Here’s a fun, family-friendly Walking Taco Bake — all the classic flavors of a walking taco, but baked in a casserole dish for an easy weeknight dinner or potluck hit.
🌮 Walking Taco Bake (Casserole Style)
🕒 Time: 10 min prep + 25–30 min bake | 🍽️ Serves: 6
🥘 Ingredients:
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1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
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1 small onion, diced
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1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tbsp homemade)
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1/2 cup water
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1 (10 oz) can Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies), drained
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1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
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2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican cheese blend
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3 cups Fritos or crushed tortilla chips
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Sour cream, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, jalapeños, salsa, green onions, avocado (for topping)
👩🍳 Instructions:
1. Preheat & Cook Meat:
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and onion until browned. Drain excess fat.
2. Season:
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Add taco seasoning and water to the skillet. Stir in Rotel and beans (if using). Simmer for 5 minutes until thickened.
3. Assemble Bake:
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In a greased 9×13” baking dish:
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Spread half of the chips on the bottom.
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Layer the taco meat mixture over the chips.
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Sprinkle all of the cheese on top.
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4. Bake:
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Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Finish:
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Sprinkle remaining chips over the top right before serving to keep them crunchy.
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Top with your favorite taco toppings — sour cream, lettuce, diced tomatoes, jalapeños, etc.
🔄 Variations:
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Make it spicy: Add jalapeños or hot sauce to the meat.
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Vegetarian: Swap meat for black beans, lentils, or meatless crumbles.
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Low-carb: Use crushed pork rinds or skip the chips and serve over a bed of lettuce.