Craving a delicious, hassle-free dinner that packs a punch of flavor? Look no further than our Skillet Walking Taco Bake! This mouthwatering Mexican-inspired dish combines savory ground beef, zesty taco seasoning, and crunchy tortilla chips, all baked to cheesy perfection in just 30 minutes. Whether you're feeding a hungry family or hosting a casual get-together, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Get ready to elevate your weeknight meals with a twist on the classic taco—your taste buds will thank you!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 can black beans, drained
- 1 cup corn
- 2 cups crushed tortilla chips
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- Optional toppings: sour cream, salsa, jalapeños
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Ensure an oven-safe large skillet is available for preparation.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until the meat is completely browned and no pink remains, approximately 6-8 minutes.
- Drain excess fat from the ground beef if necessary, then return skillet to the stovetop.
- Sprinkle taco seasoning over the browned beef and stir thoroughly to coat the meat evenly. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to activate the seasoning.
- Add drained black beans and corn to the skillet, mixing well with the seasoned beef. Stir and cook for 2-3 minutes to heat through.
- Spread crushed tortilla chips evenly across the top of the beef and bean mixture in the skillet.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over the tortilla chips, covering the entire surface.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and slightly bubbly.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 2-3 minutes to allow the dish to set.
- Serve hot, offering optional toppings like sour cream, salsa, and jalapeños on the side for individual customization.
Tips
- Customize Your Meat: Feel free to swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. You can even use plant-based meat alternatives for a vegetarian version!
- Layering is Key: For an extra crunch, consider adding a layer of crushed tortilla chips both at the bottom and on top of the beef mixture. This creates a delightful texture contrast.
- Spice It Up: If you like it hot, add some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the beef while cooking for an extra kick.
- Make it Your Own: Don’t hesitate to mix in other ingredients like diced tomatoes, bell peppers, or even avocado for added flavor and nutrition.
- Perfectly Melted Cheese: To achieve that gooey, bubbly cheese topping, broil the dish for an additional 1-2 minutes after baking, but keep a close eye on it to prevent burning!
- Serve with Style: Present your Skillet Walking Taco Bake with an array of toppings like sour cream, salsa, and guacamole, allowing everyone to customize their own plate.
- Leftover Magic: This dish reheats beautifully, so don’t hesitate to make extra! Store leftovers in an airtight container and enjoy them for lunch the next day.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 75mg
