Walking Taco Casserole is a fun and delicious twist on traditional tacos. It’s a layered casserole that incorporates all the ingredients of a classic taco, but in casserole form, making it perfect for a crowd or for meal prepping. You can even serve it in individual portions with tortilla chips for a true “walking taco” experience!
Here’s a simple recipe for a Walking Taco Casserole:
Walking Taco Casserole Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey, chicken, or vegetarian substitute)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade taco seasoning)
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
- 1/2 cup frozen corn kernels (optional)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend cheese)
- 1/2 cup sour cream (for layering)
- 1/2 cup salsa (for layering)
- 1 bag (about 9 oz) tortilla chips (for the bottom layer and serving)
- Chopped green onions, for garnish (optional)
- Sour cream, for serving (optional)
- Sliced jalapeños, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the Beef
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef (or your chosen protein) and onion. Cook until the beef is browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the taco seasoning and diced tomatoes (with juices). If you like it spicier, you can add the diced green chilies here. Add black beans and corn if using, and mix well.
- Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes to combine all the flavors.
Step 2: Assemble the Casserole
- In a 9×13-inch casserole dish, spread a layer of tortilla chips at the bottom. You don’t need to break them up too much; they’ll be your base layer for the casserole.
- Spread the beef mixture evenly over the chips. Use a spatula to make sure the beef is distributed evenly.
- Spread sour cream over the beef layer, then add a layer of salsa. This will give the casserole a nice creamy texture with the tang of salsa.
- Top with shredded cheese, making sure it’s evenly spread.
Step 3: 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. If you want the cheese to be extra golden and crispy, you can broil it for the last 1-2 minutes.
Step 4: Serve
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Top with chopped green onions, jalapeños, and additional sour cream if desired.
- Serve the casserole directly from the dish or scoop individual portions over more tortilla chips for that “walking taco” feel.
Tips & Variations:
- Add more veggies: You can add extra vegetables like sliced olives, diced tomatoes, or bell peppers to the beef mixture for more flavor and texture.
- Use different proteins: Ground chicken, turkey, or even ground chorizo will work great in this recipe. If you’re making a vegetarian version, try using black beans, lentils, or a vegetarian beef crumbles alternative.
- Customize the toppings: The great thing about this casserole is the toppings! You can add guacamole, avocado slices, salsa verde, or shredded lettuce to make it even more taco-like.
- Make it spicy: Add chopped jalapeños to the beef mixture or sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top for added heat.
Serving Suggestions:
- As a one-dish meal: This casserole is already hearty, but you can serve it alongside a side of Mexican rice or refried beans if you’d like.
- For a lighter option: Serve the casserole with a fresh side of greens, such as a simple lettuce salad or cabbage slaw with a tangy dressing.
- Individual portions: If you want to make individual servings, serve the casserole over individual portions of tortilla chips, as you would with a walking taco.
This Walking Taco Casserole is perfect for a fun family dinner or a crowd-pleasing party dish. It combines all the best elements of tacos into a cheesy, crispy, and flavorful casserole. Enjoy!
Let me know if you need help with more variations or ideas!