Easy Walking Taco Casserole

Cheesy ground beef taco casserole with salsa and sour cream, finished with crunchy Doritos, taco sauce, jalapeños, and your favorite toppings.

By Manny Michael

Dinner

Ingredients

• For the Taco Casserole: 1 pound ground beef
• For the Taco Casserole: 1 small onion, diced
• For the Taco Casserole: 1/3 cup water
• For the Taco Casserole: 3 tablespoons taco seasoning, or 1 packet
• For the Taco Casserole: 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
• For the Taco Casserole: 1/2 cup salsa, your favorite variety
• For the Taco Casserole: 1/2 cup sour cream
• For the Taco Casserole: 2 tablespoons milk
• For the Taco Casserole: 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese, for mixing into the casserole
• For the Taco Casserole: 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese, for topping
• For Serving: Doritos or tortilla chips, crushed
• For Serving: Creamy spicy taco sauce
• For Serving: Sliced jalapeños
• For Serving: Sour cream
• Additional Optional Toppings: Shredded lettuce
• Additional Optional Toppings: Diced tomatoes
• Additional Optional Toppings: Sliced black olives
• Additional Optional Toppings: Green onions
• Additional Optional Toppings: Extra shredded cheese
• Additional Optional Toppings: Additional salsa
• Additional Optional Toppings: Guacamole
• Additional Optional Toppings: Your favorite taco sauce

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Add the ground beef.
4. Add the diced onion.
5. Cook the ground beef and onion together, breaking the meat apart as it cooks, until the ground beef is browned and fully cooked.
6. If necessary, carefully drain excess grease from the skillet.
7. Add 1/3 cup water.
8. Sprinkle in the taco seasoning.
9. Stir until the ground beef is evenly coated.
10. Cook for approximately 2–3 minutes to allow the seasoning to blend into the meat.
11. Add the drained diced tomatoes with green chilies.
12. Pour in the salsa.
13. Stir until everything is combined.
14. Add the sour cream.
15. Pour in the milk.
16. Add 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese.
17. Stir until the mixture is creamy and evenly combined.
18. Grab an 8x8-inch or 9x9-inch casserole dish.
19. Transfer the taco meat mixture into the baking dish.
20. Spread everything into an even layer.
21. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese over the top.
22. Bake at 375°F for approximately 15–20 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the cheese has melted.
23. Remove the casserole from the oven.
24. Scoop your desired portion onto a plate or into a bowl.
25. Crush some Doritos or tortilla chips over the top.
26. Drizzle with creamy spicy taco sauce.
27. Add sliced jalapeños.
28. Finish with a dollop of sour cream.
29. Add any other taco toppings you enjoy.
30. Serve warm and enjoy!