The Ultimate Walking Taco Casserole Recipe for Fiesta Night

Crunch and comfort collide in this walking taco casserole that brings serious flavor to your dinner table.

Layers of seasoned ground beef mingle with crispy chips and melted cheese for an irresistible meal.

Weeknight dinners just got a whole lot more exciting with this crowd-pleasing dish.

Mexican-inspired ingredients create a hearty combination that feels like a party on your plate.

Home cooks will love how quickly this casserole comes together with minimal effort.

Kids and adults alike devour every single bite of this playful, satisfying creation.

You won’t be able to resist diving into this delicious twist on a classic favorite.

Walking Taco Casserole Benefits

• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Fusion: Combines classic taco ingredients with a comforting casserole style, creating a mouthwatering dish that satisfies both kids and adults with its bold, zesty taste.
• Quick and Simple Preparation: Requires minimal cooking skills and basic ingredients, making it perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings with friends and family.
• Customizable Comfort Food: Offers endless possibilities for personalization with optional garnishes like fresh cilantro, jalapeños, or additional toppings, allowing everyone to craft their perfect meal experience.
• Versatile Party Favorite: Ideal for potlucks, game day celebrations, and casual dinner parties, this casserole brings excitement and deliciousness to any social gathering with its hearty and inviting presentation.

Ingredients in Walking Taco Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful meat that serves as the primary protein base for the casserole.

• Onions: Adds a sweet and aromatic flavor to the meat mixture.
• Black Beans: Provides additional protein and a creamy texture to the dish.
• Corn: Brings a sweet and crisp element to the casserole.

• Sour Cream: Creates a rich and tangy sauce that enhances the overall flavor.
• Mexican-Blend Cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a creamy, cheesy layer to the casserole.

• Taco Seasoning: Infuses the meat with classic Mexican-inspired spices and flavors.
• Tomatillo Salsa: Adds a zesty and slightly tangy sauce to the meat mixture.

• Frito Corn Chips: Serves as both a crunchy base and a crispy topping for the casserole.

• Salsa, Sour Cream: Provides additional flavor and customization options for serving.

• Cooking Spray: Ensures the baking dish is non-stick for easy preparation and serving.
• Water: Used to help incorporate the taco seasoning and create the meat sauce.

How to Make Walking Taco Casserole

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Set your oven to a toasty 375°F. Grab a 2-quart baking dish and give it a quick spray of cooking oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Brown The Protein

Toss ground beef into a skillet and cook over medium heat until it transforms from pink to a rich brown color. Slide in chopped onions and let them dance around for 3-4 minutes until they turn soft and see-through.

Sprinkle taco seasoning over the meat, add water, and let everything bubble and blend for a few minutes.

Step 3: Create The Saucy Mix

• Tomatillo salsa
• Sour cream

Stir until everything looks smooth and creamy.

• Black beans
• Corn

Give it a final mix and take the pan off the heat.

Step 4: Layer With Love

Crush half the Fritos into chunky pieces and spread them across the bottom of the baking dish.

Pour the meaty mixture over the chips. Shower the top with Mexican-blend cheese.

Scatter the remaining Fritos on top for extra crunch.

Step 5: Bake To Perfection

Cover the dish and slide it into the oven.

Bake for 15-20 minutes until everything is bubbling and the cheese looks gooey. Remove the cover and bake for another 5 minutes to get those chips extra crispy.

Step 6: Dress And Serve

Pull the casserole out and add your favorite toppings. Serve hot with extra salsa and sour cream on the side for those who want an extra flavor kick.

Tips for Walking Taco Casserole Success

Preserve leftovers by storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave to maintain the corn chip’s crispness and prevent sogginess. Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for a healthier protein option. Experiment with different types of salsa – green tomatillo, red chunky, or roasted varieties can add unique flavor profiles to the casserole. Control spice levels by selecting mild or hot taco seasoning, allowing customization for different heat tolerances.

