Description
Walking Taco Casserole is a flavorful and fun twist on traditional tacos, combining seasoned ground beef, beans, corn, and diced tomatoes baked with cheese and topped with classic taco garnishes. This easy-to-make casserole captures the essence of a walking taco or Frito pie and makes for a perfect family-friendly meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (frozen or canned)
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
Seasoning and Liquids
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade)
- ½ cup water
Toppings and Garnishes
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 cups crushed corn chips (like Fritos)
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup chopped lettuce
- ½ cup diced tomatoes
- ¼ cup sliced black olives
- ¼ cup chopped green onions
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole later.
- Sauté Onion: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add 1 lb of ground beef to the skillet with the onion. Cook until well browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Then drain any excess grease.
- Add Seasoning and Liquids: Stir in 1 packet of taco seasoning and ½ cup water. Cook the mixture, stirring often, until thickened, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Mix Beans, Corn, and Tomatoes: Add the drained black beans, corn kernels, and diced tomatoes with green chilies. Stir well to combine and simmer for an additional 3 minutes to blend flavors.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly and transfer the beef and vegetable mixture into it, spreading it evenly.
- Add Cheese and Chips: Sprinkle 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the beef mixture. Then top with 4 cups of crushed corn chips to add crunch.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Add Fresh Toppings: Remove the casserole from the oven and immediately top with ½ cup sour cream, ½ cup chopped lettuce, ½ cup diced tomatoes, ¼ cup sliced black olives, and ¼ cup chopped green onions for freshness and added flavor.
- Serve: Serve the Walking Taco Casserole hot and enjoy as a delicious, hearty meal perfect for weeknights or family gatherings.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef for a lighter option.
- To make it spicier, add chopped jalapeños or use hot taco seasoning instead of mild.
- Keep the fresh toppings separate if serving picky eaters or treat it as a build-your-own casserole experience.
- Make sure to use gluten-free corn chips and taco seasoning to keep the dish gluten-free.
