Walking Taco Casserole is a hearty, flavorful dish that transforms the fun of a classic walking taco into a sharable casserole. Packed with seasoned beef, creamy tomatillo salsa, crunchy Frito corn chips, and gooey Mexican-blend cheese, this casserole delivers layers of texture and flavor. It’s perfect for family dinners, game nights, or potlucks where everyone will be diving in for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• All-in-One Meal: Combines protein, veggies, and carbs in one easy dish.
• Customizable: Garnish with your favorite taco toppings for added flair.
• Quick and Easy: Minimal prep and straightforward assembly make this a weeknight-friendly option.
Ingredients
• 2 lb ground beef
• 1 medium to large onion, finely chopped
• 2 packets original taco seasoning
• 1 cup water
• 2 cups tomatillo salsa
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 cans black beans, rinsed and drained
• 2 cans corn, thoroughly drained
• 4 cups Frito corn chips, divided
• 3 cups shredded Mexican-blend cheese
Optional Garnishes
• Fresh cilantro, finely chopped
• Avocado, thinly sliced
• Lettuce, shredded
• Tomatoes, finely chopped
• Jalapeños, sliced
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Lightly coat a 2-quart baking dish with cooking spray.
Step 2: Cook the Meat and Onions
1. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until no longer pink.
2. Add the finely chopped onions and sauté for 3–4 minutes, or until translucent.
3. Stir in the taco seasoning and water. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 3: Add the Sauce and Veggies
1. Stir the tomatillo salsa and sour cream into the meat mixture.
2. Add the rinsed black beans and drained corn, mixing until evenly distributed. Remove from heat.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
1. Crush half of the Frito corn chips and spread them evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
2. Layer the taco meat mixture over the crushed chips.
3. Sprinkle with 2 cups of shredded Mexican-blend cheese.
4. Top with the remaining Frito corn chips.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
1. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the mixture is bubbling and the cheese is melted.
2. Uncover and bake for an additional 5 minutes to crisp up the topping.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
1. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly.
2. Garnish with optional toppings like fresh cilantro, avocado slices, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, or sliced jalapeños.
3. Serve immediately with additional salsa and sour cream on the side.
Tips
• Customize the Protein: Swap ground beef for ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives.
• Add Heat: Stir in diced jalapeños or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
• Crunchy Chips: Add the second layer of chips right before serving for maximum crunch.
Storage Options
• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
• Freezing: Freeze the fully assembled but unbaked casserole for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
Walking Taco Casserole brings all the fun and flavor of tacos to the dinner table in a convenient, crowd-pleasing format. With its layers of cheesy, meaty goodness and crunchy chips, this dish is destined to become a family favorite. Enjoy! 🌮🧀
