Walking Taco Casserole

Why Make This Recipe

Walking Taco Casserole is a fun and delicious dish that everyone in your family will love. It takes the flavors of a classic walking taco and turns them into a hearty casserole. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or even if you just want a filling meal. It combines seasoned ground beef, beans, corn, cheese, and our favorite Fritos. Plus, it’s easily customizable to match your family’s taste.

Making this casserole is not only quick and easy but also allows for many people to enjoy it together. Whether you serve it at a party or during a cozy family dinner, it brings everyone together. The best part is that you can add your favorite toppings like lettuce, onion, jalapeños, sour cream, and salsa to make it even better. With these tasty ingredients, you’ll have a warm and satisfying dish that is both comforting and fun.

How to Make Walking Taco Casserole

Making Walking Taco Casserole is a simple process that you can follow step by step. Below, you will find all the necessary ingredients, directions for preparation, and some extra tips to ensure your casserole turns out perfect every time.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can corn, drained
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
• 4 cups Fritos or similar corn chips
• 1 cup chopped lettuce
• 1/2 cup diced onions
• 1/2 cup sliced jalapeños (optional)
• Sour cream and salsa for serving

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your casserole cooks evenly.

2. Cook the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it is browned. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to break up the meat as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat.

3. Add Taco Seasoning: After draining the fat, add the taco seasoning to the meat. Follow the package instructions for the best flavor results. Stir well to combine the seasoning with the meat.

4. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the seasoned beef, black beans, corn (drained), diced tomatoes, and half of the shredded cheese. Mix everything together until it is evenly distributed.

5. Layer the Casserole: In a baking dish, layer half of the Fritos. Then, spoon the beef mixture over the Fritos layer. Spread it out evenly so that every bite has a nice mix of flavors.

6. Add More Fritos and Cheese: Top the beef mixture with the remaining Fritos. Then, sprinkle the rest of the cheese on top. This will give a nice cheesy crust when baked.

7. Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You will know it’s done when the cheese is melted and bubbly. The edges may turn slightly golden, giving it a deliciously crispy texture.

8. Serve Hot: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. It will be very hot. Serve it up while warm, and add garnishes like chopped lettuce, diced onions, jalapeños, sour cream, and salsa. Each person can customize their plate to their liking.

How to Serve Walking Taco Casserole

Serving Walking Taco Casserole is an easy and enjoyable experience. You can keep it simple or make it a fun taco night. To serve, scoop out portions of the casserole onto plates or bowls. Let each person add their preferred toppings. It’s a great way to involve everyone at the table in the meal.

You might want to include additional toppings on the side like hot sauce, chopped cilantro, or diced avocado. This makes the meal even more exciting. Provide a large serving spoon for the casserole and let your guests help themselves.

How to Store Walking Taco Casserole

If you have leftovers, storing Walking Taco Casserole is straightforward. Once the casserole has cooled, you can transfer it to an airtight container. Make sure to seal it properly to prevent air from getting in. Store it in the refrigerator, where it will last for about 3-4 days.

If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze individual portions. Use freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. When ready to eat, let the casserole thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat it in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Tips to Make Walking Taco Casserole

• Use lean ground beef: For a healthier option, consider using lean ground beef or ground turkey. This will reduce the amount of fat in the dish.

• Add more veggies: Feel free to add more vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or diced zucchini to the beef mixture. This adds more color and nutrition to your meal.

• Customize your cheese: You can mix different kinds of cheese for more flavor. Try pepper jack for a spicy kick or cream cheese for a creamier texture.

• Adjust the spice: If you don’t like spicy food, skip the jalapeños. If you love spice, think about adding diced green chilies or using a spicier taco seasoning.

Variation

There are many ways to switch up this recipe to keep things interesting. For example, you can make a vegetarian version by replacing ground beef with a mix of sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers. You can also use quinoa or rice as a base.

For a richer taste, experiment with adding different beans, like pinto or kidney beans. You could also add taco-flavored tortilla strips on top instead of Fritos for a different crunch.

FAQs

Can I prepare Walking Taco Casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the casserole earlier in the day and store it in the fridge. Bake it just before you are ready to serve.

Is Walking Taco Casserole gluten-free?

If you use gluten-free corn chips and check your taco seasoning for gluten, this casserole can be gluten-free.

Can I use other types of meat in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even shredded beef. Just make sure to season it properly to maintain the taco flavor.

In summary, Walking Taco Casserole is a delightful, easy-to-make dish that combines familiar flavors in a way everyone will enjoy. The opportunity to customize your toppings adds to the fun. Whether you are hosting a gathering or making dinner for your family, this recipe is sure to be a hit!

Walking Taco Casserole

Walking Taco Casserole combines the flavors of a classic walking taco into a hearty dish perfect for family dinners and gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex

Calories: 450

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef Use lean ground beef for a healthier option.
• 1 packet taco seasoning Follow package instructions for best flavor.
• 1 can black beans Drained and rinsed.
• 1 can corn Drained.
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 2 cups shredded cheese Cheddar or Mexican blend.
• 4 cups Fritos Or similar corn chips.
• 1 cup chopped lettuce
• 1/2 cup diced onions
• 1/2 cup sliced jalapeños Optional for spice.
• to taste sour cream For serving.
• to taste salsa For serving.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it is browned (about 5-7 minutes), breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
3. Add the taco seasoning to the browned meat and stir well to combine.
4. In a large bowl, combine the seasoned beef, black beans, drained corn, diced tomatoes, and half of the shredded cheese. Mix until evenly distributed.
5. In a baking dish, layer half of the Fritos, followed by the beef mixture, spreading it out evenly.
6. Top with the remaining Fritos and sprinkle the rest of the cheese on top.

Cooking

1. Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly with slightly golden edges.
2. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving hot. Allow each person to add their preferred toppings.

Notes

This dish can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. It can also be frozen in portions and reheated as needed. Customize toppings as desired.