Walking Taco Casserole

If you love Mexican food, then you’ll adore this Walking Taco Casserole. It’s a fun, easy-to-make dish that combines all the flavors of your favorite tacos in a convenient, family-friendly casserole form.

Walking Taco Casserole has its roots in the beloved walking taco, a popular fair and festival food where taco ingredients are served directly in a chip bag. This casserole brings the same flavors to your dinner table, perfect for weeknight meals or casual gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This

1. Easy to Make: This dish requires minimal prep and uses common pantry ingredients.
2. Family-Friendly: Both kids and adults will enjoy this flavorful, cheesy meal.
3. Customizable: You can easily swap ingredients to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
4. Great for Leftovers: It reheats well, making it ideal for meal prepping.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Cuisine: Mexican-American
Servings: 6
Estimated Cost: $12

Equipment

• Large skillet
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• Cooking utensils

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
• 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
• 1 bag (10 oz) corn chips
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• ½ cup sliced black olives
• Optional toppings: salsa, guacamole, jalapeños, chopped cilantro

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
3. Add Seasoning and Veggies: Stir in taco seasoning, black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes with green chilies. Cook for 5 minutes until heated through.
4. Assemble Casserole: Spread half of the corn chips in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer the beef mixture on top, followed by half of the shredded cheese.
5. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Remove from oven, top with remaining corn chips and cheese, and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes. Top with sour cream, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, black olives, and any additional toppings of your choice. Serve warm.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 22g
• Fat: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 6g
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 750mg

Tips for Success

1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, and cilantro enhance the flavor.
2. Adjust Spice Level: Customize the heat by adding more or less taco seasoning or including jalapeños.
3. Cheese Variation: Experiment with different cheese blends for a unique taste.
4. Make It Ahead: Prepare the beef mixture in advance and assemble the casserole just before baking.

Print Pin

Walking Taco Casserole

If you love Mexican food, then you’ll adore this Walking Taco Casserole. It's a fun, easy-to-make dish that combines all the flavors of your favorite tacos in a convenient, family-friendly casserole form.

Course Side Dish

Cuisine Mexican-American

Keyword Mexican Food Dishes, Walking Taco Casserole

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes minutes

Total Time 40 minutes minutes

Servings 6

Calories 450kcal

Cost 12$

Ingredients

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 can 15 oz black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can 15 oz corn, drained
• 1 can 10 oz diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
• 1 bag 10 oz corn chips
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• ½ cup sliced black olives
• Optional toppings: salsa guacamole, jalapeños, chopped cilantro

Instructions

• Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
• Add Seasoning and Veggies: Stir in taco seasoning, black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes with green chilies. Cook for 5 minutes until heated through.
• Assemble Casserole: Spread half of the corn chips in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer the beef mixture on top, followed by half of the shredded cheese.
• Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Remove from oven, top with remaining corn chips and cheese, and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes. Top with sour cream, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, black olives, and any additional toppings of your choice. Serve warm.

Notes

1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, and cilantro enhance the flavor.
2. Adjust Spice Level: Customize the heat by adding more or less taco seasoning or including jalapeños.
3. Cheese Variation: Experiment with different cheese blends for a unique taste.
4. Make It Ahead: Prepare the beef mixture in advance and assemble the casserole just before baking.

Common Questions

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef? Yes, ground turkey is a great alternative and makes the dish leaner.
2. How do I store leftovers? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
3. Can I freeze this casserole? Yes, assemble the casserole without the corn chips and cheese, freeze it, and add them just before baking.
4. What other toppings can I add? You can add any of your favorite taco toppings like diced avocado, pickled jalapeños, or hot sauce.

Enjoy making this Walking Taco Casserole! It’s a delightful dish that brings the festive flavors of Mexican cuisine to your home.

Happy cooking!