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
Scale
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
