Name: Walking Taco Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds ground beef; 1/3 large onion, chopped; 1 can green chilies (small can); 1 can enchilada sauce; 2 ounces cream cheese; 1 bag Fritos corn chips; 1 bag shredded cheese; 3/4 cup shredded lettuce; 1/2 cup fresh diced tomato; 16 ounces salsa; 8 ounces sour cream

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If you’re looking for a fun, flavorful, and totally satisfying meal, look no further than this Walking Taco Casserole! It’s the best of taco night wrapped into a cozy, cheesy casserole that’s easy to make and even easier to eat. Imagine the flavors of a taco—ground beef, salsa, cheese, and all your favorite toppings—layered into a warm, comforting casserole that you can scoop up and enjoy with a handful of crunchy tortilla chips. It’s like taco night and casserole night got together and created the ultimate comfort food! Trust me, this one’s a game-changer, and everyone at the table will be asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love Walking Taco Casserole

This casserole isn’t just easy and delicious; it’s the kind of dish that’ll quickly become a favorite in your rotation. Here’s why:

Versatile

Perfect for busy weeknights, casual dinners, or even potlucks, Walking Taco Casserole is a versatile dish that works for any occasion. You can easily adjust the toppings or spice level to fit your taste and the preferences of your guests.

Budget-Friendly

Made with simple ingredients like ground beef, cheese, and tortilla chips, this casserole is both affordable and filling. It’s the kind of meal that won’t hurt your wallet but will leave you feeling satisfied and content.

Quick and Easy

This casserole comes together in under 45 minutes, making it the perfect go-to meal for when you need something hearty and comforting, but don’t want to spend all night in the kitchen.

Customizable

Love your tacos extra spicy? Add some jalapeños! Prefer a milder version? Skip the heat. You can also swap out the ground beef for turkey or chicken, or make it vegetarian with beans and veggie crumbles. The choice is yours!

Crowd-Pleasing

Whether you’re feeding a family or a group of friends, this casserole is guaranteed to please. With cheesy, savory goodness in every bite, it’s the kind of dish that disappears fast—so be ready for those second-helping requests!

Ingredients

Walking Taco Casserole is made with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen, but the combination of them makes for an unforgettable meal:

Ground Beef: The meaty base of the casserole, seasoned to perfection for that taco flavor we all crave.

Taco Seasoning: Adds that signature taco seasoning mix of cumin, chili powder, and garlic, giving the casserole its flavorful punch.
Salsa: This gives the casserole a tangy kick and helps to keep the beef mixture juicy.
Cheese: A generous layer of melted cheese binds everything together and gives the casserole that creamy, cheesy goodness.

Tortilla Chips: Crushed up and layered throughout for that satisfying crunch in every bite.
Sour Cream (optional): A dollop of sour cream on top is the perfect way to balance the spices and add a creamy finish.

(Note: The full ingredients list with measurements is provided in the recipe card above.)

Instructions

Ready to dig into this taco-inspired casserole? Let’s get started!

Preheat the Oven

First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the casserole cooks evenly and gets that perfect golden-brown top.

Cook the Beef

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until it’s browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat, then stir in the taco seasoning and salsa. Let it simmer for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.

Layer the Casserole

Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Start by adding a layer of the beef mixture, spreading it out evenly. Then, sprinkle a layer of crushed tortilla chips on top, followed by a generous amount of cheese. Repeat the layering with the remaining beef mixture, chips, and cheese.

Bake to Perfection

Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Serve and Enjoy

Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with sour cream, chopped green onions, cilantro, or any other taco toppings you love. Serve hot, and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6 (based on 1 serving per person)
Calories per serving: 400
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 4g
Protein: 22g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

How to Serve Walking Taco Casserole

This casserole pairs wonderfully with all kinds of sides and toppings to make the meal even more fun:

With Extra Toppings: Serve the casserole with a variety of taco toppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, jalapeños, or avocado for an extra burst of flavor.
With a Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the casserole perfectly.
With Mexican Rice: Pair it with a side of fluffy Mexican rice for a hearty, satisfying meal.

With Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans work wonderfully as a side to this dish for a full-on taco-inspired feast.
With Guacamole: A side of guacamole and tortilla chips is always a crowd-pleaser when serving a taco-style meal.

Additional Tips

Here are a few tips to ensure your Walking Taco Casserole turns out perfect every time:

Use a Sturdy Tortilla Chip

Choose sturdy tortilla chips that can hold up to the layering and baking process. Thicker chips work better and won’t turn soggy.

Swap the Meat

If you prefer a lighter option, swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. You can even use vegetarian crumbles or black beans for a plant-based twist.

Add Extra Veggies

Throw in some chopped bell peppers, onions, or corn to add extra color and texture to the casserole. You can sauté them with the beef for added flavor.

Make It Spicy

If you love a little heat, toss in some chopped jalapeños or add a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture. You can also sprinkle some chili flakes on top for an extra kick!

Make It Ahead

This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to enjoy it!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of meat?
A1: Absolutely! You can swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even veggie crumbles for a vegetarian version.

Q2: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A2: Yes! You can prepare the casserole in advance, cover it, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Q4: Can I make this casserole spicier?
A4: Yes! Add jalapeños, hot sauce, or chili flakes to the beef mixture for a spicy kick.

Q5: Can I use gluten-free chips?
A5: Definitely! If you need the casserole to be gluten-free, just make sure to use gluten-free tortilla chips.

Q6: Can I freeze this casserole?
A6: Yes! You can freeze the casserole before baking. Just cover it tightly with foil and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as usual.

Q7: How can I make this casserole lighter?
A7: You can use lean ground turkey or chicken, reduce the amount of cheese, or swap regular chips for baked tortilla chips.

Q8: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A8: Of course! Feel free to use your favorite cheese. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a Mexican blend would work wonderfully.

Q9: How can I make this casserole more flavorful?
A9: Add extra seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, or chili powder to the beef mixture for added depth of flavor.

Q10: Can I serve this casserole with a salad?
A10: Yes! A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette would be the perfect refreshing side to balance the richness of the casserole.

Conclusion

Walking Taco Casserole is a fun, flavorful dish that’s perfect for taco lovers of all ages. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving a comforting meal, this casserole will quickly become a family favorite. It’s cheesy, savory, and has that perfect crunch from the tortilla chips—what’s not to love? So grab your ingredients, preheat the oven, and get ready to dig into a hearty, taco-inspired casserole that’s sure to satisfy!

Walking Taco Casserole