Description
This Walking Taco Bake is a hearty, flavorful casserole combining seasoned ground beef, refried beans, nacho cheese sauce, crunchy tortilla chips, and melty shredded cheese. Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s a family-friendly, customizable meal perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners, delivering a delightful mix of textures and bold, classic taco flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat & Protein
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning (blend of cumin, chili powder, garlic, paprika)
- 1 cup refried beans
Cheese & Sauces
- 1 cup nacho cheese sauce
- 1 to 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or Mexican blend)
Base & Crunch
- 3 cups tortilla chips, crushed (use fresh for best crunch)
Toppings & Garnishes
- ½ cup diced tomatoes or salsa
- 2 green onions, chopped
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Optional Variations
- Diced jalapeños or hot sauce (optional for spice)
- Additional veggies like corn, diced bell peppers, or black olives (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Beef: Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it apart into small pieces. Cook until no pink remains, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess grease, then add taco seasoning and a splash of water. Stir well to coat the beef evenly with flavor.
- Prepare the Beans and Cheese Sauce: Warm the refried beans in a small saucepan or microwave until smooth and creamy. Heat the nacho cheese sauce separately until warm and pourable.
- Assemble the Layers: In a baking dish, spread a layer of crushed tortilla chips, then half the seasoned beef, dollops of refried beans, and half the cheese sauce. Repeat the layers once more, finishing with a generous sprinkle of shredded cheese on top.
- Bake Until Bubbly: Place the assembled bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden around the edges.
- Add Fresh Toppings: Remove from oven and garnish with diced tomatoes or salsa, chopped green onions, and fresh cilantro. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Notes
- Even Layering: Layer ingredients evenly to ensure balanced flavors and textures in every bite.
- Use Fresh Chips: Crush tortilla chips gently before layering to keep the crunch without becoming mushy.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the bake sit for 5 minutes after baking to set and cool slightly for easier serving.
- Cheese Choices: Mix or use pre-shredded cheese blends for optimal melting and flavor.
- Season Beans Well: Enhance refried beans with a pinch of cumin or garlic powder for extra depth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Keywords: walking taco bake, casserole, taco bake, ground beef recipe, easy family dinner, one dish meal