). Simmer the mixture for 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. B. Assembling the casserole Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Spread a layer of tortilla chips evenly across the bottom of the baking dish. Spoon the cooked taco filling over the tortilla chips, spreading it out into an even layer. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top of the taco filling, covering it completely. C. Baking the casserole Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and the edges are bubbly. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. IV. Serving Suggestions Serve the Walking Taco Bake hot, garnished with your favorite toppings such as sour cream, salsa, diced avocado, and fresh cilantro. You can also serve it with a side of Mexican rice, refried beans, or a crisp salad for a complete and satisfying meal. V. Variations Customize the taco filling by adding diced bell peppers, jalapeños, or green chilies for extra flavor and heat. Substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef for a lighter option. Use crushed tortilla chips instead of whole chips for a more compact and cohesive casserole. VI. Tips and Tricks Crush the tortilla chips slightly before layering them in the baking dish to create a more even base. Make sure to drain excess grease from the cooked ground beef before adding it to the taco filling to prevent the casserole from becoming too oily. Feel free to adjust the amount of cheese and toppings according to your personal preference. VII. Health Considerations While Walking Taco Bake is a delicious and satisfying dish, it can be high in calories, fat, and sodium due to the cheese, chips, and taco seasoning. To make it healthier, consider using lean ground meat, reducing the amount of cheese, and adding extra vegetables to the filling. VIII. Conclusion Walking Taco Bake is a fun and flavorful dish that brings the deliciousness of tacos to the dinner table in a convenient and easy-to-make casserole form. Whether enjoyed as a hearty weeknight meal or served at a casual gathering with friends and family, this dish is sure to be a hit with taco lovers of all ages. IX. FAQs Can I make Walking Taco Bake ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it, covered, for up to 24 hours before baking. Simply let it come to room temperature before baking as directed. What other toppings can I add to Walking Taco Bake? Get creative with your toppings! Some delicious options include diced tomatoes, sliced black olives, shredded lettuce, pickled jalapeños, and hot sauce. Can I make Walking Taco Bake vegetarian? Absolutely! Simply omit the ground beef and add extra beans or tofu for protein. You can also bulk up the filling with additional vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. How do I store leftovers of Walking Taco Bake? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until heated through before serving. Can I use different types of cheese in Walking Taco Bake? Yes, feel free to experiment with different types of cheese to suit your taste preferences. Some popular options include cheddar, Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican blend.