Hey there, fellow food enthusiasts! Let’s take a tasty trip down memory lane with a twist on a classic favorite: the Walking Taco Casserole. Picture this: all the deliciousness of your favorite taco, transformed into a hearty dish that’s perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers. Get ready to indulge in layers of flavor and texture that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds. Here’s how I whip up this irresistible casserole:
Italian Nonna’s Walking Taco Casserole
Ingredients:
– 1 lb of ground chicken, beef, or turkey (take your pick!)
– 1 small onion, sliced
– 1/2 can of Rotel (those diced tomatoes with green chilies)
– 1 packet of taco seasoning (for that perfect blend of spices)
– 1 bag of crunchy Frito corn chips (because who can resist that crunch?)
– 1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 can of enchilada sauce (10 oz)
– 2 oz. of cream cheese (for that creamy goodness)
– 2 cups of shredded cheese (go for a blend that melts like a dream, think cheddar or Mexican-style)
Instructions:
1. Let’s kick things off by preheating that oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, lightly grease up a 9×13 inch baking dish. We’re getting ready to make some magic happen!
2. Time to cook up that meaty goodness. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown up your ground meat until it’s no longer pink. Toss in those sliced onions halfway through cooking, letting them soften and get all nice and translucent.
3. Now, let’s amp up the flavor. Stir in that half can of Rotel and the packet of taco seasoning, giving everything a good mix. Let it all simmer away for about 5 minutes until it thickens up a bit. If things start to look a tad dry, don’t hesitate to add a splash of water.
4. Let’s start layering our casserole masterpiece. Spread a generous layer of those Frito corn chips at the bottom of your prepared baking dish, saving a handful for later. Next up, layer on that delicious meat and onion mixture.
5. Now, in a separate bowl, mix together the drained black beans, enchilada sauce, and cream cheese until it’s all nicely combined. Pour this flavorful mixture over the meat layer in your dish.
6. Time to top it all off with a sprinkle of shredded cheese. Make sure to cover everything evenly with that melty goodness.
7. Pop your casserole creation into the oven and let it bake for around 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbling away.
8. Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes to set. And here’s a little trick for extra crunch: sprinkle on some more Frito chips right before serving!
9. Time to dig in! Serve up your Walking Taco Casserole nice and warm, and feel free to get creative with toppings like sour cream, diced tomatoes, lettuce, or jalapeños for that extra kick.
Conclusion:
This Walking Taco Casserole is the perfect way to spice up taco night with a fun and flavorful twist. It’s comfort food at its finest, bringing together all your favorite taco flavors in one hearty dish. So go ahead, gather ’round the table, and enjoy every delicious bite!
