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Walking Taco Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

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.

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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

Find it online: https://zarameals.com/walking-taco-casserole-recipe/