🌮 Mediterranean Walking Taco Casserole

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 15 min
Cook Time: 25 min


🥘 Ingredients

For the Meat Mixture

  • 500 g ground beef or ground turkey

  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 tsp smoked paprika

  • 1 tsp cumin

  • ½ tsp oregano

  • ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)

  • 1 tsp salt

  • ½ tsp black pepper

  • 1 cup tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes

  • ½ cup canned black beans, rinsed

  • ½ cup canned corn (optional)

Cheesy Layer

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella

  • ½ cup grated cheddar

  • Or use all mozzarella for a more Mediterranean profile

Crunchy Topping

  • 2 cups crushed tortilla chips OR pita chips for a Mediterranean twist

  • Optional: crushed nacho chips for extra flavor

Fresh Mediterranean Toppings

  • ½ cup chopped tomatoes

  • ¼ cup chopped cucumber

  • ¼ cup chopped red onion

  • 2 tbsp chopped parsley or fresh mint

  • ¼ cup crumbled feta

  • ½ cup Greek yogurt (sour cream alternative)

  • Sliced olives (optional)


🧑‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prepare the Meat Base

  1. Heat olive oil in a skillet.

  2. Add onions and cook until soft.

  3. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.

  4. Add ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks.

  5. Add paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper.

  6. Stir in tomato sauce, black beans, and corn.

  7. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until thickened.


2. Assemble the Casserole

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

  2. Spread the meat mixture in a baking dish.

  3. Sprinkle mozzarella + cheddar evenly on top.


3. Bake

  • Bake for 10–12 minutes or until cheese is fully melted and bubbly.


4. Add the Crunch

  • Sprinkle crushed tortilla chips or pita chips over the hot casserole.


5. Finish with Fresh Toppings

Add any/all of these:

  • Tomatoes

  • Cucumber

  • Red onion

  • Parsley or mint

  • Feta

  • Greek yogurt

  • Olives


Serving Ideas

  • Scoop into bowls just like “walking tacos.”

  • Serve with lettuce for a taco salad bowl.

  • Wrap it in tortillas or pita bread.

  • Add jalapeños, avocado, or hummus for fusion flavor.

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