WALKING TACO BAKE

Are you ready to embark on a taste adventure that will leave you craving for more? Look no further! Introducing the Walking Taco Bake – a delightful twist on the classic taco that will take your taste buds on a fiesta they won’t soon forget. Bursting with flavors and loaded with savory goodness, this unique culinary creation will become an instant favorite at your dinner table.

Ingredients:

For the Taco Meat:

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 packet of taco seasoning mix
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup water
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Walking Taco Bake:

• 6 cups of your favorite corn chips (nacho chips work great too!)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1/2 cup sliced black olives
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• Sliced jalapenos (optional, for an extra kick!)

Instructions:

Step 1: Preparing the Taco Meat

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the diced onions until they turn translucent and begin to caramelize.
2. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute until the fragrant aroma fills the air.
3. Now, it’s time to introduce the star of the show – the ground beef (or turkey). Break it apart using a spatula and cook until it browns beautifully.
4. Sprinkle the taco seasoning mix over the meat, and give it a good stir until the flavors marry together.
5. Pour in the tomato sauce and water, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow it to bubble away for 5-7 minutes, letting the meat soak up all the deliciousness.
6. Don’t forget to taste! Season with a pinch of salt and pepper according to your preference.

Step 2: Assembling the Walking Taco Bake

1. Preheat your oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C).
2. Take a large baking dish and start with a generous layer of corn chips at the bottom, forming a crunchy base for our fiesta.
3. Next comes the star attraction – the taco meat! Spread half of the prepared taco meat evenly over the chips, allowing every chip to revel in the flavorful goodness.
4. Sprinkle a blend of shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese over the taco meat, creating a luscious cheese blanket that will melt to perfection.
5. Add another layer of corn chips on top of the cheese, followed by the remaining taco meat.
6. Don’t forget the finishing touches! Sprinkle diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, sliced black olives, and chopped cilantro over the second layer of chips.
7. Embrace your spicy side by adding sliced jalapenos for an extra kick of heat!
8. The final flourish: top it all off with the remaining shredded cheeses to create a bubbly, gooey crown of deliciousness.

Step 3: Baking the Fiesta

1. Place the assembled Walking Taco Bake in the preheated oven and let it bake for about 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is beautifully melted and golden brown.
2. As the savory aromas fill your kitchen, get ready for a delightful fiesta that’s about to happen!

Step 4: Serving the Walking Taco Bake

1. Carefully remove the sizzling hot dish from the oven, and let it cool slightly.
2. Now comes the fun part! Grab a plate and serve yourself a portion of this flavorful fiesta straight from the baking dish. Yes, that’s right – no fancy serving required!
3. Top it off with a dollop of sour cream, and don’t be shy with the fresh cilantro for a burst of vibrant flavor.
4. Dig in and enjoy the crunchy, cheesy, and oh-so-delicious Walking Taco Bake, an experience that combines the convenience of a taco with the heartiness of a casserole.

Get ready to take your taste buds on an unforgettable journey with the Walking Taco Bake – a fiesta that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends. Brace yourself for an explosion of flavors and textures that will leave you craving more! Enjoy your culinary adventure!