Taco Layered

Enjoy the rich flavors of Mexican-inspired cooking with this delicious Walking Taco Casserole. Packed with seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and crunchy corn chips, this dish is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether you top it with Doritos, Fritos, or classic tortilla chips, the result is a satisfying meal that comes together effortlessly.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
• 3/4 cup diced shallot
• 3 ounces Neufchâtel cheese
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 can jalapeños
• 1/2 to 2 cups Fritos corn chips
• 1/2 cup shredded taco blend cheese
• 1 Roma tomato, diced
• 1 to 2 cups shredded romaine lettuce
• Crème fraîche and salsa, for serving

Directions

Preheat the Oven:
Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Cook the Beef and Shallot:
In an oven-safe skillet, cook the ground beef and diced shallot over medium-high heat until the beef is fully browned and the shallot is soft.

Add Cheese and Seasoning:
Stir in the jalapeños, taco seasoning, and Neufchâtel cheese. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the cheese melts and blends into the mixture.

Assemble the Casserole:
Spread the Fritos evenly over the beef mixture in the skillet. Sprinkle the shredded taco cheese on top.

Bake:
Place the skillet in the oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.

Add Toppings:
Remove from the oven and top with diced Roma tomato and shredded romaine lettuce.

Serve:
Serve hot with crème fraîche and salsa on the side.

Suggestions:
Customize with your favorite toppings like black olives, pickled jalapeños, or diced avocado. For a vegetarian version, use cooked lentils or black beans instead of beef. Make it a full meal by serving with Spanish rice or a simple green salad.