Casual Walking Taco Casserole

Ingredients

1 cup onion, chopped

3 ounces cream cheese, softened

1 packet Taco seasoning

1 small can green chilis

1 roma tomato, chopped1 to 2 cups lettuce, shredded

1 ½ pounds lean ground beef

3 cups Frito Corn Chips

1 ½ cups Mexican Blend Cheese, shredded

Sour Cream and Salsa for garnish, if desired

Instructions

Step 1:

Preheat the oven to 350*

Place the crumbled ground beef and chopped onion into a skillet and saute until the meat is no longer pink.

Step 2:

Add in the packet of Taco seasoning, the cream cheese and the green chilis and combine well. Stir to melt the cream cheese.

Top this mixture with the corn chips and top with shredded cheese.

Step 3:

Place the oven safe skillet into the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes.

Remove from the oven and top with the shredded lettuce and the chopped Roma tomato.

Step 4:

Garnish with dollops of sour cream and salsa.

Enjoy!

Notes:

Customize Your Ingredients: While the recipe provides a basic framework, feel free to customize it to your taste preferences. You can adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or less taco seasoning or green chilis. You can also swap out ingredients like using different types of cheese or adding in additional toppings like black olives, avocado, or jalapeños.

Choose Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality ingredients, especially when it comes to the ground beef. Lean ground beef is recommended to reduce excess grease in the casserole. Similarly, using fresh vegetables like onions, tomatoes, and lettuce will enhance the flavor and texture of the dish.

Properly Drain the Meat: After sautéing the ground beef and onions, make sure to drain any excess grease before adding the other ingredients. This helps prevent the casserole from becoming too greasy.

Evenly Distribute Ingredients: When layering the ingredients in the skillet, aim for an even distribution of meat, chips, cheese, and other toppings. This ensures that every bite has a balanced combination of flavors and textures.

Crunchy Corn Chip Layer: To maintain the crunchiness of the Frito Corn Chips, it’s best to add them just before baking. This prevents them from becoming soggy during the baking process.

Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on the casserole while it’s baking to prevent it from becoming overly dry or burnt. The suggested baking time is 15 to 20 minutes, but it’s always a good idea to check for doneness around the 15-minute mark, especially if your oven runs hot.

Garnish Just Before Serving: Wait to garnish the casserole with lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, and salsa until after it’s been removed from the oven. This ensures that the toppings stay fresh and vibrant.

Serve with Sides: While the casserole is a complete meal on its own, you can enhance the dining experience by serving it with complementary side dishes such as Spanish rice, refried beans, or a simple green salad.

Store Leftovers Properly: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or oven until heated through for a quick and satisfying meal.

Nutrition Information:

SERVING SIZE: 1

Amount Per Serving:

CALORIES: 547 | TOTAL FAT: 38g | CHOLESTEROL: 108mg | SUGAR: 5g | PROTEIN: 28g

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef in this recipe?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great alternative to beef if you’re looking for a leaner option.

Just make sure to adjust cooking times accordingly.

I don’t have cream cheese. Can I substitute it with something else?

While cream cheese adds creaminess to the dish, you can substitute it with sour cream or Greek yogurt for a similar effect.

Are Frito Corn Chips essential, or can I use regular tortilla chips?

While Frito Corn Chips add a unique flavor and texture, you can certainly use regular tortilla chips if that’s what you have on hand.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it.

When ready to bake, simply remove it from the refrigerator, let it come to room temperature, and then bake as directed.

How long will leftovers last in the refrigerator?

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Make sure to store them in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, you can freeze the casserole before baking it.

Prepare it as directed but don’t bake it. Instead, cover it tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2-3 months.

When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as directed.

I’m vegetarian. Can I make this without meat?

Absolutely! You can omit the ground beef altogether or substitute it with plant-based alternatives like crumbled tofu or meatless ground crumbles.

What can I serve with this casserole to make it a complete meal?

This casserole is quite filling on its own but can be paired with sides like Spanish rice, refried beans, or a simple salad for a complete meal.

I’m not a fan of spicy food. Can I omit the green chilis?

Of course! Feel free to omit the green chilis if you prefer a milder flavor.

You can also reduce the amount of taco seasoning for a less spicy dish.

Can I use different types of cheese for this recipe?

Yes, you can customize the cheese to your liking. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Pepper Jack would all work well in place of the Mexican Blend Cheese.