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
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the diced onions until they turn translucent and begin to caramelize.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute until the fragrant aroma fills the air.
- 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.
- Sprinkle the taco seasoning mix over the meat, and give it a good stir until the flavors marry together.
- 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.
- Don’t forget to taste! Season with a pinch of salt and pepper according to your preference.
Step 2: Assembling the Walking Taco Bake
- Preheat your oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C).
- Take a large baking dish and start with a generous layer of corn chips at the bottom, forming a crunchy base for our fiesta.
- 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.
- Sprinkle a blend of shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese over the taco meat, creating a luscious cheese blanket that will melt to perfection.
- Add another layer of corn chips on top of the cheese, followed by the remaining taco meat.
- Don’t forget the finishing touches! Sprinkle diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, sliced black olives, and chopped cilantro over the second layer of chips.
- Embrace your spicy side by adding sliced jalapenos for an extra kick of heat!
- 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
- 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.
- 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
- Carefully remove the sizzling hot dish from the oven, and let it cool slightly.
- 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!
- Top it off with a dollop of sour cream, and don’t be shy with the fresh cilantro for a burst of vibrant flavor.
- 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!
