Walking Taco Casserole brings the beloved flavors of a walking taco into a warm, satisfying casserole form. With seasoned ground beef, hearty black beans, sweet corn, and a generous layer of melted cheese, this dish has all the elements of a classic taco but in an easy-to-serve casserole. The crunchy corn chips add texture while the sour cream, olives, and fresh veggies bring a refreshing balance to the savory filling. It’s a perfect dish for casual dinners, parties, or family gatherings—one that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel), undrained
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (canned or frozen)
- 3 cups corn chips (like Fritos)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (optional)
- 1 large tomato, chopped
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
Directions
1. Cook the Ground Beef:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat from the beef to keep the dish from being too greasy. Once drained, add the taco seasoning mix, diced tomatoes with green chilies (undrained), black beans, and corn. Stir everything together until well combined. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes, giving the flavors time to meld together and become deliciously aromatic.
2. Assemble the Casserole:
Next, grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread a layer of corn chips (such as Fritos) across the bottom. These chips will provide a crunchy base that contrasts perfectly with the soft, flavorful beef mixture. Spoon the beef mixture evenly over the chips, ensuring every chip is coated and the beef is distributed uniformly. Once the mixture is spread out, top it off generously with shredded cheddar cheese. The cheese will melt into the casserole, adding a creamy richness to every bite.
3. Bake the Casserole:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly. The casserole should be heated through, and the cheese should form a nice, gooey layer on top. The aroma of the baking cheese combined with the seasoned beef will surely fill your kitchen with irresistible smells.
4. Add Toppings and Serve:
Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. This will make it easier to slice and serve. Spread a layer of sour cream over the top to add a creamy texture and a touch of tang. Then, garnish with your choice of toppings. You can add sliced black olives, chopped green onions, chopped cilantro, chopped tomato, and a handful of shredded lettuce to bring freshness and vibrant color to the casserole. These toppings balance the richness of the casserole, making each bite even more delightful.
5. Serve:
Scoop generous portions of the Walking Taco Casserole onto plates, ensuring you get a bit of everything in each serving. Serve with extra sour cream, salsa, or guacamole on the side for added flavor and creaminess. This casserole is perfect for a casual family meal or a fun dinner gathering.
Cooking Tips
- Make it Spicy: If you love heat, consider adding jalapeños to the beef mixture or sprinkling some chili powder on top for extra kick. You can also use a spicy salsa or hot sauce to elevate the dish’s flavor.
- Use Ground Turkey or Chicken: For a lighter version of this casserole, swap the ground beef for ground turkey or ground chicken. These leaner meats will still hold up well in the casserole and absorb all the delicious taco seasonings.
- Customize the Toppings: This casserole is versatile, and you can change the toppings based on what you have on hand. Consider adding sliced avocado, pickled jalapeños, or even a few dollops of guacamole for extra creaminess.
- Add More Veggies: If you’d like to sneak in some extra vegetables, feel free to add some diced bell peppers, chopped onions, or even corn kernels to the beef mixture. These will add more flavor and nutrients to the dish.
- Make it Ahead: You can assemble the casserole in advance, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it perfect for meal prepping or preparing for a party. Just bake it the same way as the recipe instructs, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time.
Substitutions and Variations
- Beans: If you don’t like black beans, feel free to swap them for refried beans, pinto beans, or kidney beans. Each type of bean will add a different flavor and texture to the casserole.
- Cheese: While cheddar cheese is classic for this recipe, you can use other types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or even Mexican blend cheese for a different flavor profile.
- Taco Seasoning: If you don’t have a taco seasoning mix on hand, you can make your own by combining chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use homemade taco seasoning instead of the packet?
Yes! Making your own taco seasoning is simple and allows you to adjust the flavors to your preference. You can combine chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, and salt. Just adjust the amounts to taste.
Can I freeze Walking Taco Casserole?
Absolutely! This casserole can be frozen before or after baking. To freeze before baking, assemble the casserole in the baking dish, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as usual. If freezing after baking, just make sure to cool it completely before wrapping and freezing.
Can I make this casserole without beans?
Yes! If you’re not a fan of beans, you can omit them or substitute with other ingredients like corn or rice. You can also add more ground beef or other protein sources like shredded chicken.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 500 kcal
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fat: 30g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
Conclusion
Walking Taco Casserole is a fun, easy, and flavorful dish that combines all the best elements of a taco in a hearty casserole form. The savory ground beef, seasoned with taco seasoning, is complemented by the crunch of corn chips and the richness of melted cheese. The addition of sour cream, fresh vegetables, and optional toppings adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole. Whether served for a family dinner or a casual get-together, this casserole is sure to be a hit. Enjoy it with your favorite toppings for a truly satisfying meal!