Walking Taco Casserole is the kind of meal that brings a festive, flavor-packed Tex-Mex spirit right to your dinner table, with all the fun of a taco night in a cozy, layered bake. Imagine bubbling cheese, zesty seasoned beef, crunchy corn chips, and colorful toppings—all scooped up in generous portions that are guaranteed to please a crowd. This is a weeknight favorite in our house, and I love how it turns the classic walking taco concept (usually eaten from a chip bag at fairs and ballgames) into a family-style casserole that’s as great for game day gatherings as it is for lazy Sundays. If you crave a dinner that combines comfort, crunch, and plenty of flavor, Walking Taco Casserole is the winning choice!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for Walking Taco Casserole are simple pantry staples that come together for a real flavor explosion. Each one plays a vital role, whether it’s adding a punch of spice, a creamy texture, or that irresistible cheesy melty layer—all crowned with a shower of crispy corn chips. Here’s what you’ll need and why.
- Ground beef (1 pound): Hearty and meaty, it soaks up all those taco seasonings and forms the rich base of the casserole.
- Small onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth, making the filling aromatic and flavorful.
- Taco seasoning mix (1 packet): Delivers classic Tex-Mex flavor and a welcome kick of spice. Use your favorite blend!
- Water (⅓ cup): Helps the taco seasoning coat the beef evenly and creates a flavorful sauce.
- Black beans, drained and rinsed (1 can, 15 oz): Bring protein and fiber, plus a satisfying creaminess to every bite.
- Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained (1 can, 10 oz): Add tangy brightness and just the right amount of heat—use hot for extra spice!
- Frozen corn (1 cup): Pops of sweetness and color that make the casserole extra tasty and appealing.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (2 cups): The melty, gooey glue that holds everything together—feel free to try pepper jack for more zing.
- Crushed corn chips, like Fritos (1 ½ cups): Salty, crunchy, and sort of irresistible—the signature “walking taco” crunch.
- Sour cream (for serving): Adds a cool, creamy contrast to the layers of warm, spicy filling.
- Chopped lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced olives, green onions, and jalapeños (optional toppings): Let everyone customize their slice with color, freshness, and an extra pop of flavor!
How to Make Walking Taco Casserole
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Onion
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large skillet set over medium heat, crumble the ground beef and add your diced onion. Stir occasionally and cook until the beef is browned and the onion is soft and fragrant—usually about 6 to 8 minutes. Don’t forget to drain off any excess grease, so your casserole doesn’t end up too oily.
Step 2: Season and Simmer
Sprinkle in the packet of taco seasoning, then pour in the water. Give everything a thorough stir to coat the beef evenly in all that delicious flavor. Let the mixture simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, just until it thickens up and soaks up the spices.
Step 3: Add Beans, Tomatoes, and Corn
Next, tip in your drained black beans, the Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, and frozen corn. Stir to combine and let the mixture heat through. This is when your kitchen will start smelling fantastic, and the filling becomes hearty and colorful.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Transfer the beef and bean mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Scatter half of the crushed corn chips over the top for that first magical layer of crunch, then blanket the whole thing with every last bit of shredded cheddar cheese.
Step 5: Bake and Finish
Bake your Walking Taco Casserole uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly, golden, and utterly tempting. As soon as you pull it out, sprinkle the remaining crushed chips on top to keep things crispy and fun.
How to Serve Walking Taco Casserole
Garnishes
A big part of the fun is going wild with toppings. Walking Taco Casserole practically begs for a scoop of cool sour cream, a handful of shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and maybe even a sprinkle of sliced black olives, scallions, or spicy jalapeños. Set out a toppings bar and let everyone personalize their portion—this little extra touch turns dinner into a party.
Side Dishes
While Walking Taco Casserole is easily a one-dish wonder, it’s even better with a few simple sides. Serve it alongside cilantro-lime rice, a bright and citrusy slaw, or even a big bowl of guacamole and chips for dipping. For a light touch, a tossed green salad can balance the bold flavors nicely.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not lean into that playful “walking taco” spirit? Spoon hearty scoops of the casserole into individual paper boats or small cups, and let guests top their serving taco-truck style. For game days, you could even serve it right in snack-size chip bags (just like the original!) for a totally portable, hands-on meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, transfer the cooled Walking Taco Casserole to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just note: the chips will lose some crunch, but the flavor is still fantastic.
Freezing
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole up to the baking step, but wait to add any chips or cheese until you’re ready to bake. Tightly wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, top with cheese and chips, and bake as directed.
Reheating
For best results, reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven until warmed through and the cheese is bubbly. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works fine, but cover the casserole and try adding a fresh sprinkle of chips after reheating for a little extra crunch.
FAQs
Can I make Walking Taco Casserole vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just swap the ground beef for a plant-based crumble or even extra beans and corn. The seasonings and toppings still deliver all the classic flavors.
What kind of corn chips work best?
Sturdy, thick corn chips like Fritos are ideal—they hold up to baking and provide maximum crunch. If you like, experiment with spicy or flavored varieties for a twist!
Can I prepare Walking Taco Casserole in advance?
Yes—assemble the casserole (without the chips on top), store it tightly covered in the fridge, and bake just before serving. Add the chips and bake as directed so they stay crispy.
Is this casserole spicy?
It has a mild to moderate heat level thanks to the Rotel tomatoes with green chilies. To turn up the spice, use hot Rotel, add diced jalapeños, or swap in pepper jack cheese!
What toppings are best for Walking Taco Casserole?
You can’t go wrong with classic taco toppers: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, olives, green onions, jalapeños, sour cream, and even avocado. Let your taste buds guide you!
Final Thoughts
Nothing brings people together like a hearty, craveable casserole, and Walking Taco Casserole is truly a standout for any occasion. It’s easy to assemble, customizable for every palate, and guaranteed to leave the whole table smiling. Give it a try and let the taco party begin!
Print
Walking Taco Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Walking Taco Casserole recipe is a delicious twist on traditional tacos, perfect for busy weeknights or casual entertaining. Layers of seasoned ground beef, beans, corn, and cheese are baked to melty perfection, then topped with crunchy corn chips and all your favorite taco fixings. Easy to make and customizable to suit your taste!
Ingredients
Ground Beef Mixture:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- ⅓ cup water
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
- 1 cup frozen corn
Additional Ingredients:
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 ½ cups crushed corn chips (like Fritos)
- Sour cream, chopped lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced olives, green onions, and jalapeños for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and onion until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Season the beef: Stir in taco seasoning and water; simmer until thickened.
- Add ingredients: Add black beans, Rotel tomatoes, and corn; stir to combine.
- Assemble: Spread the beef mixture in a baking dish; top with half of the corn chips and all the cheese.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes until cheese is melted.
- Top and serve: Remove from oven, top with remaining chips, and serve with toppings.
Notes
- For a spicier version, use hot Rotel and pepper jack cheese.
- Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for beef.
- Great for potlucks or game days!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 470
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
