Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the Ground Beef:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Add Onion and Garlic:
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
- Season and Add Beans:
- Stir in the taco seasoning, black beans, and diced tomatoes (if using). Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to combine the flavors.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- In the prepared baking dish, layer the slightly crushed corn chips evenly on the bottom.
- Spoon the ground beef mixture over the chips, spreading it out evenly.
- Sprinkle 1.5 cups of the shredded cheese over the beef layer.
- Bake:
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Add Toppings and Serve:
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, salsa, sliced jalapeños, and chopped cilantro as desired.
- Serve warm and enjoy your Walking Taco Casserole!
This recipe brings together the crunchy texture of corn chips with the savory flavors of seasoned beef and melted cheese, all in a convenient casserole form. It’s perfect for a family dinner or a fun gathering.
Feel free to customize the toppings to suit your preferences. Enjoy your meal!