🌮 Mediterranean Walking Taco Casserole
Servings: 6
Prep Time: 15 min
Cook Time: 25 min
🥘 Ingredients
For the Meat Mixture
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500 g ground beef or ground turkey
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1 medium onion, finely chopped
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 tsp smoked paprika
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1 tsp cumin
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½ tsp oregano
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½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
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1 tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
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1 cup tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
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½ cup canned black beans, rinsed
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½ cup canned corn (optional)
Cheesy Layer
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1 cup shredded mozzarella
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½ cup grated cheddar
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Or use all mozzarella for a more Mediterranean profile
Crunchy Topping
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2 cups crushed tortilla chips OR pita chips for a Mediterranean twist
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Optional: crushed nacho chips for extra flavor
Fresh Mediterranean Toppings
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½ cup chopped tomatoes
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¼ cup chopped cucumber
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¼ cup chopped red onion
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2 tbsp chopped parsley or fresh mint
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¼ cup crumbled feta
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½ cup Greek yogurt (sour cream alternative)
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Sliced olives (optional)
🧑🍳 Instructions
1. Prepare the Meat Base
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Heat olive oil in a skillet.
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Add onions and cook until soft.
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Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
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Add ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks.
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Add paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper.
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Stir in tomato sauce, black beans, and corn.
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Simmer for 5–7 minutes until thickened.
2. Assemble the Casserole
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Spread the meat mixture in a baking dish.
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Sprinkle mozzarella + cheddar evenly on top.
3. Bake
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Bake for 10–12 minutes or until cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
4. Add the Crunch
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Sprinkle crushed tortilla chips or pita chips over the hot casserole.
5. Finish with Fresh Toppings
Add any/all of these:
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Tomatoes
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Cucumber
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Red onion
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Parsley or mint
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Feta
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Greek yogurt
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Olives
✨ Serving Ideas
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Scoop into bowls just like “walking tacos.”
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Serve with lettuce for a taco salad bowl.
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Wrap it in tortillas or pita bread.
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Add jalapeños, avocado, or hummus for fusion flavor.

