Description
Looking for an easy dinner idea that’s guaranteed to win over the whole family? This Walking Taco Casserole is your answer. With layers of seasoned ground beef, crunchy corn chips, melted cheese, and fresh toppings, it’s the ultimate comfort food that’s perfect for weeknights, potlucks, and parties. This easy recipe is inspired by fair-style walking tacos and brings the same fun to your dinner table, all baked in one delicious pan. If you love food ideas that are bold, cheesy, and packed with flavor, this dish should be your next go-to. It’s a quick dinner that feels like a celebration every time!
Ingredients
1 lb lean ground beef
1 packet taco seasoning mix (or 2 tablespoons homemade)
1/3 cup water
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, drained
1 bag (9.25 oz) corn chips (Fritos or similar)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1/2 cup sour cream (plus more for serving)
1/2 cup diced tomatoes
1/4 cup chopped green onions
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, about 6–8 minutes. Drain the grease.
3. Add taco seasoning and water to the skillet. Stir and simmer for 2–3 minutes until thickened. Add black beans and Rotel if using; simmer 2 more minutes.
4. In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a layer of corn chips. Add the seasoned beef mixture evenly over chips.
5. Sprinkle both cheeses over the beef.
6. Bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling. Let sit for 5 minutes.
7. Top with sour cream, diced tomatoes, green onions, and cilantro.
8. Serve immediately with extra chips, salsa, or your favorite toppings.
Notes
For a healthier version, use baked corn chips, lean meat, and Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
Don’t skip the fresh toppings—they add brightness and texture to the dish.
If making ahead, store components separately and assemble just before baking to avoid soggy chips.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 860mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 85mg