Walking Taco Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Walking Taco Casserole combines all your favorite taco flavors into one easy, comforting dish. Loaded with seasoned beef, beans, and cheese layered over crunchy corn chips, it’s a crowd-pleaser perfect for busy weeknights 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)
• Additional 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 it is almost fully cooked. Add the chopped onions and continue cooking until the onions are soft and the beef is no longer pink.
3. Step 3: Stir in the taco seasoning and water, then bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Step 4: Reduce the heat, then add the black beans, diced tomatoes with green chiles, and sour cream. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is heated through and slightly thickened.
5. Step 5: Layer the casserole by first spreading a single layer of corn chips on the bottom of the prepared dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese over the chips, then add the beef mixture on top. Finish with the remaining shredded cheese.
6. Step 6: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and the casserole is bubbly around the edges.
7. Step 7: Remove from the oven and top with more corn chips and your favorite toppings like green onions, sour cream, guacamole, salsa, and jalapenos before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra spice, add diced jalapenos or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture before baking.
• Swap black beans for pinto beans or add corn for an extra pop of sweetness.
• Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.
• To keep the corn chips crunchy, add extra chips as a topping after baking rather than layering them inside.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. To keep toppings fresh, add sour cream, guacamole, and chips just before serving again.

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 and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add the fresh toppings after baking.

Can I freeze leftovers?

While the casserole can be frozen, the corn chips may lose their crunch and become soggy when thawed. For best results, freeze without chips and add fresh chips after reheating.

Walking Taco Casserole Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 74 reviews

This Walking Taco Casserole is a delicious, easy-to-make comfort food that combines all the flavors of a classic taco in a convenient baked dish. Ground beef, black beans, seasoned tomatoes, crunchy corn chips, and melted cheese come together to create a hearty casserole perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. Finished with your favorite toppings like sour cream, guacamole, salsa, and jalapenos, it’s a crowd-pleaser that brings the fiesta to your table.

• Author: Amy
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Vegetables

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small onion, chopped finely

Seasonings and Sauces

• 1 package taco seasoning
• ½ cup water
• ½ cup sour cream

Canned Goods

• 1 can black beans (15 ounces, drained and rinsed)
• 1 can diced tomatoes with green chiles (10 ounces)

Other Ingredients

• 1 bag Fritos corn chips (9.25 ounces)
• 2 cups Mexican-style shredded cheese

Toppings

• Green onions, sliced
• Additional sour cream
• Guacamole
• Salsa
• Jalapenos

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly spray a 13×9 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to ensure easy cleanup and prevent sticking.
2. Cook Ground Beef and Onions: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until it is almost cooked through. Add the finely chopped onions and continue cooking until the onions are soft and the beef is no longer pink, stirring occasionally to break up the meat.
3. Add Seasoning and Water: Stir in the taco seasoning packet along with ½ cup water. Bring the mixture to a boil, mixing well to combine all the flavors thoroughly.
4. Add Beans, Tomatoes, and Sour Cream: Lower the heat to a simmer and stir in the drained black beans, diced tomatoes with green chiles, and ½ cup sour cream. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is heated through and slightly thickened.
5. Layer the Casserole: Spread a single layer of Fritos corn chips on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of Mexican-style shredded cheese over the chips. Then add the prepared ground beef and bean mixture as the next layer. Finish by spreading the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese evenly on top.
6. Bake the Casserole: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through around the edges.
7. Serve with Toppings: Remove the casserole from the oven and top with additional corn chips and your favorite toppings such as sliced green onions, sour cream, guacamole, salsa, and jalapenos for extra flavor and texture. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

• For a spicier casserole, add extra jalapenos or use a hotter salsa.
• You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
• Use gluten-free taco seasoning and chips to make this recipe gluten free.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
• To save time, use pre-chopped onions and canned beans.

Keywords: walking taco casserole, taco casserole, easy dinner, ground beef recipe, Mexican casserole, family meal, Fritos casserole