Walking Taco Casserole

This Walking Taco Casserole is a fun and delicious twist on the classic walking taco. It combines mouthwatering layers of seasoned ground beef, black beans, crunchy corn chips, and gooey cheese. Perfect for gatherings or busy weeknights, this easy casserole is sure to please everyone at the table. Its versatility allows you to customize with favorite taco toppings, making it a standout choice for any occasion.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Casserole:
• Optional Toppings:
• How to Make Walking Taco Casserole
• Step 1: Preheat the Oven
• Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
• Step 3: Cook the Ground Beef
• Step 4: Combine Ingredients
• Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
• Step 6: Bake
• Step 7: Serve
• How to Serve Walking Taco Casserole
• Top with Fresh Ingredients
• Serve with Crispy Chips
• Pair with Refreshing Drinks
• How to Perfect Walking Taco Casserole
• Best Side Dishes for Walking Taco Casserole
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Walking Taco Casserole
• Reheating Walking Taco Casserole
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef in Walking Taco Casserole?
• What can I substitute for black beans in this casserole?
• How do I make Walking Taco Casserole vegetarian?
• What toppings go well with Walking Taco Casserole?
• Can I prepare Walking Taco Casserole ahead of time?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This casserole comes together in just 40 minutes, making it ideal for busy nights.
• Crowd-Pleaser: With layers of flavor and texture, it’s a dish everyone will love.
• Customizable: Add your favorite toppings like jalapeños or sour cream for a personalized touch.
• Comforting Flavor: It combines the beloved taste of walking tacos in a hearty format.
• Perfect for Leftovers: This casserole stores well and makes for easy meals throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making this Walking Taco Casserole, gather your tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large skillet
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Cooking spoon
• Knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet: Essential for browning the beef and sautéing onions and garlic evenly.
• Baking dish: A good size ensures all ingredients fit well without overcrowding.
• Knife: A sharp knife simplifies chopping vegetables quickly and safely.

Ingredients

For the Casserole:

• 2 tablespoons canola oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound 90% lean ground beef
• 1 (1-ounce) packet taco seasoning
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup salsa
• 1 (9.25-ounce) bag corn chips (Doritos, plain tortilla chips, or Fritos)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Optional Toppings:

• Shredded lettuce
• Diced tomatoes
• Jalapeños
• Cilantro
• Sour cream
• Salsa

How to Make Walking Taco Casserole

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even cooking once the casserole is ready to bake.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In a large skillet over medium heat:
1. Heat the canola oil.
2. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Cook the Ground Beef

Add the ground beef to the skillet:
1. Cook until browned; drain excess fat if needed.
2. Stir in the taco seasoning and mix well.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Stir in:
1. The black beans and salsa until evenly combined.
2. Let cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Grease your 9×13-inch baking dish:
1. Layer half of the corn chips on the bottom.
2. Top with half of the beef mixture.
3. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over it.

Repeat this layering process with remaining ingredients.

Step 6: Bake

Place in preheated oven:
Bake for 15-20 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 7: Serve

Remove from oven and top with your favorite taco toppings. Serve immediately and enjoy!

How to Serve Walking Taco Casserole

Walking Taco Casserole is a fun and interactive dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Customize your serving experience with toppings and sides that add flavor and texture to this delicious casserole.

Top with Fresh Ingredients

• Shredded Lettuce – Add a crunchy layer of fresh lettuce for a refreshing contrast.
• Diced Tomatoes – Juicy tomatoes bring added moisture and flavor to each bite.
• Jalapeños – For those who like it spicy, jalapeños will elevate the heat level.
• Cilantro – A sprinkle of chopped cilantro adds a burst of herbaceous freshness.
• Sour Cream – Creamy sour cream balances the spices and adds richness.
• Extra Salsa – Drizzle additional salsa on top for extra zing and flavor.

Serve with Crispy Chips

• Corn Chips – Offer extra corn chips on the side for scooping up the casserole.
• Tortilla Chips – Provide tortilla chips for added crunch and texture alongside each serving.

Pair with Refreshing Drinks

• Iced Tea – A chilled glass of iced tea complements the flavors nicely.
• Lemonade – Sweet and tart lemonade refreshes the palate after each bite.

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How to Perfect Walking Taco Casserole

To make your Walking Taco Casserole even more delightful, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Lean Meat – Opt for 90% lean ground beef or turkey to keep it healthier without sacrificing flavor.
• Layer Wisely – Ensure even distribution of layers for balanced flavors in every bite.
• Avoid Soggy Chips – Bake just until cheese is melted to maintain some crunch in the chips.
• Customize Toppings – Personalize your casserole with your favorite toppings for a unique twist.
• Store Properly – Keep leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to four days.
• Reheat Gently – When reheating, do so at a low temperature to avoid overcooking the chips.

Best Side Dishes for Walking Taco Casserole

Pairing side dishes with your Walking Taco Casserole can enhance the meal. Here are some great options:

1. Mexican Rice – Fluffy rice seasoned with spices makes a perfect complement.
2. Refried Beans – Creamy refried beans add protein and richness to your meal.
3. Guacamole – Smooth guacamole provides creamy goodness that pairs beautifully with tacos.
4. Corn Salad – A fresh corn salad brightens up the plate with its sweet flavors and crunch.
5. Grilled Veggies – Charred veggies add a smoky taste that contrasts nicely with the casserole’s flavors.
6. Chips and Salsa – Classic tortilla chips served with salsa offer extra crunch and zest alongside the main dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Walking Taco Casserole can be a breeze, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Overcrowding the skillet: When browning the ground beef, avoid putting too much in at once. This can lead to steaming instead of searing. Cook in batches for best results.
• Using stale chips: While slightly stale chips can work, using overly stale ones can make your casserole soggy. Opt for fresh or just slightly stale chips for the right crunch.
• Baking too long: It’s important to watch the baking time closely. Overbaking can lead to mushy chips. Bake just until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Neglecting toppings: Skipping toppings can make your casserole less exciting. Add fresh ingredients like lettuce, tomatoes, and jalapeños to enhance flavor and presentation.
• Ignoring portion sizes: Be mindful of serving sizes. This dish is hearty and filling; if serving a crowd, consider making two casseroles instead of one large one.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Allow the casserole to cool completely before sealing it in a container.

Freezing Walking Taco Casserole

• For longer storage, freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
• Label the container with the date for easy reference.

Reheating Walking Taco Casserole

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered with foil for about 20 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in microwave-safe containers on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding Walking Taco Casserole that might help you out.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef in Walking Taco Casserole?

Yes! Ground turkey works well as a leaner alternative while still providing great flavor.

What can I substitute for black beans in this casserole?

You can use pinto beans or kidney beans as alternatives if you prefer a different taste or texture.

How do I make Walking Taco Casserole vegetarian?

For a vegetarian version, swap out the beef for lentils or plant-based meat and ensure your taco seasoning is meat-free.

What toppings go well with Walking Taco Casserole?

Toppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, jalapeños, and sour cream complement this dish perfectly. Feel free to get creative!

Can I prepare Walking Taco Casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble it ahead of time and store it in the fridge until ready to bake.

Final Thoughts

Walking Taco Casserole is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. It brings all those beloved taco flavors into one easy dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Customize it with your favorite toppings or ingredients to make it truly your own. Give this recipe a try—you won’t regret it!