Walking Taco Casserole is a fun and easy twist on the classic walking taco. Packed with layers of seasoned beef, black beans, and melted cheddar cheese, all served over crunchy corn chips, this dish brings the best flavors of tacos to a casserole format. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or casual dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 bag (9 oz) corn chips, crushed
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Optional toppings: sour cream, salsa, guacamole, chopped cilantro
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and diced onion over medium heat until the beef is no longer pink. Drain any excess grease.
- Stir in the taco seasoning, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and black beans. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- In a 9×13 inch baking dish, layer half of the crushed corn chips, followed by half of the meat mixture and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients.
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve the casserole with optional toppings such as sour cream, salsa, guacamole, or chopped cilantro.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Swap the ground beef for a plant-based protein or additional beans like pinto or kidney beans for a vegetarian option.
- Spicy: Add jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture for a spicier casserole.
- Cheese Options: Experiment with other cheese varieties such as Monterey Jack, Mexican blend, or Pepper Jack for added flavor.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free corn chips or tortilla chips to make this casserole gluten-free.
- Additional Veggies: Add bell peppers, corn, or sliced olives to the casserole for more flavor and texture.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the casserole in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes or in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through.
10 FAQs
- Can I use ground turkey instead of beef? Yes, ground turkey can be used as a leaner alternative to ground beef in this recipe.
- Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, then bake it when ready to serve.
- What type of corn chips should I use? Traditional nacho-flavored corn chips work best, but you can use any type of plain corn chips or tortilla chips.
- Can I freeze Walking Taco Casserole? Yes, you can freeze the assembled casserole before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and freeze for up to 3 months. To bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
- Can I add more beans? Yes, you can add extra black beans or use different types of beans like kidney or pinto beans for additional texture.
- Can I use a different type of cheese? Absolutely! Feel free to substitute shredded mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend.
- How do I prevent the chips from getting too soggy? Layering the chips in between the meat mixture and cheese helps prevent them from getting too soggy. You can also use thicker chips for added crunch.
- Can I make this casserole without meat? Yes, you can use extra beans, tofu, or plant-based meat alternatives for a vegetarian or vegan version.
- How do I make this casserole spicier? Add chopped jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a splash of hot sauce to the meat mixture for more heat.
- What toppings can I use for extra flavor? Popular toppings include sour cream, salsa, guacamole, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, or fresh cilantro.
Conclusion
Walking Taco Casserole is a quick, satisfying, and customizable dish that brings the delicious flavors of tacos into an easy-to-make casserole. With its layers of seasoned beef, cheese, and crispy corn chips, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you enjoy it with traditional toppings or get creative with variations, it’s perfect for any taco night or casual gathering.
PrintWalking Taco Casserole
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Walking Taco Casserole combines the flavors of a taco in a layered, baked casserole form. Ground beef, taco seasoning, and black beans are layered with crushed corn chips and melted cheddar cheese, making for a quick and satisfying meal that’s perfect for feeding a crowd.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 bag (9 oz) corn chips, crushed
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Optional toppings: sour cream, salsa, guacamole, chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and onion over medium heat until beef is no longer pink. Drain the excess grease.
- Stir in the taco seasoning, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and black beans. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a 9×13 inch baking dish, layer half of the crushed corn chips, followed by half of the meat mixture and half of the shredded cheese. Repeat layers.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve with optional toppings like sour cream, salsa, guacamole, and chopped cilantro.
Notes
- For added spice, you can use spicy taco seasoning or add sliced jalapeños to the layers.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef for a lighter version.
- If you prefer a crunchier texture, reserve some corn chips and add them on top of the casserole during the last 5 minutes of baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes