Name: Walking Taco Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mexican-American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 small onion, chopped finely; 1 package taco seasoning; ½ cup water; 1 can black beans (15 ounces), drained and rinsed; 1 can diced tomatoes with green chiles (10 ounces); ½ cup sour cream; 1 bag Fritos corn chips (9.25 ounces); 2 cups Mexican-style shredded cheese; Green onions, sliced; Sour cream; Guacamole; Salsa; Jalapenos

Jump to Recipe

If you love all the fun and flavor of a classic taco night but want something even easier and more comforting, this Walking Taco Casserole Recipe is going to be your new go-to! Imagine all the bold, zesty ingredients you adore in a walking taco — seasoned ground beef, crunchy corn chips, melty cheese, and a creamy touch of sour cream, all coming together in a warm, bubbling casserole that’s simple to make and impossible to resist. This recipe takes the beloved elements of individual walking tacos and transforms them into a cheesy, layered dish that’s perfect for feeding a hungry crowd or treating yourself to a hearty, satisfying meal.

Walking Taco Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Walking Taco Casserole Recipe shines because it uses straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that work together to create layers of vibrant flavor and texture. Each component plays a star role, from the savory seasoned beef to the crispy corn chips that add that signature crunch.

1 pound ground beef: The protein base packed with rich flavor and hearty substance.
1 small onion (chopped finely): Adds a subtle sweetness and depth when cooked with the beef.
1 package taco seasoning: Brings that classic, bold taco spice blend to the dish.
½ cup water: Helps dissolve the seasoning and meld flavors perfectly.
1 can black beans (15 ounces, drained and rinsed): Adds creaminess, fiber, and a nice texture contrast.
1 can diced tomatoes with green chiles (10 ounces): For a tangy, slightly spicy bite that lifts the whole casserole.
½ cup sour cream: Gives a creamy richness that balances the spices beautifully.
1 bag Fritos corn chips (9.25 ounces): The essential crunchy layer that keeps your casserole fun and true to walking taco style.
2 cups Mexican-style shredded cheese: Melts to gooey perfection, tying everything together.
Green onions (sliced): Fresh, bright garnish that adds a pop of color and flavor.
Sour cream, guacamole, salsa, jalapenos (for topping): Customizable finishing touches that make every bite exciting.

How to Make Walking Taco Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Dish

Start by heating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and prepping a 13×9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. This ensures your casserole won’t stick and will slide right out when it’s time to serve.

Step 2: Brown the Beef and Soften the Onion

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until it’s nearly cooked through and no longer pink. Add the finely chopped onion and continue cooking until the onions are tender and the beef is fully browned. This base creates the hearty, savory backbone of your casserole.

Step 3: Add Seasoning and Simmer

Stir in the taco seasoning along with half a cup of water, then bring the mixture to a boil. This step infuses the meat with that unmistakable taco flavor and starts building the rich sauce your casserole needs.

Step 4: Mix in Beans, Tomatoes, and Sour Cream

Reduce the heat to low, then add the black beans, diced tomatoes with green chiles, and sour cream. Cook gently for 8 to 10 minutes until the mixture is hot and slightly thickened. The sour cream delivers creaminess that balances out the spices and acidic tomatoes perfectly.

Step 5: Layer the Casserole

Begin with a single layer of Fritos corn chips at the bottom of your baking dish. Sprinkle half the shredded cheese evenly over the chips, then spread the seasoned beef mixture on top. Finish by covering the beef layer with the remaining cheese. These layers ensure a delightful crunch combined with melty, cheesy goodness in every forkful.

Step 6: Bake and Melt to Perfection

Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Then remove the foil and continue baking for another 5 minutes or until the casserole is bubbly around the edges and the cheese has melted into golden, gooey perfection.

Step 7: Add Final Crunch and Toppings

Once out of the oven, sprinkle more corn chips on top for extra texture, and bring out the sour cream, guacamole, salsa, and jalapenos to tailor every bite to your taste. This finishing touch makes this Walking Taco Casserole Recipe feel like a festive taco party right from your oven.

How to Serve Walking Taco Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

Garnishes take this dish from delicious to unforgettable. I love topping my Walking Taco Casserole with sliced green onions for freshness, dollops of sour cream for cool creaminess, a scoop of guacamole for buttery richness, tangy salsa for a bit of zest, and sliced jalapenos if I want that spicy kick — though you can adjust based on what you love most.

