Walking Taco Casserole Recipe
Introduction
Walking Taco Casserole is a fun and flavorful twist on the classic walking taco snack. This layered casserole combines seasoned ground beef, beans, tomatoes, cheese, and crunchy corn chips for a satisfying and easy-to-make meal the whole family will love.
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 (for garnish)
- Additional sour cream (for serving)
- Guacamole (for serving)
- Salsa (for serving)
- Jalapenos (for serving, optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and 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 almost cooked through. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until the onion softens 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 to low and mix in the black beans, diced tomatoes with green chiles, and ½ cup sour cream. Let it cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through and slightly thickened.
- Step 5: Spread a single layer of Fritos corn chips evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded cheese over the chips. Add a layer of the beef mixture on top, then finish with the remaining shredded cheese.
- Step 6: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 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 sliced green onions, sour cream, guacamole, salsa, and jalapenos.
Tips & Variations
- Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter protein option.
- Substitute black beans with pinto beans or kidney beans for variety.
- Add diced bell peppers or corn to the beef mixture for extra color and flavor.
- Try different types of cheese like pepper jack or cheddar for a different taste.
- For a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based meat substitute.
Storage
Store any leftovers 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 in short intervals, stirring in between. Adding fresh toppings after reheating keeps the texture fresh.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the baking step and refrigerate it covered for up to 24 hours before baking. Add the toppings fresh after baking.
What can I use instead of Fritos corn chips?
If you don’t have Fritos, use any sturdy corn chips or tortilla chips that hold up well during baking to maintain the crunch.
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Walking Taco Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Walking Taco Casserole is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines the classic flavors of a walking taco into a comforting baked casserole. Featuring seasoned ground beef, black beans, diced tomatoes with green chiles, crunchy Fritos corn chips, and melted Mexican cheese, this recipe is perfect for a family-friendly meal that’s easy to prepare and full of Tex-Mex goodness.
Ingredients
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
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chiles (10 ounces)
Canned Goods
- 1 can black beans (15 ounces, drained and rinsed)
Chips and Cheese
- 1 bag Fritos corn chips (9.25 ounces)
- 2 cups Mexican-style shredded cheese
Optional Toppings
- Green onions, sliced
- Sour cream
- Guacamole
- Salsa
- Jalapenos
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly spray a 13×9 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking during baking.
- Cook Ground Beef and Onions: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until it is nearly cooked through. Add the finely chopped onion and continue cooking until the onions become soft and the meat is no longer pink.
- Add Seasoning: Stir in the taco seasoning packet and ½ cup of water, bringing the mixture to a boil to dissolve the seasoning and infuse the beef with flavor.
- Mix Beans, Tomatoes, and Sour Cream: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the drained black beans, diced tomatoes with green chiles, and ½ cup sour cream. Cook the mixture for 8 to 10 minutes, allowing it to heat through and thicken slightly, which will enhance the casserole’s texture.
- Assemble the Casserole: Start by layering a single layer of Fritos corn chips on the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded Mexican cheese evenly over the chips. Add the ground beef mixture evenly on top of the cheese layer, then finish by sprinkling the remaining cheese as the final layer.
- Bake the Casserole: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake at 350°F for 15 minutes. After that, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted and the casserole is bubbly around the edges.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and top with additional Fritos corn chips and your favorite toppings such as sliced green onions, extra sour cream, guacamole, salsa, and jalapenos. Serve hot for a delicious, Tex-Mex inspired meal.
Notes
- For a spicier casserole, consider adding diced jalapenos to the beef mixture or as a topping.
- If you prefer a milder version, use mild taco seasoning and omit jalapenos.
- To make this recipe quicker, you can prepare the beef mixture ahead of time and assemble the casserole just before baking.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.
- For a gluten-free version, confirm the taco seasoning and Fritos chips are certified gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Keywords: walking taco casserole, Tex-Mex casserole, ground beef casserole, Fritos casserole, easy taco bake
