Description
Walking Taco Casserole is a fun, easy, and flavorful twist on the classic walking tacos. This one-dish meal combines all the familiar components of a walking taco—seasoned ground beef, crunchy tortilla chips, melty cheese, and zesty toppings—into a comforting casserole. Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or casual gatherings, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser that everyone can customize with their favorite taco toppings. With its hearty, savory filling and crispy topping, Walking Taco Casserole is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter version)
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix (or homemade seasoning blend)
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of your favorite cheese)
- 4 cups tortilla chips, crushed
- 1 cup sour cream (optional, for serving)
- 1/2 cup sliced green onions (optional, for topping)
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (optional, for topping)
- Jalapeños (optional, for topping)
- Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Ingredient Highlights
- Ground Beef: The savory base of the casserole, providing protein and rich flavor. Ground turkey can be used for a leaner option.
- Taco Seasoning: Adds a burst of bold, zesty flavor that complements the other ingredients perfectly. Homemade seasoning is a great way to adjust flavors.
- Tortilla Chips: The crunchy, salty layer that gives the casserole its “walking taco” signature. Use plain or flavored chips based on your preference.
- Salsa: Provides moisture, flavor, and a bit of tang to the casserole.
- Cheese: The melty, gooey cheese pulls the casserole together and gives it a rich, comforting finish.
Instructions
Prepare the Casserole:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Break it apart as it cooks, then drain excess fat. If using ground turkey, you may not need to drain it.
- Season the Meat: Add the taco seasoning to the beef and stir to combine. Pour in the salsa and stir, letting it simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly. Add the black beans and corn, mixing them into the meat mixture. Remove from heat.
- Layer the Casserole: In the prepared casserole dish, spread half of the crushed tortilla chips in an even layer. Top with half of the meat mixture, followed by half of the shredded cheese. Repeat with another layer of chips, the remaining meat mixture, and the remaining cheese.
- Bake the Casserole: Cover the casserole with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes to crisp up the chips and cheese on top.
- Cool and Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Top with your favorite taco toppings, such as sour cream, green onions, diced tomatoes, jalapeños, and fresh cilantro.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 350-400 kcal
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 25g