Walking Taco Bake Casserole (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Casserole Components
01 -
1 pound ground beef
02 -
1 packet taco seasoning
03 -
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese or Mexican-blend cheese, divided
04 -
3 cups Fritos corn chips or tortilla chips
05 -
8 ounces cream cheese
06 -
3/4 cup salsa
→ Fresh Toppings
07 -
2 medium tomatoes, diced
08 -
1 head iceberg lettuce, shredded
# Instructions:
01 -
Set oven to 177°C (350°F) and allow to fully preheat.
02 -
Dice the tomatoes and shred the lettuce; set aside for garnish.
03 -
Place Fritos or tortilla chips in a resealable plastic bag and crush them gently with a rolling pin.
04 -
Brown ground beef in a cast iron skillet over medium heat until no pink remains, breaking the meat into small crumbles.
05 -
Stir in the taco seasoning according to packet directions, including the recommended amount of water.
06 -
Lightly grease the bottom of a 33 x 23 cm (9 x 13 inch) casserole dish.
07 -
Microwave cream cheese for 30–45 seconds until soft but not melted. In a small bowl, mix softened cream cheese with salsa until smooth.
08 -
Spread crushed chips evenly over the bottom of the prepared casserole dish. Top with the cooked beef mixture. Spread the cream cheese and salsa mixture over the beef layer.
09 -
Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheese evenly over the layers.
10 -
Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
11 -
Remove from the oven. Immediately top with the remaining cheese, shredded lettuce, and diced tomatoes. Serve warm.
# Notes:
01 -
For a spicier flavor, use hot salsa or add sliced jalapeños before baking.