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Walking Taco Casserole 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.

Ingredients

Scale

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