Walking Taco Casserole Recipe
Introduction
Walking Taco Casserole is a fun and easy twist on the classic taco in a bag. This layered dish combines seasoned ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and crunchy corn chips baked under melted cheese, perfect for a family dinner or casual gathering.
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 (optional, for serving)
- Guacamole (optional, for serving)
- Salsa (optional, for serving)
- Jalapenos (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly spray a 13×9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Step 2: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until it is almost cooked through. Add the chopped onions and cook until the onions are soft and the beef is no longer pink.
- Step 3: Stir in the taco seasoning and water, then bring the mixture to a boil.
- Step 4: Reduce the heat and add the black beans, diced tomatoes with green chiles, and sour cream. Simmer for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through and slightly thickened.
- Step 5: Spread a single layer of corn chips on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese evenly over the chips. Add the beef and bean mixture as the next layer, then top with the remaining shredded cheese.
- Step 6: Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the casserole is bubbly around the edges.
- Step 7: Remove from the oven and top with extra corn chips and your favorite toppings such as green onions, sour cream, guacamole, salsa, or jalapenos.
Tips & Variations
- For a spicier version, add diced jalapenos to the beef mixture or use spicy salsa as a topping.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef for a lighter option.
- Try layering tortilla chips instead of Fritos for a different crunch and flavor.
- Add a handful of chopped cilantro for fresh brightness before serving.
Storage
Store leftover casserole 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. The corn chips may lose some crunch after refrigeration but will still taste delicious.
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 a few hours ahead and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Bake right before serving for best results.
Can I freeze Walking Taco Casserole?
This casserole can be frozen before baking. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
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Walking Taco Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Walking Taco Casserole is a delicious, layered dish that combines seasoned ground beef, black beans, diced tomatoes with green chiles, creamy sour cream, crunchy Fritos corn chips, and melted Mexican-style cheese. Baked to bubbly perfection and topped with your favorite taco fixings, it’s an easy and satisfying meal that mimics the fun and flavor of a walking taco in a comforting casserole form.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 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
Toppings
- Green onions, sliced
- Sour cream
- Guacamole
- Salsa
- Jalapenos
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and spray a 13×9 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook Ground Beef and Onions: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until it is nearly cooked through. Add the finely chopped onions and cook until the onions are soft and the meat is no longer pink.
- Add Seasoning and Water: Stir in the package of taco seasoning and ½ cup of water. Bring the mixture to a boil while stirring.
- Mix in Beans, Tomatoes, and Sour Cream: Reduce heat to low and add the drained and rinsed black beans, diced tomatoes with green chiles, and the sour cream. Cook this mixture for 8 to 10 minutes until it is heated through and slightly thickened.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spread a single layer of Fritos corn chips on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded Mexican cheese over the chips. Next, layer the ground beef mixture evenly over the cheese. Finish with the remaining cheese evenly spread on top.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. This helps meld flavors and melt the cheese gently.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5 minutes to allow the cheese to fully melt and for the casserole to become bubbly around the edges.
- Serve and Garnish: Remove the casserole from the oven and top with extra corn chips and desired toppings such as sliced green onions, sour cream, guacamole, salsa, and jalapenos. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra heat, add sliced jalapenos into the casserole layers.
- Feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- You can make this dish vegetarian by using meatless crumbles and adding extra beans or vegetables.
- If you prefer a less creamy casserole, reduce the amount of sour cream or omit it.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Keywords: Walking Taco Casserole, taco casserole, ground beef casserole, Mexican casserole, Fritos casserole, easy weeknight dinner
