The Most Delicious Walking Taco Casserole Recipe

Remember the joy of cracking open a bag of corn chips and loading it with all your favorite taco fixings? Get ready to transform that beloved walking taco experience into a crowd-pleasing casserole that brings the fiesta to your dinner table!

This Walking Taco Casserole takes all the fun and flavor of the classic fair food favorite and turns it into a convenient, family-style dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual entertaining.

In this recipe, you’ll discover how to layer crispy corn chips, seasoned ground beef, and all your favorite taco toppings into a mouthwatering casserole that captures the essence of street-food fun with the comfort of a home-cooked meal.

No more juggling individual bags or worrying about toppings falling out – this clever twist gives you all the taste with none of the mess. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or hosting game day, this creative casserole is about to become your new go-to dish.

Why You’ll Love This Walking Taco Casserole

• Simple: Quick to prepare with everyday ingredients.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for family dinners, parties, or potlucks.
• Customizable: Add your favorite toppings to make it your own.
• Comforting: Warm, cheesy, and packed with classic taco flavors.
• Kid-Friendly: Fun for kids to assemble and enjoy with different toppings.
• Leftover-Friendly: Tastes great reheated for easy next-day meals

Walking Taco Casserole Recipe

To make this delicious casserole, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 packet taco seasoning mix (or homemade taco seasoning)
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can of corn kernels, drained
• 1 can dice tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
• 1 bag tortilla chips, lightly crushed

Optional Toppings:

• Diced tomatoes
• Sliced black olives
• Chopped green onions
• Sour cream
• Chopped cilantro
• Salsa
• Diced avocado or guacamole
• Jalapeño slices
• Hot sauce or taco sauce

Kitchen Equipment Needed:

• Large skillet: For cooking the ground beef and mixing in ingredients.
• 9×13 inch baking dish: To assemble and bake the casserole.
• Mixing spoon or spatula: For stirring and mixing the ingredients in the skillet.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your casserole cooks evenly.

2. Cook the Ground Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s browned and no longer pink, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once fully cooked, drain any excess fat from the skillet.

3. Add the Taco Seasoning

Sprinkle the taco seasoning mix over the cooked ground beef, stirring to coat the meat evenly. Add a small amount of water (about ¼ cup) to help distribute the seasoning and mix well. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

4. Add Beans, Corn, and Tomatoes

Add the drained black beans, drained corn, and undrained can of diced tomatoes with green chilies to the skillet. Stir everything together until well combined, letting the mixture heat through for an additional 2-3 minutes. This will help blend the flavors and ensure everything is evenly mixed.

5. Layer the Casserole

Spread half of the lightly crushed tortilla chips across the bottom of the 9×13 inch baking dish. Pour the beef and vegetable mixture over the chips, spreading it out into an even layer. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the beef mixture.

6. Add More Chips and Cheese

Spread the remaining crushed tortilla chips over the beef and cheese layer, then top with the remaining cup of shredded cheddar cheese. This layering helps create that crispy, cheesy topping that everyone loves.

7. Bake

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 22-25 minutes. For a slightly golden top, remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of baking.

8. Add Optional Toppings

Once baked, carefully remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Add your favorite toppings like diced tomatoes, sliced black olives, chopped green onions, sour cream, chopped cilantro, or salsa. Customize it with any toppings you enjoy!

Tips for the Perfect Walking Taco Casserole

• Choose Your Chips: Tortilla chips are a classic choice, but you can also try using flavored chips like nacho cheese or chili-flavored chips for an extra kick.
• Make it Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the beef mixture if you like a bit of heat. You can also use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar.
• Add Extra Vegetables: For more nutrition, consider adding diced bell peppers, onions, or even zucchini to the beef mixture as it cooks.
• Make it Vegetarian: Substitute the ground beef with a plant-based ground meat or extra beans, like kidney or pinto beans, for a meatless version.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Walking Taco Casserole warm, scooping portions onto plates and letting everyone customize their own toppings. It’s great for family-style dining or for a casual party where guests can add their own flair.

Storage and Reheating

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop a portion in the microwave until heated through. You can also reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to maintain the crunchiness of the tortilla chips.