Name: Walking Taco Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 small onion, chopped finely; 1 package taco seasoning (about 1 oz); 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 (cheddar and Monterey Jack blend); Green onions, sliced; Sour cream; Guacamole; Salsa; Jalapenos

Jump to Recipe

If you’ve ever loved the fun and casual vibe of a taco in a bag, then you’re going to absolutely adore this Walking Taco Casserole Recipe. It takes all the favorite flavors of a walking taco—seasoned ground beef, zesty tomatoes, cheesy goodness, and crunchy corn chips—and transforms them into a warm, comforting casserole you can serve to a crowd or enjoy as a family dinner. This dish is a true celebration of Tex-Mex flavor, layered with beans, creamy sour cream, and melted cheese, making it a perfect weeknight meal that feels like a party on a plate.

Walking Taco Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Walking Taco Casserole Recipe lies in its simple, well-balanced ingredients that each add their own delightful flair. From the savory ground beef to the crispy Fritos, every component plays an essential role, melding textures and flavors beautifully.

1 pound ground beef: Provides the hearty, meaty base bursting with savory flavor.
1 small onion (chopped finely): Adds a gentle sweetness and depth once sautéed.
1 package taco seasoning: Brings the classic taco spice blend, elevating the entire dish.
½ cup water: Helps to blend the seasoning and keep the mixture juicy.
1 can black beans (15 ounces, drained and rinsed): Adds fiber, a bit of creaminess, and earthy undertones.
1 can diced tomatoes with green chiles (10 ounces): Offers a zesty, slightly spicy kick and vibrant color.
½ cup sour cream: Provides richness and a cool tang to balance spices.
1 bag Fritos corn chips (9.25 ounces): Delivers the iconic crunch and corn flavor signature to walking tacos.
2 cups Mexican-style shredded cheese: Melts beautifully, adding gooey, cheesy goodness.
Green onions (sliced): Freshens with a mild onion bite and lively green color.
Sour cream, guacamole, salsa, jalapenos (optional toppings): Customize with any or all for added creaminess, spice, and zing.

How to Make Walking Taco Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Baking Dish

Start by setting your oven to 350 degrees F and giving a 13×9 baking dish a good spray of nonstick cooking spray. This little step ensures your casserole won’t stick later and makes cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Cook the Beef and Onions

In a large skillet, brown your ground beef until it’s almost cooked through. Then toss in the finely chopped onion and cook everything together until the onions soften and the beef loses its pink hue. The onions add sweetness that balances the savory meat perfectly.

Step 3: Season and Simmer

Sprinkle in the taco seasoning, then pour in half a cup of water and raise the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. This step melds all those spices deep into the beef, infusing every bite with authentic taco flavor.

Step 4: Add Beans, Tomatoes, and Sour Cream

Reduce the heat, then stir in your black beans, diced tomatoes with green chiles, and sour cream. Let this simmer for 8 to 10 minutes, allowing the mixture to thicken slightly and the flavors to mingle beautifully.

Step 5: Layer Your Casserole

Now for the fun part—layering your casserole! First, spread a single layer of Fritos corn chips across the bottom of your prepared dish. Next, sprinkle one cup of shredded cheese evenly on top. Add the warm beef mixture as the next layer, and finally, cover everything with the remaining cheese for a melty finish.

Step 6: Bake to Cheesy Perfection

Cover the casserole with foil and pop it in your preheated oven for 15 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes to get the cheese perfectly melted and the edges bubbly and inviting.

Step 7: Top and Serve

Once out of the oven, sprinkle more crunch with extra corn chips and pile on your favorite toppings like green onions, sour cream, guacamole, salsa, or jalapenos. It’s ready to dive in!

How to Serve Walking Taco Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

Don’t underestimate the power of toppings! Green onions add freshness, sour cream brings cooling creaminess, while guacamole introduces a creamy, buttery touch. Salsa and jalapenos crank up the heat and brighten every bite. Garnishing your Walking Taco Casserole Recipe is where it can truly shine and reflect your personal flair.

