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Walking Taco Casserole: A Flavor-Packed, Crowd-Pleasing Dish


  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6-8 servings 1x

Description

Walking Taco Casserole is a quick and easy baked dish featuring seasoned beef, gooey cheese, and crunchy chips. Perfect for potlucks, game nights, and family dinners!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, drained
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 cups crushed tortilla chips (Doritos or Fritos work well)
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions
  • 1/4 cup diced tomatoes (optional)
  • 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare – Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Cook the Beef – In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess grease if needed.
  3. Add Flavor – Stir in taco seasoning and water. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until well incorporated.
  4. Mix Ingredients – Add Rotel tomatoes, black beans, and corn. Stir to combine and heat through.
  5. Assemble the Casserole – Spread half of the crushed tortilla chips in the baking dish. Layer the beef mixture on top. Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly.
  6. Bake – Bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
  7. Garnish and Serve – Let sit for 5 minutes. Top with sour cream, green onions, tomatoes, olives, and cilantro as desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or use spicy taco seasoning.
  • Healthier Version: Use ground turkey and baked tortilla chips.
  • Vegetarian: Omit meat and increase beans and veggies.
  • Cheese Lovers: Mix in cream cheese or queso for extra creaminess.

Storage & Reheating:

  • Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Freeze: Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
  • Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or microwave in 30-second intervals.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course, Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican-American

Keywords: Walking Taco Casserole, Taco Bake, Easy Taco Casserole, Mexican Casserole, Game Day Recipes