Oh, let me tell you about my absolute favorite weeknight delight: walking taco casserole! It’s a glorious combination of all those wonderful flavors you love in a walking taco, but in a warm, cheesy, baked dish that’s perfect for sharing. Seriously, there’s nothing quite like the crunch of tortilla chips mingling with seasoned ground beef, black beans, and melty cheese. This dish is a total crowd-pleaser, making it ideal for family dinners, game nights, or any gathering where you want to impress without all the fuss. Plus, it’s so easy to whip up! Trust me, once you try this walking taco casserole, you’ll want it on your table every week!
Ingredients for Walking Taco Casserole
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can corn, drained
- 1 cup salsa
- 3 cups crushed tortilla chips
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or your favorite blend)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
How to Prepare Walking Taco Casserole
Alright, let’s dive into the fun part—making this walking taco casserole! First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because we want that cheese to melt beautifully when it’s time to bake!
While your oven is heating up, grab a large skillet and cook the ground beef over medium heat. You want to brown it nicely, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to break it apart as it cooks so it gets all those tasty bits—no one likes big clumps of meat, right?
Once the beef is browned, drain off any excess fat, then stir in the taco seasoning, black beans, corn, and salsa. Give it a good mix and let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes, just to let those flavors meld together. Now, here comes the layering magic!
In a baking dish, layer half of the crushed tortilla chips on the bottom. Spread that delicious beef mixture evenly over the chips, then sprinkle half of your shredded cheese on top. Repeat with the remaining chips and beef mixture, finishing off with the rest of the cheese. Can you smell the goodness already?
Now, pop that masterpiece into the oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is all bubbly and melted. When it’s ready, take it out and let it cool for a minute before serving. Top with sour cream and chopped green onions for that extra zing. Enjoy every cheesy bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Delicious, comforting flavors that everyone in the family will love.
- Customizable—add your favorite toppings or ingredients for a personal touch.
- Great for feeding a crowd; it’s a total crowd-pleaser!
- Leftovers taste amazing, so you can enjoy it again the next day.
Tips for Success
To really nail this walking taco casserole, here are some of my favorite tips! First off, don’t be afraid to customize the seasoning. If you love a bit of heat, toss in some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper! Also, using ground turkey instead of beef is a fantastic way to lighten it up without sacrificing flavor.
Another great idea is to make it a bit healthier by swapping out some of the cheese for Greek yogurt. Trust me, it still tastes incredible! And if you want that extra crunch, use some tortilla strips instead of crushed chips for the layers. Don’t forget to keep an eye on the baking time—every oven is different, and you want that cheese perfectly melted, not overcooked. Enjoy the process and have fun experimenting!
Variations on Walking Taco Casserole
Get ready to unleash your creativity with this walking taco casserole! One of my favorite twists is swapping out the ground beef for shredded chicken or even a spicy chorizo for a little kick. If you’re feeling adventurous, try using a mix of proteins—how about half beef and half turkey? The flavor combinations are endless!
Now, let’s talk toppings! You can totally switch things up by adding diced tomatoes, sliced black olives, or even some pickled jalapeños for extra zing. If you’re a cheese lover like me, consider mixing in a bit of pepper jack or crumbled feta for a unique twist. You could also switch the salsa for a zesty pico de gallo or a creamy avocado dressing if you want to bring a fresh element to the dish. The sky’s the limit—make it your own!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional information for one serving of walking taco casserole. Each serving contains about 450 calories, 25g of fat, 25g of protein, and 30g of carbohydrates. Keep in mind that these numbers are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. It’s always good to know what you’re enjoying, especially when it’s as delicious as this casserole!
FAQ about Walking Taco Casserole
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! This walking taco casserole is perfect for meal prep. You can assemble it a day in advance, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake!
What if I don’t have ground beef?
No worries! You can easily substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. If you want to get creative, try using shredded rotisserie chicken or even plant-based meat alternatives for a vegetarian twist.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes! Just let the casserole cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven until heated through.
What toppings work best?
Oh, the options are endless! I love topping my casserole with sour cream, diced avocado, or fresh cilantro. You could also add sliced jalapeños for a kick or crushed tortilla chips for extra crunch. Get creative and make it your own!
How spicy is this casserole?
The spice level is really up to you! The taco seasoning provides a mild flavor, but if you love heat, feel free to add some diced peppers or hot salsa to kick things up a notch. Enjoy experimenting!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers of this delicious walking taco casserole is a breeze! Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. If you want to save some for later, you can also freeze it! Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and pop them in the freezer for up to three months.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge, then reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until it’s warmed through and the cheese is melty again. You might even want to add a sprinkle of fresh cheese on top before reheating for that extra gooey goodness!
Print
Walking Taco Casserole: 5 Comforting Layers of Deliciousness
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A tasty and easy-to-make walking taco casserole that combines all the flavors of a walking taco in a baked dish.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 can black beans, drained
- 1 can corn, drained
- 1 cup salsa
- 3 cups crushed tortilla chips
- 2 cups shredded cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned.
- Add taco seasoning, black beans, corn, and salsa. Stir well.
- In a baking dish, layer half of the crushed tortilla chips.
- Spread the beef mixture over the chips.
- Add half of the cheese on top.
- Layer the remaining chips and beef mixture.
- Top with the remaining cheese.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until cheese is melted.
- Serve with sour cream and green onions on top.
Notes
- Customize with your favorite toppings.
- Use ground turkey for a leaner option.
- Can be made ahead and reheated.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: walking taco casserole, taco bake, easy casserole
