Craving the deliciousness of a taco but in a convenient, crowd-pleasing dish? Look no further than Walking Taco Casserole! This recipe takes the beloved flavors of a traditional taco and transforms them into a fun, layered casserole that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or game-day gatherings. The best part? It’s quick, easy to make, and you can customize it with your favorite toppings!
Walking tacos are traditionally served in a bag of chips, but this casserole version allows you to serve up the same flavors with ease and flair. Plus, it’s just as portable and fun as the original walking taco.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel), drained
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 bag (9.25 oz) corn chips (Fritos work best)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend cheese)
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup salsa
- 1 can (4 oz) sliced black olives (optional)
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 jalapeño, sliced (optional)
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. - Cook the Ground Beef:
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat, then stir in the taco seasoning and diced tomatoes with green chilies. Let it simmer for 3-5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. - Layer the Casserole:
Spread half of the corn chips across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spoon the seasoned ground beef mixture over the chips. Next, add a layer of black beans, then sprinkle with half of the shredded cheese. - Bake:
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. - Add Toppings:
Once the casserole is baked, remove it from the oven. Add the remaining corn chips on top, then spread sour cream and salsa over the casserole. Sprinkle with the rest of the shredded cheese, black olives, green onions, and jalapeño slices, if using. - Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired and serve immediately. You can enjoy it straight from the casserole dish or scoop it into individual bowls for a taco-inspired meal!
Total Time:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6-8
Why You’ll Love This Walking Taco Casserole:
This Walking Taco Casserole is perfect for feeding a crowd, and it’s a great way to switch up your taco night. It’s loaded with layers of seasoned beef, crunchy chips, melted cheese, and all your favorite taco toppings. Plus, you can customize it with extras like avocado, jalapeños, or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
The crunchy corn chips on top add a great texture that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sour cream and melted cheese, giving you the ultimate taco experience in every bite. Whether you’re serving this for a casual family dinner or bringing it to a potluck, it’s guaranteed to be a hit!
Customizations and Add-Ins:
- Switch Up the Meat: You can swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat substitute for a healthier or vegetarian option.
- Add Extra Veggies: Feel free to add veggies like diced bell peppers, corn, or sautéed onions to the beef mixture for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Cheese Lovers: If you’re a cheese fanatic, add more layers of cheese between the meat and beans or use a blend of cheeses like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for extra flavor.
- Make It Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the beef mixture or use spicy taco seasoning to give your casserole a fiery kick.
- Make It Taco Salad Style: For a lighter version, serve the baked casserole over a bed of lettuce and top with fresh diced tomatoes, avocado, and a squeeze of lime juice.
Tips for the Best Walking Taco Casserole:
- Don’t Skip the Chips: The corn chips (like Fritos) are essential for that crunchy texture and “walking taco” vibe. Make sure to use a sturdy chip that can hold up to the layers of meat and cheese.
- Layer Carefully: To ensure that every bite has a perfect balance of flavors, be sure to layer the chips, beef mixture, and cheese evenly throughout the casserole.
- Serve Fresh: Walking Taco Casserole is best served right out of the oven when the cheese is still gooey, and the chips are crispy. If you have leftovers, they’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days, but the chips may lose their crunch.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Version: Swap the ground beef for seasoned plant-based crumbles or extra black beans for a vegetarian-friendly option. You can also add veggies like corn, zucchini, or bell peppers to bulk up the dish.
- Chili Cheese Version: For a heartier version, add a layer of chili between the beef mixture and beans. This turns it into a chili cheese casserole with a taco twist!
- Taco-Inspired Breakfast: Make a breakfast version of this casserole by substituting the ground beef for scrambled eggs and sausage. Top with salsa, avocado, and cheese for a savory morning meal.
FAQs: Walking Taco Casserole
1. Can I use tortilla chips instead of corn chips?
Yes, tortilla chips will work if you don’t have corn chips like Fritos. They won’t be quite as sturdy but will still provide a great crunch.
2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the beef mixture and layer the casserole ahead of time, then refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just wait to add the top layer of chips until just before baking to keep them from getting soggy.
3. Can I freeze Walking Taco Casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the casserole before baking. Assemble the layers (without the top layer of chips), cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, let it thaw overnight in the fridge, add the chips, and bake as directed.
4. What toppings go best with this casserole?
Classic taco toppings like sour cream, salsa, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, avocado, jalapeños, and cilantro work great. You can also add hot sauce or a squeeze of lime juice for extra flavor.
5. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The chips may lose their crunch over time, but you can add fresh chips when reheating if desired.
This Walking Taco Casserole is a simple, flavorful, and fun way to enjoy all the best taco flavors in one dish. Whether you’re cooking for a party or just want to switch up taco night, this casserole is sure to please
