Walking Taco Casserole
Walking Taco Casserole is a hearty and flavorful Tex-Mex inspired dish with layers of seasoned beef, cheese, chips, and taco toppings, perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies)
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
- 1 cup corn kernels (optional)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 4 oz cream cheese (optional)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 cups Fritos or tortilla chips, divided
- Toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced olives, jalapeños, salsa, guacamole (as desired)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess grease.
- Add chopped onions and garlic to the skillet. Cook until softened, about 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in taco seasoning, Rotel, black beans, and corn. Simmer for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Remove from heat and stir in sour cream and optional cream cheese for a creamy texture.
- In a baking dish, layer half of the Fritos or tortilla chips at the bottom.
- Pour the beef mixture evenly over the chips.
- Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and melted.
- Remove from oven and let it sit for a few minutes.
- Top with the remaining chips and your favorite taco toppings before serving.
Notes
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days; keep chips separate for best texture.
- Make ahead by preparing the meat layer and refrigerating; add chips and bake when ready to serve.
- To freeze, assemble without chips and toppings, then thaw and bake when needed.
- Customize with different meats, toppings, or chip types for variety.
- Use gluten-free chips and taco seasoning to make it gluten-free.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is the ultimate fusion of comfort food and Tex-Mex flavor. It’s incredibly easy to make, highly customizable, and sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or hosting a game-day party, this casserole delivers big taste with minimal effort.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground beef
- Taco seasoning
- Onion
- Garlic
- Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies)
- Black beans (optional)
- Corn (optional)
- Sour cream
- Cream cheese (optional, for added creaminess)
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Fritos or tortilla chips
- Toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced olives, jalapeños, salsa, guacamole
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess grease.
- Add chopped onions and garlic to the skillet. Cook until softened, about 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in taco seasoning, Rotel, black beans, and corn. Simmer for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Remove from heat and stir in sour cream and optional cream cheese for a creamy texture.
- In a baking dish, layer half of the Fritos or tortilla chips at the bottom.
- Pour the beef mixture evenly over the chips.
- Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and melted.
- Remove from oven and let it sit for a few minutes.
- Top with the remaining chips and your favorite taco toppings before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes approximately 6 servings.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Swap out ground beef for ground turkey or shredded chicken.
- Make it vegetarian by using a meat substitute or extra beans and vegetables.
- Add jalapeños or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Use Doritos instead of Fritos for a different flavor profile.
- Add a layer of refried beans under the meat mixture for extra richness.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F for about 10–15 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes until heated through.
For best texture, store the chips separately and add them fresh before reheating.
FAQs
What is a walking taco casserole?
It’s a baked dish inspired by the popular walking taco, made with layers of taco meat, cheese, chips, and toppings in a casserole form.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meat mixture and layer it in the baking dish (without chips) up to 24 hours in advance. Add chips and bake just before serving.
What kind of chips should I use?
Fritos are traditional, but tortilla chips or flavored Doritos work great too.
Can I freeze walking taco casserole?
Yes, freeze it before adding the chips and toppings. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and bake as directed.
How do I make this casserole less spicy?
Use mild Rotel or plain diced tomatoes, and omit jalapeños or hot sauce.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely. Ground turkey or even ground chicken are great leaner alternatives.
What toppings go best with this casserole?
Shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, guacamole, jalapeños, and salsa are all delicious options.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
If you use gluten-free taco seasoning and chips, it can be made gluten-free.
Can I add rice to this casserole?
Yes, adding cooked rice can stretch the dish and make it more filling.
How do I keep the chips from getting soggy?
Add a layer of chips right before serving to keep them crisp, and store them separately if saving leftovers.
Conclusion
Walking Taco Casserole is a fun, flavorful twist on taco night that’s perfect for busy families, potlucks, or game-day gatherings. Easy to make and endlessly customizable, it brings all the taco goodness you love into one comforting, cheesy bake. Give it a try and watch it become a new favorite in your meal rotation.
