BEST WALKING TACO CASSEROLE

Imagine layers of seasoned ground beef, crunchy tortilla chips, melted cheese, and your favorite taco toppings all baked into one glorious dish. That’s exactly what you get with this Walking Taco Casserole, and it’s even easier to make than it sounds! It’s the perfect weeknight meal that everyone will rave about, and I promise this will become a new family favorite.

Ingredients

Ground Beef Mixture:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1/2 cup water

Casserole Base:

• 1 large bag (10-12 oz) of your favorite flavor of single-serve tortilla chips (like Doritos or Fritos)
• 1 (15 ounce) can of black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15 ounce) can of corn, drained
• 1 (10 ounce) can of diced tomatoes and green chilies (like Rotel), undrained

Cheese Layer:

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a Mexican cheese blend)

Toppings (Optional, but Recommended!):

• Shredded lettuce
• Diced tomatoes
• Sour cream
• Salsa
• Guacamole
• Sliced black olives
• Jalapeños (pickled or fresh)

Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Beef

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain off any excess grease.

Step 2: Taco Seasoning Time!

1. Stir in the taco seasoning and water into the browned ground beef.
2. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.

Step 3: Assembling the Casserole

1. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Crush about half of the bag of tortilla chips and spread them evenly in the bottom of the baking dish. You don’t want them to be powder, but smaller pieces are better! I like to keep the chips in the bag and gently crush them with my hands.
3. Spread the black beans and corn evenly over the crushed chips.
4. Pour the diced tomatoes and green chilies over the beans and corn.
5. Spoon the seasoned ground beef mixture evenly over the tomato mixture.

Step 4: Cheese Please!

1. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the ground beef mixture.
2. Top with the remaining crushed tortilla chips.

Step 5: Bake It Up!

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Toppings Galore!

1. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
2. Top with your favorite taco toppings, such as shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, salsa, guacamole, and sliced black olives. Don’t be shy!

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Walking Taco Casserole

Okay, let’s talk about some insider secrets to make this Walking Taco Casserole truly shine. I know some recipes can be a bit finicky, but trust me, this one is pretty forgiving. However, a few tweaks can elevate it from good to absolutely amazing!

Chip Choice Matters

While you can use pretty much any flavor of tortilla chips, I find that certain varieties work better than others. For a classic taco flavor, Doritos or Fritos are always a solid choice. But if you want to get a little adventurous, try using a flavored chip like Cool Ranch Doritos for a fun twist. Just make sure the flavor complements the other ingredients.

Preventing a Soggy Bottom

Nobody wants a soggy casserole! To prevent this, avoid using overly crushed chips for the bottom layer. You want some texture to prevent the liquid from the beans and tomatoes from soaking in too much. Also, make sure to drain your canned ingredients well. If you are planning to make it ahead of time, consider layering the crushed chips just before baking.

Cheese is Key

Don’t skimp on the cheese! A generous layer of cheese is what binds everything together and adds that delicious, gooey factor. I personally love using a Mexican cheese blend for its variety of flavors, but cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack would work great too. You can also use a combination of cheeses. Get creative!

Customize Your Casserole

The beauty of this Walking Taco Casserole is that it’s completely customizable. Don’t like black beans? Use pinto beans instead. Want to add some extra veggies? Throw in some diced bell peppers or onions when you brown the beef. You can even add a layer of rice for extra heartiness. Make it your own!

Walking Taco Casserole: The Perfect Food for a Gathering

Let’s be honest, finding the perfect Food For A Gathering can be a real challenge. You want something that’s easy to make, travels well, and that everyone will actually enjoy. This Walking Taco Casserole ticks all those boxes! It’s a total crowd-pleaser and is always a hit at potlucks, parties, and tailgates. Plus, it’s easy to transport and serve. Just cover it with foil and you’re good to go!

And speaking of easy, this recipe definitely qualifies as one of those Family Casseroles Dinners Easy Recipes that you can whip up on a busy weeknight. It’s a great way to use up leftover ground beef or taco meat, and it requires minimal prep time. Trust me, even the pickiest eaters will love it!

