Walking Taco Casserole is a fun and easy-to-make casserole version of the popular walking tacos! It’s made with seasoned ground beef, cheese, and all the taco fixings you love, but baked into a hearty, flavorful casserole. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for a party. Here’s a simple recipe for you:
Ingredients:
For the Casserole:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade taco seasoning)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes (drained) or salsa
- 1 can (8 oz) sliced black olives (optional)
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies (optional)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a Mexican cheese blend)
- 1 cup crushed tortilla chips (for layering)
For the Toppings (optional):
- Shredded lettuce
- Chopped tomatoes
- Chopped onions
- Jalapeño slices
- Sliced avocado or guacamole
- Salsa or taco sauce
- More crushed tortilla chips (for serving)
- Shredded cheese
- Fresh cilantro
Instructions:
1. Cook the Ground Beef:
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks (about 6-8 minutes).
- Drain any excess grease, then add the chopped onion and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until softened.
- Stir in the taco seasoning and water. If you’re using homemade seasoning, add chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika to taste. Mix well and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. If you’re adding black olives and green chilies, stir them in as well.
2. Layer the Casserole:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a layer of crushed tortilla chips evenly across the bottom. This creates the crunchy base for the casserole.
- Next, layer the seasoned ground beef mixture on top of the tortilla chips, spreading it evenly.
- Spoon the sour cream over the beef layer, spreading it out to cover the mixture.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over the sour cream layer.
3. Bake:
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
4. Serve and Top:
- Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Top the casserole with shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, avocado slices, salsa, or any other toppings you like.
- For extra crunch, you can add more crushed tortilla chips on top just before serving.
Enjoy Your Walking Taco Casserole!
This casserole combines all the flavors of a walking taco but in a comforting, baked form. It’s a crowd-pleasing dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for feeding a group. The great thing about this recipe is that you can customize the toppings based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
Would you like to add any variations like beans or a different protein? Let me know if you need any other tips!