Side Dishes

This casserole is versatile enough to stand strong on its own, but pairing it with a crisp garden salad or a bowl of fresh, zesty Mexican street corn can add an exciting freshness that balances the hearty richness. Simple chips and salsa or a light cucumber salad can also complement without overshadowing the main event.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve this casserole in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets so everyone gets their own personal walking taco experience. Alternatively, spoon it over a bed of fresh greens for a taco salad vibe or wrap scoops up in warm tortillas for a hand-held treat that brings real walking taco joy to the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Walking Taco Casserole Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. This makes it a fantastic dish to prepare in advance and enjoy for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week without sacrificing flavor.

Freezing

You can freeze the casserole before baking by assembling it in a freezer-safe dish, tightly covering it, and freezing for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed to ensure it’s heated through and bubbly.

Reheating

Reheat leftover casserole in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through, typically around 15–20 minutes, or microwave individual portions in short bursts to keep that cheesy, melty texture. Adding fresh toppings after reheating keeps that fresh, vibrant flavor alive.

FAQs

Can I make this walking taco casserole vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap out the ground beef for plant-based meat crumbles or extra beans and veggies like bell peppers and corn. The taco seasoning and layers of cheese and chips will still bring plenty of flavor and texture.

What type of cheese works best in this casserole?

Mexican-style shredded cheese blends are ideal because they typically include a mix of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and sometimes queso quesadilla, melting beautifully with great flavor. Feel free to experiment with your favorite cheeses, but keep one that melts well for that gooey goodness.

Can I use a different type of chip besides Fritos?

Fritos give the perfect salty crunch that holds up well in this casserole, but you can use other sturdy corn chips or even tortilla chips. Just choose a chip that won’t get soggy immediately once baked.

Is this casserole spicy?

The base recipe has a mild to moderate spice level thanks to the taco seasoning and green chiles. You can easily adjust the heat by adding more jalapenos, hot salsa, or a spicier taco seasoning to suit your preference.

How long does this casserole take to prepare?

From start to finish, you’re looking at about 35 to 40 minutes including prep and baking time. It’s a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner option that’s both easy and impressive.

Final Thoughts

This Walking Taco Casserole Recipe is a warm hug of comfort flavor you’ll want to make again and again. It’s perfect for busy nights, casual gatherings, or whenever you crave the fun flavors of a walking taco without the fuss. Trust me, once you try it, this crowd-pleaser will become a cherished favorite in your recipe collection!

Walking Taco Casserole Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 15 reviews

Author: Zoe
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Low Salt

Print Recipe

Description

This Walking Taco Casserole is a delicious, easy-to-make layered dish combining seasoned ground beef, beans, diced tomatoes with green chiles, sour cream, crunchy Fritos corn chips, and melted Mexican-style cheese. Perfect for a casual family dinner or game day gathering, it delivers all the flavors of a taco in a comforting casserole form.

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly spray a 13×9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Brown the Beef and Onions: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until it is almost cooked through. Add the finely chopped onion and continue cooking until the onions are soft and the beef is no longer pink.
Add Seasoning and Water: Stir in the taco seasoning packet and ½ cup water. Bring the mixture to a boil to blend the flavors.
Incorporate Beans, Tomatoes, and Sour Cream: Reduce heat to low, then stir in the drained black beans, diced tomatoes with green chiles, and ½ cup sour cream. Simmer for 8-10 minutes until the mixture is heated through and slightly thickened.
Layer the Casserole: Add a single layer of Fritos corn chips to the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded cheese evenly over the chips. Spread the beef and bean mixture over the cheese layer, then top with the remaining shredded cheese.
Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the casserole is bubbly around the edges.
Add Toppings and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven. Top with additional Fritos corn chips and your favorite toppings such as sliced green onions, sour cream, guacamole, salsa, and jalapenos. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

For extra flavor, consider adding a diced jalapeno to the beef mixture while cooking.
Use gluten-free taco seasoning to make the dish gluten-free.
The casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated before baking; add 5-10 minutes to baking time if baking from cold.
For a lighter version, use reduced-fat sour cream and reduced-fat cheese.
Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking, Sautéing
Cuisine: Mexican-American