Cheesy Walking Taco Casserole

Get all the flavors of a classic stadium walking taco baked into a delicious, family-sized casserole. With a crunchy Doritos crust, seasoned beef, refried beans, salsa, and melted cheese, it is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser! Prep time: 15 minutesCook time: 20 minutesTotal time: 35 minutesYields: 6-8 servingsIngredientsThe Base & Filling:Ground Beef: 1 lb lean ground beefTaco Seasoning: 1 packet (e.g., McCormick Original Taco)Water: For the taco seasoning (usually \frac{2}{3} cup, per packet instructions)Doritos: 1 bag (approx. 9.25 oz) Nacho Cheese Doritos, lightly crushedRefried Beans: 1 can (16 oz) traditional refried beans (e.g., Rosarita)Salsa: 1 jar (16 oz) chunky salsa (e.g., Pace Medium)The Toppings:Cheese: 2 cups shredded Sharp Cheddar cheese (e.g., Kraft)Lettuce: 1 to 2 cups shredded iceberg or romaine lettuceTomatoes: 2 medium tomatoes, dicedInstructionsStep 1: Prep the Oven and MeatPreheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until completely browned. Drain any excess fat.Stir in the taco seasoning packet and water. Bring to a simmer, reduce the heat, and let it cook for 3–5 minutes until the liquid has absorbed and the meat is well-coated. Remove from heat.Step 2: Prepare the Bean & Salsa MixtureIn a microwave-safe bowl or a small saucepan, briefly warm up the refried beans so they are easier to spread.Mix the warm refried beans with the jar of chunky salsa until completely combined smooth.Step 3: Layer the CasseroleLightly grease a 9 \times 13-inch baking dish.Layer 1 (The Crust): Spread the lightly crushed Nacho Cheese Doritos evenly across the bottom of the dish.Layer 2 (The Beef): Carefully spoon the seasoned ground beef over the chip layer.Layer 3 (The Beans & Salsa):Gently spread the bean and salsa mixture evenly on top of the beef layer using the back of a spoon.Layer 4 (The Cheese):Generously sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese over the top.Step 4: BakePlace the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the cheese on top is completely melted and bubbling.Step 5: Garnish and ServeRemove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes.Just before serving, top the warm casserole with a layer of shredded lettuce and freshly diced tomatoes.Scoop into squares, serve immediately while the chips are crunchy, and enjoy!Optional Enhancements: Feel free to add dollops of sour cream, sliced jalapeños, or black olives on top before serving!