Introduction

Walking Taco Casserole is a fun and flavorful twist on the classic walking taco snack. This layered dish combines seasoned ground beef, beans, cheese, and crispy corn chips baked into a comforting casserole that’s perfect for family dinners or game day gatherings.

A clear glass rectangular dish filled with a layered taco casserole is placed on a white marbled surface. The casserole has a bottom layer of cooked ground beef mixed with black beans, topped by a thick, melted golden-brown cheese layer. On top, there is a fresh layer of shredded green lettuce, bright red tomato wedges, and sliced green jalapeño peppers. Scattered around the dish are crunchy, yellow corn noodle strips. Several dollops of white sour cream sit on the top layer, adding contrast and creaminess. A spoon is lifting a portion from the corner, showing all the layers clearly. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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 (for garnish)
Additional sour cream, guacamole, salsa, and jalapenos for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly spray a 13×9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
Step 2: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until it is almost cooked through. Add the chopped onion and cook until the onions are soft and the meat is no longer pink.
Step 3: Stir in the taco seasoning and water, then bring the mixture to a boil.
Step 4: Reduce heat to low. Stir in the black beans, diced tomatoes with green chiles, and sour cream. Cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through and slightly thickened.
Step 5: Spread a single layer of corn chips on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese evenly over the chips. Spoon the beef and bean mixture over the cheese layer, then top with the remaining cheese.
Step 6: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the casserole is bubbly around the edges.
Step 7: Remove from the oven and top with extra corn chips and your favorite toppings such as green onions, sour cream, guacamole, salsa, and jalapenos before serving.

Tips & Variations

For added spice, mix in chopped jalapenos or a dash of hot sauce into the beef mixture before baking.
Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
Add a layer of refried beans for extra creaminess and protein.
Use different types of cheese like Monterey Jack or pepper jack to change the flavor profile.

Storage

Store leftover casserole covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through. To keep corn chips crunchy, add extra chips fresh at serving rather than mixing them in before storing.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a layered taco casserole in a clear glass rectangular dish showing one scoop with a silver spoon. The bottom layer is a light brown mix of cooked ground beef and black beans, topped with a melted layer of golden-yellow cheddar cheese. On top of the cheese there are scattered crunchy, light yellow corn chips. Fresh green shredded lettuce is sprinkled over the chips, along with bright green slices of jalapeño and red cherry tomato halves. A dollop of white sour cream sits on top of the scoop. The dish stands on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit the ground beef and increase the amount of beans or add vegetables like bell peppers and corn. You can also use meat substitutes if you prefer.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble the casserole a day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake it as directed, adding a few extra minutes to ensure it’s heated through.

Walking Taco Casserole Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 110 reviews

This delicious Walking Taco Casserole combines all the bold flavors of a classic walking taco into a comforting, cheesy baked dish. Ground beef is simmered with taco seasoning, black beans, diced tomatoes with green chiles, and sour cream, layered with crispy Fritos and Mexican cheese, then baked until bubbly. Topped with your favorite taco fixings like green onions, guacamole, and salsa, it’s an easy, family-friendly meal perfect for casual dinners or game day gatherings.

Author: zara
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Casserole
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Mexican-American

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Base

1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, chopped finely
1 package taco seasoning (about 1 oz)
½ cup water

Beans and Vegetables

1 can black beans (15 ounces), drained and rinsed
1 can diced tomatoes with green chiles (10 ounces)

Dairy and Chips

½ cup sour cream
1 bag Fritos corn chips (9.25 ounces)
2 cups Mexican-style shredded cheese

Toppings

Green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Additional sour cream (for serving)
Guacamole (for serving)
Salsa (for serving)
Jalapenos (optional, for serving)

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a 13×9 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Brown the Ground Beef and Onions: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat until it’s nearly cooked through. Add the finely chopped onion and continue cooking until the onions are soft and the beef is no longer pink.
Add Taco Seasoning and Water: Stir in the taco seasoning packet and ½ cup of water. Bring the mixture to a boil, ensuring the seasoning dissolves and flavors meld.
Incorporate Beans, Tomatoes, and Sour Cream: Reduce the heat to low and mix in the drained black beans, diced tomatoes with green chiles, and sour cream. Allow this to cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is heated through and slightly thickened.
Assemble the Casserole Layers: Spread a single layer of Fritos corn chips evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded Mexican cheese over the chips. Next, add the beef and bean mixture in an even layer. Top with the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese.
Bake Covered, Then Uncovered: Cover the casserole tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and the casserole is bubbly around the edges.
Garnish and Serve: Take the casserole out of the oven. Top with additional Fritos, sliced green onions, dollops of sour cream, guacamole, salsa, and jalapenos as desired. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

For a spicier dish, add jalapenos or cayenne pepper to the beef mixture.
Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
Use dairy-free sour cream and cheese to make this recipe lactose-free.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
For gluten-free diet, verify that the taco seasoning and Fritos are certified gluten-free.

Keywords: walking taco casserole, taco casserole, ground beef casserole, Mexican casserole, easy dinner recipe, baked taco dish