Walking Taco Casserole

This Walking Taco Casserole brings all the flavors of classic walking tacos into a simple, crowd-pleasing dish. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings, making it a versatile option for any occasion. With layers of seasoned ground beef, black beans, crispy corn chips, and gooey cheese, this casserole is sure to impress. Plus, you can easily customize it with your favorite taco toppings to make each serving unique!

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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:
• For Optional Toppings:
• How to Make Walking Taco Casserole
• Step 1: Preheat the Oven
• Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic
• Step 3: Brown the Beef
• Step 4: Combine Ingredients
• Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
• Step 6: Bake
• Step 7: Serve
• How to Serve Walking Taco Casserole
• Customize with Toppings
• Serve with Chips
• How to Perfect Walking Taco Casserole
• Best Side Dishes for Walking Taco Casserole
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Walking Taco Casserole
• Reheating Walking Taco Casserole
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What is Walking Taco Casserole?
• Can I customize my Walking Taco Casserole?
• How do I reheat leftover Walking Taco Casserole?
• Is Walking Taco Casserole suitable for meal prep?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: This casserole comes together quickly, making it ideal for weeknight dinners.
• Crowd-Pleaser: The combination of flavors and textures is loved by both kids and adults alike.
• Customizable: Top your casserole with your favorite taco fixings to personalize each dish.
• One-Dish Meal: Everything cooks in one baking dish, simplifying clean-up after dinner.
• Great for Leftovers: Enjoy it again the next day or freeze it for later — it holds up well!

Tools and Preparation

Before you start preparing your Walking Taco Casserole, gather the necessary tools. Having everything at hand will streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large skillet
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet: Ideal for browning the beef evenly without overcrowding.
• 9×13-inch baking dish: Perfect size for layering ingredients, ensuring even cooking.
• Spatula or wooden spoon: Great for mixing ingredients without scratching your cookware.

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

For Optional Toppings:

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

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How to Make Walking Taco Casserole

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your casserole cooks evenly.

Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic

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: Brown the Beef

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

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Mix in:
1. Black beans and salsa until combined.
2. Let this mixture cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish:
1. Layer half of the corn chips on the bottom.
2. Top with half of the beef and bean mixture.
3. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over it.
4. Repeat with another layer of corn chips, remaining beef mixture, and top with remaining cheese.

Step 6: Bake

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

Step 7: Serve

Remove from oven and add your favorite taco toppings before serving immediately. Enjoy!

How to Serve Walking Taco Casserole

Serving your Walking Taco Casserole is as fun as making it! This dish is perfect for gatherings, family dinners, or a quick weeknight meal. You can customize each serving with various toppings, allowing everyone to enjoy their own unique bowl.

Customize with Toppings

• Shredded Lettuce – Adds a fresh crunch and balances the flavors.
• Diced Tomatoes – Perfect for a burst of juiciness and color.
• Jalapeños – Spice things up for those who love heat!
• Cilantro – A sprinkle adds a refreshing herbal note.
• Sour Cream – Creamy and cool, it complements the spices well.
• Extra Salsa – For those who want more flavor and moisture.

Serve with Chips

• Corn Chips – Offer additional crunchy chips on the side for dipping.
• Tortilla Chips – Great for scooping up the casserole; choose your favorite brand!

How to Perfect Walking Taco Casserole

To make your Walking Taco Casserole even better, follow these simple tips. They will help you achieve the best flavor and texture every time.

• Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh ingredients enhance the overall taste and make your casserole more vibrant.
• Avoid Overcrowding the Pan – Brown the beef in batches if needed; this ensures proper searing and flavor development.
• Layer Wisely – Alternate layers of chips, beef mixture, and cheese for a balanced bite every time.
• Monitor Baking Time – Keep an eye on the casserole to prevent overbaking; you want melted cheese without soggy chips.
• Experiment with Flavors – Feel free to add other ingredients like corn or bell peppers for extra flair.
• Store Properly – Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

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Best Side Dishes for Walking Taco Casserole

Pairing side dishes with your Walking Taco Casserole can elevate your meal. Here are some delicious options that complement its flavors perfectly.

1. Mexican Street Corn Salad – A creamy and tangy salad that adds sweetness and crunch.
2. Guacamole – Smooth avocado dip provides a rich contrast to the casserole’s texture.
3. Pico de Gallo – Fresh salsa offers a zesty kick that brightens up each bite!
4. Spanish Rice – Fluffy rice seasoned with spices rounds out the meal beautifully.
5. Refried Beans – Creamy beans offer protein and heartiness alongside the casserole.
6. Chili Lime Roasted Vegetables – Roasted veggies add color and nutrition while enhancing flavor with chili lime seasoning.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Walking Taco Casserole, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Overcrowding the Skillet: Cooking too much beef at once can steam it instead of browning. Cook in batches for the best flavor.
• Not Draining Beans Properly: Leaving excess liquid in your black beans can make the casserole soggy. Always drain and rinse your beans thoroughly.
• Using Stale Corn Chips: While slightly stale chips can work, overly stale ones will not hold up well. Use fresh or recently opened bags for the best crunch.
• Skipping Toppings: Failing to add toppings can make your casserole bland. Customize with lettuce, tomatoes, and jalapeños for added flavor and texture.
• Overbaking the Casserole: Baking too long can lead to soggy chips. Keep an eye on your casserole and remove it when the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• The casserole will last up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Walking Taco Casserole

• Use a freezer-safe container for best results.
• You can freeze the casserole for up to 3 months.

Reheating Walking Taco Casserole

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat individual portions on high for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Walking Taco Casserole?

Walking Taco Casserole combines classic taco ingredients into a layered dish that captures all the flavors of walking tacos in one easy casserole.

Can I customize my Walking Taco Casserole?

Absolutely! You can add your favorite toppings such as jalapeños, sour cream, or avocado. Feel free to mix in other ingredients like corn or bell peppers.

How do I reheat leftover Walking Taco Casserole?

You can reheat it in the oven, microwave, or stovetop. For best results, use the oven or stovetop to maintain texture.

Is Walking Taco Casserole suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This casserole is perfect for meal prep as it stores well and reheats nicely, making it ideal for busy weeknights.

Final Thoughts

Walking Taco Casserole is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. With its layers of seasoned beef, beans, cheese, and crunchy chips, it’s sure to please a crowd. Customize it with your favorite toppings and enjoy this easy recipe any night of the week!