Walking Taco Bake
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 package taco seasoning
- 2/3 cup water
- 2 cups chili cheese Fritos
- 1/2 can (about 5 oz) cheddar cheese soup
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the taco seasoning and water, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer for about 5 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed and the meat is thoroughly coated in seasoning.
- Spread a layer of chili cheese Fritos on the bottom of an 8 x 8 baking dish.
- Spread the seasoned meat evenly over the layer of Fritos.
- In a saucepan, combine the cheddar cheese soup and milk. Heat over low heat until warm, stirring occasionally.
- Once warmed, pour the cheese mixture evenly over the meat layer in the baking dish.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the cheese sauce layer.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 12-14 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove the baking dish from the oven and let it cool slightly.
- Scoop out the desired amount onto plates and serve hot.
Enjoy your delicious Walking Taco Bake, a fun twist on a classic taco dish!
Here are some tips to make your Walking Taco Bake even more delicious:
- Customize the Seasoning: Experiment with different taco seasoning blends or add extra spices like cumin, chili powder, or garlic powder to suit your taste preferences.
- Mix and Match Chips: While the recipe calls for chili cheese Fritos, feel free to use your favorite variety of corn chips or even tortilla chips for added crunch and flavor.
- Add Fresh Toppings: Serve your Walking Taco Bake with a variety of fresh toppings such as diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, chopped cilantro, or diced avocado for a burst of freshness and color.
- Enhance the Cheese Sauce: Amp up the flavor of the cheese sauce by stirring in some diced green chilies, chopped green onions, or a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick.
- Make it Ahead: You can prepare the meat mixture and cheese sauce ahead of time and assemble the dish just before baking. This is perfect for busy weeknights or when entertaining guests.
- Double the Recipe: If you’re feeding a crowd or want leftovers, double the recipe and bake it in a larger dish. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated for a quick and satisfying meal later on.
- Serve with Sides: Round out your meal by serving the Walking Taco Bake with side dishes like Spanish rice, refried beans, or a crisp green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
- Get Creative: Feel free to get creative with additional toppings or mix-ins such as black beans, corn, or diced bell peppers to add extra flavor and texture to your Walking Taco Bake.
