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Baked Walking Taco Casserole

Baked Walking Taco Casserole: A Flavorful Family Favorite!

Baked Walking Taco Casserole is a comforting one-pot dish blending ground beef, rice, and flavorful ingredients that everyone will love.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Casserole
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Used for sautéing ingredients; enhances flavor. Substitute: Any neutral cooking oil.
  • 1 pound Ground Beef Main protein; adds rich flavor. Substitute: Ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
  • 1 medium Onion Diced; adds sweetness and aroma.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Enhances flavors; adjust to taste.
  • 2 tablespoons Taco Seasoning Provides the primary spice profile. Recommended: Mild taco seasoning for less heat.
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika Adds depth and smokiness. Substitute: Regular paprika if unavailable.
  • 1 teaspoon Granulated Garlic Infuses flavor; can use garlic powder as a substitute.
  • 1 cup Red Enchilada Sauce Offers moisture and flavor.
  • 1 cup Beef Broth Adds depth; can use chicken broth as an alternative.
  • 1 can Mild Green Chiles Contributes flavor and mild heat. Substitute: Diced fresh chiles for additional texture.
  • 1 cup White Rice Uncooked; absorbs flavors.
  • 1 cup Sour Cream Adds creaminess and balances spices. Substitute: Plain Greek yogurt if desired.
  • 2 cups Fritos Provides crunch and completes the walking taco vibe. Substitute: Tortilla chips for a gluten-free option.
  • 1 cup Colby Jack Cheese Shredded; melts beautifully and adds flavor. Substitute: Monterey Jack or cheddar if preferred.
For Garnish
  • 1 cup Lettuce Adds freshness and crunch; use crisp varieties.
  • 0.25 cup Cilantro Provides a burst of flavor; optional.
  • 1 large Tomato Diced; adds juicy freshness.
  • 3 tablespoons Pickled Jalapeños Brings a spicy kick; adjust to taste.

Equipment

  • large oven-safe skillet

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare your large oven-safe skillet.
  2. Sauté the ground beef and diced onion in olive oil for 5-7 minutes until browned.
  3. Season with salt, taco seasoning, smoked paprika, and granulated garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
  4. Incorporate red enchilada sauce, beef broth, mild green chiles, and uncooked white rice. Stir and bring to boil.
  5. Cover and reduce heat, simmer for 15-20 minutes until rice absorbs liquid.
  6. Fold in sour cream and half of the shredded cheese.
  7. Layer Fritos and remaining cheese on top. Bake for 8-10 minutes until cheese is melted.
  8. Garnish with lettuce, cilantro, diced tomatoes, and jalapeños before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 25gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 600IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 3mg

Notes

For best results, use uncooked rice and add Fritos just before serving.

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