Walking Taco Casserole

This Walking Taco Casserole brings together all the deliciousness of walking tacos in a hearty, easy-to-make dish. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this casserole is made with flavorful layers of seasoned ground beef, black beans, crunchy corn chips, and melty cheese. You can customize it with your favorite taco toppings to suit every palate.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Casserole:
• Optional Toppings:
• How to Make Walking Taco Casserole
• Step 1: Preheat the Oven
• Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
• Step 3: Cook the Ground Beef
• Step 4: Combine Beans and Salsa
• Step 5: Layer the Casserole
• Step 6: Bake Your Casserole
• Step 7: Add Toppings and Serve
• How to Serve Walking Taco Casserole
• Serve with Fresh Toppings
• Pair with Crunchy Sides
• How to Perfect Walking Taco Casserole
• Best Side Dishes for Walking Taco Casserole
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Walking Taco Casserole
• Reheating Walking Taco Casserole
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What is a Walking Taco Casserole?
• Can I customize my Walking Taco Casserole?
• Is there a vegetarian option for Walking Taco Casserole?
• How do I prevent soggy chips in my casserole?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This casserole comes together in just 40 minutes, making it perfect for last-minute meals.
• Crowd-Pleaser: With its familiar taco flavors, this dish is sure to impress family and friends at any gathering.
• Customizable: Add your favorite toppings like jalapeños or sour cream for a personal touch.
• One-Pan Wonder: Fewer dishes mean less cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal!
• Comfort Food: The warm, cheesy layers provide that satisfying comfort food experience everyone loves.

Tools and Preparation

Before you get started on making your Walking Taco Casserole, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large skillet
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Cooking spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Can opener

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet: Essential for browning the meat and mixing ingredients evenly.
• Baking dish: Provides the perfect space for layering and baking your casserole.
• Cooking spoon or spatula: Helps mix ingredients thoroughly, ensuring even flavor distribution.

Ingredients

For the Casserole:

• 2 tablespoons canola oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound 90% lean ground beef
• 1 (1-ounce) packet taco seasoning
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup salsa
• 1 (9.25-ounce) bag corn chips (Doritos, plain tortilla chips, or Fritos)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Optional Toppings:

• Shredded lettuce
• Diced tomatoes
• Jalapeños
• Cilantro
• Sour cream
• Salsa

How to Make Walking Taco Casserole

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your casserole bakes evenly.

Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic

In a large skillet, heat the canola oil over medium heat.
1. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Cook the Ground Beef

Add the ground beef to the skillet.
1. Cook until browned; drain excess fat if needed.
2. Stir in the taco seasoning and mix well.

Step 4: Combine Beans and Salsa

Stir in the black beans and salsa until evenly combined.
Let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through.

Step 5: Layer the Casserole

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
1. Layer half of the corn chips on the bottom.
2. Top with half of the beef and bean mixture.
3. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over it.

Repeat these layers with another round of corn chips, beef mixture, and remaining cheese.

Step 6: Bake Your Casserole

Bake in preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 7: Add Toppings and Serve

Remove from the oven and top with your favorite taco toppings. Serve immediately and enjoy!

How to Serve Walking Taco Casserole

Walking Taco Casserole is a fun and versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a family dinner, here are some serving suggestions that will elevate your experience.

Serve with Fresh Toppings

• Shredded Lettuce: Adds a crisp texture and refreshing flavor.
• Diced Tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes provide juiciness and color.
• Jalapeños: For those who enjoy a spicy kick, jalapeños are a perfect addition.
• Cilantro: This herb brings a burst of freshness and enhances the taco flavor.
• Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream balances the spices with its creaminess.
• Additional Salsa: Serve extra salsa on the side for those who love a zesty touch.

Pair with Crunchy Sides

• Corn Chips: Extra chips for scooping up the casserole add crunch and fun.
• Guacamole: Creamy guacamole complements the flavors of the casserole perfectly.

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How to Perfect Walking Taco Casserole

Creating the perfect Walking Taco Casserole is all about balance and flavor. Here are some tips to ensure your dish is a hit every time.

• Use Lean Meat: Opt for 90% lean ground beef to reduce grease while keeping it flavorful.
• Customize Your Beans: Black beans are great, but feel free to substitute with pinto or kidney beans for variety.
• Layer Strategically: Alternate layers of chips, meat mixture, and cheese to ensure even distribution of flavors.
• Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on your casserole; remove it when the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden to avoid sogginess.
• Add More Spice: If you love heat, consider adding diced green chiles or spicy taco seasoning for an extra kick.
• Let It Rest: Allowing the casserole to sit for a few minutes after baking helps it set for easier serving.

Best Side Dishes for Walking Taco Casserole

Serving Walking Taco Casserole with complementary side dishes can enhance your meal. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Mexican Street Corn: Grilled corn on the cob slathered in mayo, cheese, chili powder, and lime juice adds bold flavors.
2. Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans offer a hearty side that pairs well with tacos and casseroles alike.
3. Spanish Rice: Flavored with tomatoes and spices, this rice adds a nice contrast to your casserole.
4. Guacamole Salad: A fresh salad featuring guacamole ingredients provides lightness alongside the richness of the casserole.
5. Chili Cheese Fries: Crispy fries topped with chili and cheese create a satisfying side that everyone loves.
6. Tortilla Chips with Salsa Verde: Crunchy chips served with zesty salsa verde make for an easy appetizer option.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your Walking Taco Casserole, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes to watch out for:

• Skipping the seasoning: Not using enough taco seasoning can lead to bland flavors. Be sure to mix in the seasoning thoroughly for a tasty dish.
• Overcrowding the pan: Cooking too much beef at once can cause steaming instead of browning. Cook in batches to ensure a nice sear.
• Using stale chips: While slightly stale chips can work, avoid using overly soft ones. They won’t hold their shape well in the casserole.
• Not layering properly: Failing to layer ingredients correctly can result in uneven cooking. Follow the layering instructions for a balanced casserole.
• Overbaking the dish: Baking too long can make the chips soggy. Watch closely and remove it from the oven as soon as the cheese is melted.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• • Allow the casserole to cool completely before sealing it in a container.

Freezing Walking Taco Casserole

• • Transfer cooled casserole into an airtight container or freezer bag.
• • Label with date and store for up to 3 months.

Reheating Walking Taco Casserole

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake until heated through, about 15-20 minutes.
• Microwave: Place a portion on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Walking Taco Casserole:

What is a Walking Taco Casserole?

Walking Taco Casserole combines all traditional walking taco ingredients into a layered dish, featuring seasoned beef, beans, corn chips, and cheese.

Can I customize my Walking Taco Casserole?

Yes! You can add your favorite toppings such as jalapeños, lettuce, or sour cream after baking.

Is there a vegetarian option for Walking Taco Casserole?

Absolutely! Substitute ground beef with lentils or cooked quinoa and use plant-based cheese for a vegetarian version.

How do I prevent soggy chips in my casserole?

To avoid soggy chips, layer them carefully and monitor baking time. Remove from the oven as soon as the cheese melts.

Final Thoughts

Walking Taco Casserole is not only delicious but also versatile. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings with friends. Feel free to customize it with your favorite toppings and make it uniquely yours! Enjoy this crowd-pleasing dish that’s sure to delight everyone at your table.