Introduction

Walking Taco Casserole is a fun and flavorful twist on the classic handheld snack, combining all your favorite taco ingredients into a comforting bake. This easy dish is perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, delivering layers of cheesy, savory goodness with minimal effort.

A clear glass baking dish holds a layered taco casserole with visible multiple layers. The bottom layer is a mix of cooked ground beef and black beans in a brownish color. Above this is a layer of melted orange cheddar cheese covering the meat. On top, there is a fresh layer of green shredded lettuce scattered with red tomato wedges and sliced green jalapeños. Creamy white dollops of sour cream sit on top. Thin yellow corn chip strips are sprinkled over everything. A silver spoon is lifting a portion out from the dish. The whole scene rests on a white marbled surface. 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 topping)
Sour cream (for serving)
Guacamole (for serving)
Salsa (for serving)
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 almost cooked through. Add the chopped onions and cook until they soften and the meat is no longer pink.
Step 3: Stir in the taco seasoning and water, bringing the mixture to a boil.
Step 4: Reduce the heat and mix in the black beans, diced tomatoes with green chiles, and sour cream. Simmer for 8-10 minutes until heated through and the mixture thickens slightly.
Step 5: Spread a single layer of corn chips on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese over the chips, then evenly layer the beef mixture on top. Finish with the remaining shredded cheese.
Step 6: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly around the edges.
Step 7: Remove from the oven and garnish with extra corn chips and your favorite toppings such as green onions, sour cream, guacamole, salsa, and jalapenos before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or cumin to the beef while cooking.
Swap black beans for pinto beans or eliminate beans for a lighter version.
Use your preferred tortilla chips if you don’t have Fritos on hand.
Add corn kernels or diced bell peppers to the beef mixture for more texture and color.
Use a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese to enhance the cheesy flavor.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350 degrees F until warm and bubbly, or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through. For best texture, avoid reheating with the toppings; add fresh toppings after warming.

How to Serve

A clear glass baking dish contains a layered taco casserole with about four layers: the bottom layer is a mix of ground beef and black beans in brown and black colors, topped by a melted orange-yellow layer of cheese. On top of the cheese are fresh layers of shredded green lettuce, bright red tomato wedges, sliced green jalapenos, and dollops of white sour cream. Scattered on the surface are crunchy yellow corn chips adding texture and color contrast. A spoon lifts a portion showing all the layers clearly with toppings. The dish is set 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 ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to step 5, then cover and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Add the final toppings just before serving.

What can I use instead of sour cream?

Greek yogurt is a great substitute for sour cream and adds a nice tang while keeping the dish creamy.

Walking Taco Casserole Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 106 reviews

This Walking Taco Casserole is a fun and flavorful dish that combines all your favorite taco ingredients into a cheesy, satisfying casserole. Ground beef cooked with taco seasoning, black beans, and diced tomatoes with green chiles is layered with crunchy Fritos corn chips and melted Mexican-style cheese, then baked until bubbly and golden. Topped with fresh green onions, sour cream, guacamole, salsa, and jalapenos, it’s perfect for a family dinner or casual get-together.

Author: Marco
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Casserole
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Mexican-American

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Vegetables

1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, chopped finely

Seasonings and Sauces

1 package taco seasoning
½ cup water
½ cup sour cream

Canned Goods

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

Snacks and Cheese

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

Toppings

Green onions, sliced
Sour cream
Guacamole
Salsa
Jalapenos

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Spray a 13×9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Cook the beef and onions: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until it is almost fully cooked but still slightly pink. Add the finely chopped onion and continue cooking until the onions are soft and the beef is no longer pink, about 5 minutes.
Add seasonings: Stir in the taco seasoning packet and ½ cup of water. Bring the mixture to a boil to activate the seasoning flavors.
Combine remaining ingredients: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the drained black beans, diced tomatoes with green chiles, and ½ cup of sour cream. Let the mixture cook for 8-10 minutes until heated through and slightly thickened, stirring occasionally.
Assemble layers: Place a single layer of Fritos corn chips evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded Mexican-style cheese over the chips. Spoon the ground beef mixture over the cheese layer, then sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese on top to finish the layers.
Bake the casserole: Cover the dish 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 melted and bubbly around the edges.
Serve and garnish: Remove the casserole from the oven. Top with more Fritos, sliced green onions, sour cream, guacamole, salsa, and jalapenos as desired. Serve hot.

Notes

You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for leaner meat options.
Adjust the amount of jalapenos and salsa to suit your heat preference.
For a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative and ensure the taco seasoning is vegetarian-friendly.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
Adding extra beans like kidney or pinto beans can increase fiber and protein content.

Keywords: walking taco casserole, ground beef casserole, taco casserole, Fritos casserole, Mexican-inspired casserole, easy dinner recipe