More Mexican-Inspired Main Dishes to Explore

If you’re a fan of Mexican food, like I am, then you’re always on the lookout for new and exciting Mexican Food Main Dishes. Lucky for you, there are tons of delicious options to choose from! Beyond this Walking Taco Casserole, consider the ease and fun of building your own Chicken Enchilada Bowls for a customizable, healthy meal. Or, for a hearty, comforting dish, try Creamy Taco Soup. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl! For a similar taste profile in individual servings, explore Taco Stuffed Peppers, a fantastic low-carb option. If you’re looking for something you can “set and forget,” consider the Slow Cooker Taco Casserole. It’s perfect for busy days! For a pasta-based twist, there’s Taco Pasta Fiesta, which the whole family will adore. And finally, for a quick and easy skillet dinner, you can’t go wrong with a Southwest Skillet.

Is This Walking Taco Casserole a Good Take Along Dinner Idea?

Absolutely! This Walking Taco Casserole is an awesome Take Along Dinner Idea. It’s easy to pack, travels well (just make sure it’s covered tightly!), and reheats like a champ. Whether you’re bringing it to a friend’s house, a potluck at work, or even a picnic, it’s sure to be a hit. Plus, it’s a great alternative to the usual pizza or sandwiches.

Variations and Substitutions

Want to switch things up? Here are some ideas:

• Meat: Ground turkey or shredded chicken work great in place of ground beef.
• Beans: Use pinto beans, kidney beans, or even refried beans instead of black beans.
• Veggies: Add diced bell peppers, onions, or zucchini for extra nutrients.
• Spice: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for a spicier kick.
• Chips: Experiment with different flavors of tortilla chips, like BBQ or spicy nacho.
• Vegetarian: Use plant-based ground beef and vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

Storage Instructions

Leftover Walking Taco Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions or bake the entire casserole in a preheated oven until heated through. You can also freeze the casserole for longer storage. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Final Thoughts: Your New Go-To Casserole Recipe

So, there you have it – the ultimate Walking Taco Casserole recipe! I truly believe this will become a staple in your kitchen. It’s quick, easy, customizable, and absolutely delicious. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a simple weeknight meal, this casserole is sure to please. So go ahead, give it a try! I can’t wait to hear what you think!

BEST WALKING TACO CASSEROLE

Amelia Chen-Morrison

This Walking Taco Casserole is a delightful and easy weeknight meal that combines layers of seasoned ground beef, crunchy tortilla chips, melted cheese, and your favorite taco toppings. Baked into one glorious dish, it’s customizable and sure to become a family favorite for potlucks, parties, or a simple dinner.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mexican-American

Servings 6

Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Large skillet
• Spatula
• Mixing spoon
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Oven

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• ½ cup water
• 1 large bag 10-12 oz) tortilla chips (Doritos or Fritos
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese or Mexican cheese blend
• Shredded lettuce, for topping
• Diced tomatoes, for topping
• Sour cream, for topping
• Salsa, for topping
• Guacamole, for topping
• Sliced black olives, for topping

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain off any excess grease.
• Stir in the taco seasoning and water into the browned ground beef.
• Bring to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
• Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
• Crush about half of the bag of tortilla chips and spread them evenly in the bottom of the baking dish.
• Spread the black beans and corn evenly over the crushed chips.
• Pour the diced tomatoes and green chilies over the beans and corn.
• Spoon the seasoned ground beef mixture evenly over the tomato mixture.
• Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the ground beef mixture.
• Top with the remaining crushed tortilla chips.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
• Top with your favorite taco toppings, such as shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, salsa, guacamole, and sliced black olives.

Notes

For best results, avoid using overly crushed chips for the bottom layer to prevent a soggy casserole. Drain canned ingredients well. Experiment with different chip flavors and cheese combinations. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or frozen for 2-3 months.