Side Dishes

This casserole stands well on its own, but pairing it with a crisp side salad or some simple Mexican rice can round out the meal exquisitely. A light corn salad or even refried beans also complement the hearty meat and chip layers perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the casserole in individual ramekins for personal portions or layer the ingredients in a clear glass dish for an inviting visual display of the vibrant layers. You can even turn it into a potluck hit by letting guests add their own toppings buffet-style.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Walking Taco Casserole Recipe leftovers keep wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just cover tightly to preserve moisture and prevent the chips from getting too soggy.

Freezing

This casserole can be frozen either cooked or preassembled (without baking). Use a freezer-safe container, and it will keep for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before baking or reheating.

Reheating

For the best results, reheat leftovers in the oven at 350 degrees F until warmed through and the cheese bubbles again—around 15-20 minutes. Microwave works in a pinch but may result in softer chips.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of chip?

Absolutely! While Fritos are classic and sturdy, tortilla chips or even Doritos can add interesting flavors and textures. Just keep in mind that swap-ins might affect how crunchy your casserole stays.

Is this recipe spicy?

The base recipe has a gentle kick from the diced tomatoes with green chiles and taco seasoning, but you can easily control the heat by adjusting jalapenos or adding hot sauce to your taste.

Can this be made vegetarian?

Yes! Simply substitute the ground beef with a plant-based protein or extra beans and veggies. Use vegetarian taco seasoning to keep it flavorful and just as delicious.

How many does this recipe serve?

This Walking Taco Casserole Recipe comfortably serves about 6 people, making it perfect for families or small gatherings.

What if I don’t have Mexican-style shredded cheese?

You can blend cheddar, Monterey Jack, and a bit of queso quesadilla or mozzarella for a cheese mix that mimics the flavor and meltiness beautifully.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a meal that captures the fun essence of walking tacos but with the heartiness of a casserole, this Walking Taco Casserole Recipe is your next must-make. It’s cozy, festive, and flexible enough to suit your cravings or whatever you have on hand. Dive in with your favorite toppings and watch this dish become your new family favorite — I promise it won’t disappoint!

Walking Taco Casserole Recipe

★★★★★

5.3 from 11 reviews

Author: Lily
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Low Fat

Print Recipe

Description

Walking Taco Casserole is a fun and flavorful layered dish inspired by the popular handheld walking taco snack. This recipe combines seasoned ground beef, beans, diced tomatoes with chiles, and sour cream, layered with crunchy Fritos chips and melted Mexican-style cheese, then baked to bubbly perfection. Easily customizable with toppings like guacamole, salsa, and jalapenos, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser perfect for family dinners or game day.

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Lightly coat a 13×9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Cook Ground Beef and Onions: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until it’s almost fully cooked. Add the chopped onions and cook until they are soft and the beef is no longer pink, about 5 minutes.
Add Seasoning: Stir in the taco seasoning packet and ½ cup water. Bring the mixture to a boil to dissolve the seasoning thoroughly.
Simmer with Beans and Tomatoes: Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the drained black beans, diced tomatoes with green chiles, and ½ cup sour cream. Let this mixture simmer for 8-10 minutes until it’s heated through and slightly thickened.
Assemble Casserole: In the prepared baking dish, spread a single layer of Fritos corn chips on the bottom. Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded cheese evenly over the chips. Layer the seasoned beef mixture on top, then finish with the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese evenly spread on top.
Bake Covered: Cover the casserole tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly around the edges.
Add Toppings and Serve: Once out of the oven, sprinkle more Fritos chips on top and garnish with sliced green onions, sour cream, guacamole, salsa, and jalapenos to taste. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

For a spicier casserole, add extra jalapenos or use spicy taco seasoning.
To make this dish gluten free, confirm that your taco seasoning and Fritos chips are certified gluten free.
You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
For extra crunch, add crushed Fritos chips on top just before serving rather than baking them all together.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking, Sautéing
Cuisine: Tex-Mex