Why make this recipe
Walking Taco Casserole is a perfect dish for a busy weeknight or a fun gathering. It combines the classic flavors of tacos with the ease of a casserole. You get layers of seasoned beef, beans, and cheese all topped with crunchy corn chips. This dish is not only delicious but also quick to prepare. Plus, it’s a great way to customize your meals with your favorite toppings!
How to make Walking Taco Casserole
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped finely
- 1 package taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 can black beans (15 ounces), drained and rinsed
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chiles (10 ounces)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 bag Fritos corn chips (9.25 ounces)
- 2 cups Mexican-style shredded cheese
- Green onions, sliced (for topping)
- Sour cream (for topping)
- Guacamole (for topping)
- Salsa (for topping)
- Jalapenos (for topping)
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 13×9 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a large skillet, brown ground beef until almost done. Add chopped onions and cook until soft.
- Stir in taco seasoning and water; heat to boiling.
- Reduce heat, stir in black beans, diced tomatoes, and sour cream. Cook for 8-10 minutes until heated and slightly thickened.
- Layer corn chips at the bottom of the baking dish, sprinkle 1 cup shredded cheese on top, then add the beef mixture. Finish with the remaining cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from oven and top with more corn chips and your favorite toppings.
How to serve Walking Taco Casserole
Serve Walking Taco Casserole hot from the oven. You can dish it out in bowls and let everyone add their favorite toppings like green onions, sour cream, guacamole, salsa, and jalapenos. This makes it easy for each person to customize their plate.
How to store Walking Taco Casserole
Let the casserole cool completely before storing. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you want to store it longer, place it in an airtight container and freeze for up to three months.
Tips to make Walking Taco Casserole
- For added flavor, use seasoned ground beef or add extra spices to the beef mixture.
- If you like it spicy, consider adding more jalapenos or using spicy taco seasoning.
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Feel free to add other vegetables, such as bell peppers or corn, to the beef mixture for more nutrition.
Variation
You can create a vegetarian version of this casserole by replacing the ground beef with cooked lentils or quinoa. Additionally, use more beans or add a variety of vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers.
FAQs
1. Can I make Walking Taco Casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Just assemble all the layers, cover it, and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake it, simply preheat the oven and follow the baking instructions.
2. Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! While Mexican-style shredded cheese is a great choice, you can also use cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a mix of cheeses to suit your taste.
3. Is Walking Taco Casserole gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free taco seasoning and ensure that your corn chips are labeled as gluten-free. Always double-check all ingredient labels to be sure.
Walking Taco Casserole
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Spray a 13×9 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a large skillet, brown ground beef until almost done. Add chopped onions and cook until soft.
- Stir in taco seasoning and water; heat to boiling.
- Reduce heat, stir in black beans, diced tomatoes, and sour cream. Cook for 8-10 minutes until heated and slightly thickened.
- Layer corn chips at the bottom of the baking dish, sprinkle 1 cup shredded cheese on top, then add the beef mixture.
- Finish with the remaining cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from oven and top with more corn chips and your favorite toppings.
- Serve hot from the oven and let everyone add their favorite toppings like green onions, sour cream, guacamole, salsa, and jalapenos.
