Here’s a fun, family-friendly twist on a classic fair food: the Walking Taco Casserole! It’s layered with seasoned ground beef, cheese, crushed corn chips (like Fritos or Doritos), and all your favorite taco toppings — baked in one easy dish.
🌮 Walking Taco Casserole
👩🍳 Servings: 6–8
🕒 Total Time: ~35 minutes
🧾 Ingredients:
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1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
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1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tbsp homemade)
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2/3 cup water
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1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
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1 (10 oz) can Rotel (or diced tomatoes with green chilies), drained slightly
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2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a Mexican blend)
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3–4 cups corn chips (like Fritos or crushed Doritos)
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1/2 cup sour cream (optional, for layering or topping)
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Taco toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, jalapeños, green onions, avocado, salsa, etc.
👨🍳 Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Brown the meat
In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
3. Add seasoning
Stir in taco seasoning, water, Rotel, and beans (if using). Simmer for about 5 minutes, until thickened.
4. Layer the casserole
In a greased 9×13″ baking dish:
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Spread a layer of crushed corn chips (reserve some for topping).
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Add the taco meat mixture.
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(Optional) Spread a thin layer of sour cream over the meat.
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Top with shredded cheese.
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Sprinkle a few more crushed chips on top for crunch.
5. Bake
Bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Garnish & Serve
Let cool for 5 minutes, then top with your favorite taco toppings like:
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Shredded lettuce
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Diced tomatoes
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Sliced green onions
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Jalapeños
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Avocado or guacamole
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Sour cream or salsa
🔄 Variations:
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Use nacho cheese Doritos for a zesty twist.
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Add a layer of rice or Spanish rice for a more filling bake.
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Want it spicy? Stir in some chopped green chiles or a spoonful of chipotle peppers in adobo.