Walking Taco Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Walking Taco Casserole combines all the fun flavors of a taco in a comforting, easy-to-make dish. With layers of seasoned beef, beans, cheese, and crispy corn chips, it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small onion, chopped finely
• 1 package taco seasoning
• ½ cup water
• 1 can black beans (15 ounces), drained and rinsed
• 1 can diced tomatoes with green chiles (10 ounces)
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 bag Fritos corn chips (9.25 ounces)
• 2 cups Mexican-style shredded cheese
• Green onions, sliced (optional for garnish)
• Sour cream (for serving)
• Guacamole (for serving)
• Salsa (for serving)
• Jalapenos (for serving)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and spray a 13×9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef until nearly cooked through. Add the chopped onion and cook until the onion softens and the beef is no longer pink.
3. Step 3: Stir in the taco seasoning and water, bringing the mixture to a boil.
4. Step 4: Lower the heat, then add the black beans, diced tomatoes with green chiles, and sour cream. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes until heated through and the mixture thickens slightly.
5. Step 5: Spread a layer of corn chips on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese over the chips. Add the beef mixture on top, then finish with the remaining shredded cheese.
6. Step 6: Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly around the edges.
7. Step 7: Remove from the oven and top with extra corn chips and your favorite toppings such as green onions, sour cream, guacamole, salsa, and jalapenos.

Tips & Variations

• For extra spice, add diced jalapenos to the beef mixture while cooking.
• Swap black beans for pinto beans if preferred.
• Use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner protein option.
• Top with crushed corn chips before baking for added crunch.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350 degrees F until warmed through or microwave individual portions until hot. To keep the chips crunchy, add fresh corn chips and toppings after reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to a day ahead, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Bake it just before serving.

Can I freeze the Walking Taco Casserole?

Yes, freeze the casserole before baking in a freezer-safe dish. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.

Walking Taco Casserole Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 132 reviews

This Walking Taco Casserole combines all the bold flavors of a classic walking taco into a comforting, baked casserole. Layers of seasoned ground beef, black beans, spicy diced tomatoes, crunchy Fritos, and melted Mexican cheese come together for a delicious, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

• Author: Caleb
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat Mixture

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small onion, chopped finely
• 1 package taco seasoning
• ½ cup water
• 1 can black beans (15 ounces), drained and rinsed
• 1 can diced tomatoes with green chiles (10 ounces)
• ½ cup sour cream

Casserole & Toppings

• 1 bag Fritos corn chips (9.25 ounces)
• 2 cups Mexican-style shredded cheese
• Green onions, sliced, for garnish
• Sour cream, for topping
• Guacamole, for topping
• Salsa, for topping
• Jalapenos, sliced, for topping

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 13×9 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Cook Ground Beef and Onions: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until it’s almost cooked through. Add the finely chopped onions and continue to cook until the onions soften and the beef is no longer pink.
3. Add Taco Seasoning: Stir in the taco seasoning packet and the ½ cup of water. Bring the mixture to a boil to fully dissolve the seasoning.
4. Combine Remaining Ingredients: Reduce heat to low, then stir in the drained black beans, diced tomatoes with green chiles, and ½ cup sour cream. Simmer the mixture for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through and slightly thickened.
5. Assemble the Casserole: Spread a single layer of Fritos corn chips evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded Mexican cheese over the chips. Next, spoon the beef and bean mixture over the cheese layer, then sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese on top.
6. Bake: Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly along the edges.
7. Serve: Remove from the oven and top with extra Fritos and your favorite toppings such as sliced green onions, sour cream, guacamole, salsa, and jalapenos. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

• For a spicier version, add extra jalapenos or use spicy taco seasoning.
• Use gluten-free taco seasoning and chips if gluten intolerance is a concern.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
• For a lighter option, substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef and use reduced-fat cheese and sour cream.
• To keep chips crunchy longer, add them fresh on top just before serving rather than baking inside.

Keywords: walking taco casserole, taco casserole, easy dinner recipes, Tex-Mex casserole, ground beef casserole, layered casserole recipe