Walking Taco Casserole

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Walking Taco Casserole brings the fun of walking tacos to the dinner table in a cozy, baked form. It’s packed with flavor, comes together in under an hour, and is fully customizable based on your favorite taco ingredients. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe offers a satisfying and playful way to enjoy taco night.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Ground beef
• Onion
• Taco seasoning
• Rotel tomatoes with green chilies
• Sour cream
• Cheddar cheese
• Fritos or Doritos chips
• Optional toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced olives, jalapeños, green onions

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is browned and the onions are soft. Drain excess grease.
3. Stir in taco seasoning and Rotel tomatoes. Simmer for 5 minutes to let the flavors blend.
4. Remove from heat and mix in sour cream.
5. In a greased 9×13 baking dish, layer half of the chips at the bottom.
6. Spoon the beef mixture evenly over the chips.
7. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of the beef.
8. Add the remaining chips over the cheese.
9. Bake uncovered for about 20–25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the casserole is hot and bubbly.
10. Remove from the oven and top with your favorite taco toppings before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves approximately 6 to 8 people.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Make it spicy: Add chopped jalapeños or use hot Rotel for extra heat.
• Swap the chips: Use Cool Ranch Doritos, nacho cheese Doritos, or even tortilla chips depending on your flavor preference.
• Use ground turkey or chicken: A lighter alternative to beef that still tastes great.
• Add beans: Mix in black beans or pinto beans for extra protein and texture.
• Make it vegetarian: Omit the meat and use plant-based crumbles or a mix of beans and veggies.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, place a portion in the microwave and heat for 1–2 minutes or until warmed through. For best texture, reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10–15 minutes to help maintain the crispiness of the chips.
Note: The chips may soften after refrigeration, but you can add a few fresh ones on top when reheating to restore some crunch.

FAQs

What kind of chips work best for this casserole?

Fritos and Doritos are the most popular choices, but any crunchy corn chip will work well.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the beef mixture and assemble the casserole without the top layer of chips, then refrigerate it. Add the chips and bake just before serving.

Can I freeze Walking Taco Casserole?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it before baking. Assemble the casserole (without chips) in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight, add chips, and bake.

How do I keep the chips from getting soggy?

To keep maximum crunch, add the chips just before baking or even after baking as a topping.

Is there a low-carb version of this recipe?

You can replace the chips with a low-carb alternative like crushed pork rinds or skip them entirely and serve over lettuce.

What toppings go well with this casserole?

Shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, jalapeños, olives, avocado, and green onions are all great options.

Can I use store-bought taco seasoning?

Yes, store-bought taco seasoning works fine, or you can make your own blend for more control over the flavor.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely. It has familiar flavors and can be customized to suit picky eaters.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Yes, corn, bell peppers, or zucchini are great additions to the beef mixture.

What should I serve with Walking Taco Casserole?

It pairs well with a simple green salad, Mexican rice, or refried beans.

Conclusion

Walking Taco Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that brings fun, flavor, and convenience together in one dish. It’s ideal for family dinners, casual gatherings, or even a fun twist on taco Tuesday. With so many ways to customize it, this casserole is sure to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.

Walking Taco Casserole

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Walking Taco Casserole is a hearty and fun twist on the classic walking taco, layered with seasoned ground beef, cheese, chips, and your favorite toppings—perfect for family dinners or gatherings.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6–8 servings
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tbsp homemade)
• 1 can (10 oz) Rotel tomatoes with green chilies
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 4 cups Fritos or Doritos chips, divided
• Optional toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced olives, jalapeños, green onions

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is browned and onions are soft. Drain excess grease.
3. Stir in taco seasoning and Rotel tomatoes. Simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and mix in sour cream.
5. In a greased 9×13 baking dish, layer half of the chips on the bottom.
6. Spoon the beef mixture evenly over the chips.
7. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of the beef layer.
8. Add the remaining chips over the cheese.
9. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and casserole is bubbly.
10. Remove from oven and top with desired taco toppings before serving.

Notes

• Customize the spice level by using hot Rotel or adding jalapeños.
• Use any kind of crunchy corn chip—Fritos, Doritos, or tortilla chips.
• Can be made ahead without the top layer of chips; add and bake just before serving.
• Reheat in the oven for best texture; chips may soften after refrigerating.
• Make vegetarian by using plant-based crumbles or beans and veggies instead of meat.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving (1/8 of casserole)
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 780mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 70mg