Imagine the savory aroma of seasoned ground beef mingling with the zesty tang of salsa, the earthy richness of black beans, and the sweetness of corn, all layered with gooey melted cheese and crunchy tortilla chips. This is the essence of our W-W Walking Taco Casserole – a comforting and satisfying dish that brings the flavors of a classic taco to life in a convenient and wholesome casserole format.
As you take your first bite, you’re greeted by a symphony of textures and tastes – the crunch of the crushed tortilla chips gives way to the tender, flavorful ground beef, while the creamy cheese melts in your mouth. Each layer offers a burst of flavor, from the spicy kick of the taco seasoning to the freshness of the salsa and the sweetness of the corn.
But what sets this casserole apart is its versatility and convenience. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, it’s the perfect dish for busy weeknights or casual gatherings with friends and family. Plus, with smart ingredient choices and portion control, you can enjoy all the delicious flavors of a classic taco without any of the guilt.
Whether served as a hearty dinner or a crowd-pleasing party dish, our W-W Walking Taco Casserole is sure to be a hit. It’s a comforting reminder that healthy eating can be delicious, satisfying, and downright enjoyable. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to indulge in the ultimate comfort food – guilt-free!
Enjoy the flavors of a classic walking taco in a wholesome casserole form with our W-W Walking Taco Casserole. This comforting dish combines all the favorite taco ingredients – seasoned ground beef, gooey cheese, crunchy tortilla chips, and zesty salsa – into a satisfying meal that’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends. With smart ingredient choices and portion control, you can indulge in the flavors you love without compromising your wellness goals.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb extra lean ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 packet low-sodium taco seasoning
- 1 cup salsa (choose your preferred level of spiciness)
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels
- 2 cups crushed baked tortilla chips (or whole grain tortilla chips)
- 1 cup reduced-fat shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
- Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, sliced black olives, chopped green onions, jalapenos, Greek yogurt (or low-fat sour cream), avocado
Nutrient Facts: Note: Nutrient facts are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Per serving (1/6 of casserole):
- Calories: 250-300
- Fat: 8-10g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
- Fiber: 4-6g
- Protein: 20-25g
- W-W Points: 6-8 points per serving (based on the W-W PointsPlus system, though points may vary by individual plans)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Prepare the Ground Beef:
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and cooked through, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the taco seasoning and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until the beef is evenly coated with the seasoning.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- In the prepared baking dish, layer half of the crushed tortilla chips on the bottom.
- Spread half of the cooked ground beef mixture over the tortilla chips.
- Layer half of the salsa, black beans, and corn over the beef mixture.
- Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese over the top.
- Repeat the Layers:
- Repeat the layers with the remaining crushed tortilla chips, ground beef mixture, salsa, black beans, corn, and shredded cheese.
- Bake the Casserole:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Remove the foil and let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Top with your favorite taco toppings such as diced tomatoes, sliced black olives, chopped green onions, jalapenos, Greek yogurt (or low-fat sour cream), and avocado.
- Serve the W-W Walking Taco Casserole warm and enjoy the delicious flavors of a classic taco in a convenient casserole format.