Walking Taco Bake

Imagine the deliciousness of your favorite taco in a single, hearty casserole—easy to make and packed with flavor. This Walking Taco Bake is the ultimate comfort food for taco lovers who want all the flavors of a classic taco, minus the mess. Perfect for a family dinner, potluck, or game-day gathering, this dish brings everything you love about tacos into a convenient, easy-to-serve bake. With layers of seasoned ground beef, crunchy corn chips, melty cheddar cheese, and fresh toppings, each bite delivers a satisfying combination of textures and flavors.

Not only is it simple to put together, but it also lets you add your favorite toppings or extra ingredients to personalize each plate. Serve it with a dollop of sour cream, some chopped cilantro, or even jalapeño slices if you crave a little heat. This is a recipe designed for both busy weeknights and special gatherings when you want something comforting and festive without spending hours in the kitchen. Let’s dive into this flavorful dish that’s guaranteed to have everyone coming back for seconds!

---

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef 🥩
• 1 packet taco seasoning 🌮
• 1 cup salsa 🍅
• 1 bag corn chips 🌽
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese 🧀
• 1/4 cup sliced olives 🫒
• 1/4 cup diced green onions 🧅

---

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the Beef: In a medium skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
3. Season the Meat: Stir in the taco seasoning packet and salsa. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to blend and thicken slightly.
4. Assemble the Bake: Spread a layer of corn chips in the bottom of a baking dish. Pour the beef mixture over the chips and spread it evenly.
5. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the beef mixture.
6. Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and is bubbly.
7. Add Fresh Toppings: Remove from the oven and garnish with sliced olives and diced green onions.
8. Serve: Serve immediately, letting everyone scoop out their serving. Add additional toppings as desired!

---

How to Prepare

Preparing this Walking Taco Bake is straightforward and quick. First, make sure you have all the ingredients measured and prepped to streamline the process. Brown the ground beef, then combine it with taco seasoning and salsa for a saucy, flavorful base. The key to perfect layering is ensuring that the beef mixture covers the chips evenly. The cheese topping should be spread generously for that golden, melty finish. Bake until the cheese is bubbling and everything is heated through. Finally, add your olives and green onions as fresh toppings right before serving for extra texture and flavor.

---

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

---

Servings

• Yield: 4 servings

---

FAQs

Q1: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef? A: Yes! Ground turkey is a great alternative if you want a leaner option. Follow the same steps for seasoning and cooking.

Q2: What other toppings work well with this recipe? A: You can add sour cream, chopped tomatoes, cilantro, jalapeños, or even guacamole to enhance the flavors.

Q3: Can I make this dish ahead of time? A: You can prepare the meat mixture ahead, but wait to add the corn chips and cheese until just before baking, so it stays fresh and crunchy.

Q4: Is this recipe gluten-free? A: Check the taco seasoning and corn chips for any gluten-containing ingredients. Many brands offer gluten-free options.

Q5: Can I use a different type of cheese? A: Absolutely! Monterey Jack, Mexican blend, or pepper jack cheese are all tasty alternatives that melt well in this recipe.

---

Conclusion

This Walking Taco Bake is a fantastic way to bring taco night to a whole new level. It’s fun, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. With just 25 minutes from start to finish, this recipe is perfect for any time you crave something tasty but don’t have hours to cook. The simplicity of this dish, combined with its vibrant layers and bold flavors, makes it a favorite for both kids and adults alike.

Whether you’re hosting friends for game day, having a family movie night, or just looking for a fun dinner idea, this bake has got you covered. Plus, it’s versatile enough to allow for toppings and variations that suit everyone’s tastes. So grab a fork (or use chips to scoop it up like a true taco fan) and dig into this delightful twist on a classic taco!

Print