Name: Walking Taco Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mexican-American
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; 2 cups Mexican-style shredded cheese; 1 bag Fritos corn chips (9.25 ounces); Green onions, sliced; Additional sour cream, for serving; Guacamole, for serving; Salsa, for serving; Jalapenos, sliced, for serving

Introduction

This Walking Taco Casserole is a fun, easy way to enjoy all the flavors of a classic walking taco without the mess. Layers of seasoned beef, beans, cheese, and Fritos create a comforting and crowd-pleasing dish perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings.

The dish is a layered casserole served in a clear glass pan, shown being scooped with a silver spoon. The base layer is made of cooked ground meat mixed with black beans, topped with a melted orange-yellow cheese layer. On top of the cheese, there are fresh green lettuce pieces, sliced red tomato wedges, and bright green jalapeño slices. Scattered crunchy yellow corn chips add texture, and dollops of white sour cream add a creamy contrast. The dish is set 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 garnish)
Additional sour cream (for serving)
Guacamole (for serving)
Salsa (for serving)
Jalapenos (optional, for serving)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is browned and the onion is softened. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Step 2: Stir in the taco seasoning and water. Simmer for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 3: Add the drained black beans and diced tomatoes with green chiles. Mix well and cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.
Step 4: In a casserole dish, layer half of the Fritos corn chips on the bottom. Spread half of the beef mixture over the chips, then sprinkle with half of the shredded cheese. Add the remaining chips, beef mixture, and top with the remaining cheese.
Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 6: Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Dollop the ½ cup sour cream on top, then garnish with sliced green onions. Serve with additional sour cream, guacamole, salsa, and jalapenos on the side.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of cumin or smoked paprika to the beef mixture while cooking.
Swap black beans for pinto beans or add corn for added texture and sweetness.
Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.
For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and increase beans and veggies.
Crumble the Fritos just slightly if you prefer less crunch, or leave whole for more texture.

Storage

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the whole casserole covered with foil in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through, about 15 minutes.

How to Serve

A close-up of a glass dish filled with a layered casserole. The bottom layer has cooked ground beef mixed with black beans, dark brown in color and chunky in texture. Above this is a layer of melted yellow-orange cheddar cheese. On top of the cheese are crunchy yellow tortilla chips spread unevenly. The casserole is garnished with shredded bright green lettuce, halved red cherry tomatoes, and sliced green jalapeños. A dollop of white sour cream sits on the lettuce. A silver spoon is scooping up some of the casserole, showing all the layers clearly. The dish is placed 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 prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole the day before and refrigerate it, then bake it fresh before serving. This makes it a great make-ahead meal for busy days.

What can I use if I don’t have Fritos corn chips?

If you don’t have Fritos, substitute with any crunchy corn chips, tortilla chips, or even crushed nacho chips for a similar texture and flavor.

Walking Taco Casserole Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 107 reviews

This Walking Taco Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines all the delicious elements of a classic walking taco into a hearty baked casserole. Made with seasoned ground beef, black beans, spicy tomatoes, and topped with crispy Fritos, melted Mexican cheese, and fresh toppings like green onions, sour cream, guacamole, salsa, and jalapenos, this recipe is perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.

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

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Seasoning

1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, chopped finely
1 package taco seasoning
½ cup water

Canned Goods

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

Dairy

½ cup sour cream
2 cups Mexican-style shredded cheese

Snacks and Toppings

1 bag Fritos corn chips (9.25 ounces)
Green onions, sliced
Additional sour cream, for serving
Guacamole, for serving
Salsa, for serving
Jalapenos, sliced, for serving

Instructions

Cook the Beef and Onion: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and finely chopped onion. Cook, stirring frequently, until the beef is browned and the onions are translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
Add Taco Seasoning: Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the cooked beef and onion mixture. Pour in ½ cup of water, stirring well to combine. Let it simmer for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Combine with Beans and Tomatoes: Stir in the drained black beans and diced tomatoes with green chiles. Mix thoroughly and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through.
Layer the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a casserole dish, spread half of the Fritos corn chips evenly on the bottom. Spoon half of the beef and bean mixture over the chips. Dollop half of the sour cream across the layer and sprinkle with one cup of shredded Mexican cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining Fritos, beef mixture, sour cream, and cheese.
Bake the Casserole: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Add Fresh Toppings and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Sprinkle sliced green onions on top and serve with additional sour cream, guacamole, salsa, and sliced jalapenos on the side as desired.

Notes

You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
For extra spice, add chopped fresh jalapenos directly into the casserole layers.
If you prefer a lower sodium dish, use low-sodium taco seasoning and canned beans.
To keep the Fritos crispy, add them just before serving instead of baking them inside the casserole.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.

Keywords: walking taco casserole, taco casserole, ground beef casserole, Mexican casserole, easy family dinner, comfort food