Walking Taco Casserole

Name: Walking Taco Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons canola oil; 1 large onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 pound 90% lean ground beef; 1 (1-ounce) packet taco seasoning; 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 cup salsa; 1 (9.25-ounce) bag corn chips (Doritos, plain tortilla chips, or Fritos); 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Published: May 4, 2025

by Nora

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This Walking Taco Casserole is a fun twist on a classic favorite, making it an ideal dish for family dinners and potlucks. With hearty layers of seasoned beef, black beans, and crunchy corn chips topped with melted cheese, it captures the essence of walking tacos in an easy-to-make casserole form. Perfect for busy weeknights or festive gatherings, this recipe invites creativity with customizable toppings to suit everyone’s taste.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This casserole can be prepared in just under 40 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight meal.
Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: With its blend of seasoned beef and savory toppings, everyone will love this delicious dish.
Versatile Toppings: Customize your Walking Taco Casserole with your favorite taco toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, or jalapeños for extra flair.
One-Dish Wonder: Less mess means more time to enjoy the company of friends and family while you dig into this delightful meal.
Make Ahead Option: Prepare it in advance and simply bake when it’s time to eat, great for parties and gatherings.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Walking Taco Casserole efficiently, gather the necessary tools. Having the right equipment will streamline the cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large skillet
9×13-inch baking dish
Wooden spoon or spatula
Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

Skillet: A large skillet allows you to cook the beef and sauté vegetables evenly without overcrowding.
Baking Dish: A 9×13-inch baking dish provides ample space for layering ingredients, ensuring even cooking throughout.
Wooden Spoon/Spatula: These tools are essential for mixing ingredients well without scratching your cookware.

Ingredients

For the Casserole:

2 tablespoons canola oil
1 large onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound 90% lean ground beef
1 (1-ounce) packet taco seasoning
1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup salsa
1 (9.25-ounce) bag corn chips (Doritos, plain tortilla chips, or Fritos)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

For Optional Toppings:

Shredded lettuce
Diced tomatoes
Jalapeños
Cilantro
Sour cream
Salsa

How to Make Walking Taco Casserole

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

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

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

In a large skillet:
1. Heat the canola oil over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Cook the Beef

Add the ground beef to the skillet:
1. Cook until browned.
2. Drain excess fat if needed.
3. Stir in the taco seasoning until mixed well.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Stir in:
1. The black beans and salsa until evenly combined.
2. Let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Step 5: Layer the Casserole

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish:
1. Layer half of the corn chips on the bottom.
2. Top with half of the beef mixture.
3. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over it.
4. Repeat with another layer of corn chips, beef mixture, and remaining cheese.

Step 6: Bake

Place in preheated oven:
1. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 7: Serve

Remove from oven:
1. Top with your favorite taco toppings.
2. Serve immediately and enjoy!

With simple steps and delicious flavors, this Walking Taco Casserole is sure to become a family favorite!

How to Serve Walking Taco Casserole

Walking Taco Casserole is a fun and delicious dish that can be served in various ways. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a lively gathering, these serving suggestions will elevate your meal experience.

Add Crunchy Toppings

Shredded Lettuce – Fresh and crisp, it adds a nice crunch.
Diced Tomatoes – Juicy tomatoes provide freshness and color.
Jalapeños – For those who like it spicy, jalapeños bring the heat!
Cilantro – Adds a burst of flavor and freshness.
Sour Cream – Creamy and cool, it balances the spices perfectly.
Extra Salsa – A dollop of salsa enhances the flavors even more.

Use Fun Serving Dishes

Individual Bowls – Serve in small bowls for a personal touch.
Taco Shells – Present the casserole in taco shells for added crunch and fun.

How to Perfect Walking Taco Casserole

Perfecting your Walking Taco Casserole can take your dish from good to great. Here are some helpful tips:

Use Quality Ingredients – Fresh ingredients enhance flavor.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan – This ensures even cooking and browning of the beef.
Layer Wisely – Proper layering keeps chips crunchy while ensuring every bite is flavorful.
Watch Baking Time – Bake just until cheese bubbles to avoid soggy chips.
Customize Seasoning – Adjust taco seasoning according to your taste preferences.
Serve Immediately – For best texture and flavor, serve right after baking.

Best Side Dishes for Walking Taco Casserole

Pairing side dishes with your Walking Taco Casserole can complete your meal. Here are some top choices:

Mexican Rice – Fluffy rice flavored with spices complements the casserole well.
Refried Beans – Creamy beans add richness and protein to the meal.
Guacamole – A creamy avocado dip that pairs perfectly with taco flavors.
Corn Salad – A refreshing salad made with corn, peppers, and lime dressing.
Chips and Salsa – Classic tortilla chips served with salsa make for an easy snack.
Grilled Vegetables – Lightly charred vegetables add a healthy touch to your plate.
Coleslaw – Crunchy slaw adds texture and balances the rich flavors of the casserole.
Quesadillas – Cheese-filled tortillas are always a crowd-pleaser alongside any Mexican dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Walking Taco Casserole, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes to avoid.

Skipping the Sautéing Step: Not sautéing the onions and garlic can lead to a lack of depth in flavor. Always take the time to sauté these ingredients for a better taste.
Overcrowding the Skillet: If you add too much beef at once, it will steam instead of brown. Cook in batches to ensure proper browning.
Using Stale Chips: While slightly stale chips can work, using very stale or broken ones may lead to a soggy casserole. Choose fresh chips for the best texture.
Overbaking: Baking too long can cause the chips to become mushy. Bake just until the cheese is melted and bubbly for the perfect balance.
Ignoring Customization: Forgetting to add your favorite toppings can make the dish less exciting. Customize with toppings like jalapeños or sour cream for extra flavor.

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container.
Keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing Walking Taco Casserole

Use an airtight container or freezer-safe bag.
Freeze for up to 3 months for optimal freshness.

Reheating Walking Taco Casserole

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake until heated through, about 15 minutes.
Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring between, until warm.
Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Walking Taco Casserole?

Walking Taco Casserole is a layered dish that combines seasoned ground beef, black beans, corn chips, and cheese. It offers all the flavors of traditional walking tacos but in a convenient casserole form.

Can I customize my Walking Taco Casserole?

Absolutely! You can add any of your favorite taco toppings such as shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, jalapeños, or even different types of cheese.

How do I store leftover Walking Taco Casserole?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This Walking Taco Casserole is great for meal prep as it stores well and reheats easily throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

Walking Taco Casserole is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite toppings and ingredients. Give this crowd-pleasing recipe a try at your next gathering or busy weeknight dinner!

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