Variations of Walking Taco Casserole

• Veggie Lover's Delight: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans for a vegetarian version that maintains rich flavor and protein content.
• Gluten-Free Fiesta: Swap Frito corn chips with gluten-free tortilla chips or crispy corn tortilla strips to accommodate gluten-sensitive individuals without compromising taste.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Incorporate diced jalapeños, use hot salsa instead of tomatillo, and add chipotle powder to the meat mixture for those craving an intense, spicy experience.
• Low-Carb Ranch Style: Substitute corn chips with crushed pork rinds or cauliflower rice base, reducing carbohydrate content while keeping the casserole's signature southwestern profile.

Pairings for Walking Taco Casserole

• Pair this zesty Walking Taco Casserole with a cold Mexican beer like Corona or Modelo Especial, which cuts through the rich, spicy flavors and provides a crisp, light counterpoint.
• Mix a classic margarita with fresh lime juice and tequila to complement the casserole's robust taco seasoning and enhance the overall Mexican-inspired dining experience.
• Serve homemade or store-bought salsa verde on the side, allowing diners to add extra tangy brightness that elevates the tomatillo and black bean elements in the dish.

Storage Advice for Walking Taco Casserole

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. Keep the chips separate to maintain their crispness.
• Pack the casserole (without chips) in a freezer-safe container. Cover completely, label with date, and freeze for maximum 2 months. Avoid freezing with fresh garnishes.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place casserole in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Add fresh Fritos on top just before serving to restore crunchiness.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey is an excellent lean alternative that works perfectly in this recipe. Simply follow the same cooking instructions and seasoning process.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The heat level depends on the taco seasoning and tomatillo salsa you choose. Use mild versions if you prefer less spice, or opt for spicier options if you enjoy more heat.

• How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Select gluten-free corn chips and ensure your taco seasoning is certified gluten-free. Double-check all ingredient labels to maintain a gluten-free preparation.

• What can I do if I don't have tomatillo salsa?

Substitute with regular salsa verde or red salsa. The flavor profile will change slightly, but the dish will still be delicious and maintain its core Mexican-inspired taste.

Walking Taco Casserole Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty walking taco casserole combines layers of seasoned ground beef, crispy tortilla chips, and melted cheese for a crowd-pleasing meal. Comfort food meets Mexican-inspired flavors, satisfying hunger with each delicious bite you’ll savor.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 lb ground beef
• 1 medium to large onion (finely chopped)
• 3 cups shredded Mexican-blend cheese
• 4 cups Frito corn chips
• 2 packets original taco seasoning
• 2 cans black beans (carefully rinsed and drained)
• 2 cans corn (thoroughly drained)
• 2 cups tomatillo salsa
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup water
• Fresh cilantro (finely chopped)
• Avocado (thinly sliced)
• Lettuce (shredded)
• Tomatoes (finely chopped)
• Jalapeños (sliced)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly spray a 2-quart baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, thoroughly brown the ground beef until no pink remains. Add diced onions and cook for 3-4 minutes until they become translucent and softened.
3. Stir in taco seasoning and water, allowing the mixture to simmer and thicken for approximately 2-3 minutes, creating a rich, flavorful base.
4. Incorporate tomatillo salsa and sour cream into the meat mixture, blending thoroughly. Gently fold in black beans and corn, ensuring even distribution throughout the mixture.
5. Crush half of the Frito corn chips and spread them evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a crunchy foundation.
6. Layer the seasoned meat mixture over the crushed chips, spreading it uniformly to ensure consistent flavor in each bite.
7. Generously sprinkle Mexican-blend cheese over the meat layer, covering the entire surface.
8. Top the casserole with remaining whole Frito corn chips, creating a crispy upper layer.
9. Cover the dish and bake for 15-20 minutes until the mixture begins to bubble and the cheese melts completely.
10. Remove the cover and bake for an additional 5 minutes to crisp the chip topping and enhance the golden color.
11. Remove from the oven and let rest for 2-3 minutes. Optionally garnish with fresh toppings like chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, or sliced jalapeños.
12. Serve immediately with extra salsa and sour cream on the side for personalized finishing touches.

Notes

• Customize heat levels by adjusting taco seasoning or choosing mild/hot variants for different spice tolerances.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based protein crumbles for lighter or vegetarian alternatives.
• Crush Fritos just before layering to maintain maximum crunchiness and prevent soggy texture during baking.
• Drain canned beans and corn thoroughly to prevent excess moisture that could make casserole watery.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 494 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 520 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Protein: 29 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg