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Walking Taco Casserole Recipe

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4.2 from 6 reviews

A hearty and flavorful Walking Taco Casserole combining seasoned ground beef, black beans, diced tomatoes with chiles, and cheesy layers of Fritos corn chips baked to perfection. This dish works as a fun twist on traditional tacos, baked into an easy casserole that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 small onion, chopped finely
  • 1 package taco seasoning
  • ½ cup water
  • 1 can black beans (15 ounces), drained and rinsed
  • 1 can diced tomatoes with green chiles (10 ounces)
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 1 bag Fritos corn chips (9.25 ounces)
  • 2 cups Mexican-style shredded cheese

Toppings

  • Green onions, sliced
  • Sour cream
  • Guacamole
  • Salsa
  • Jalapenos

Instructions

  1. Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 13×9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Cook ground beef and onions: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until it’s almost cooked through. Add the finely chopped onions and continue cooking until the onions are soft and the beef is no longer pink.
  3. Add seasoning and water: Stir in the taco seasoning packet and ½ cup water. Bring the mixture to a boil, ensuring the seasoning is evenly distributed.
  4. Combine remaining ingredients and simmer: Reduce the heat to low and mix in the drained black beans, diced tomatoes with green chiles, and sour cream. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is heated through and slightly thickened.
  5. Assemble casserole layers: Place a single layer of Fritos corn chips at the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Evenly sprinkle 1 cup of shredded Mexican cheese over the chips. Spread the ground beef mixture on top, then finish by sprinkling the remaining 1 cup of cheese over the beef layer.
  6. Bake covered and uncovered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
  7. Add final toppings and serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and top with extra Fritos corn chips and your choice of favorite toppings such as sliced green onions, sour cream, guacamole, salsa, and jalapenos before serving.

Notes

  • For extra spice, add chopped jalapenos into the beef mixture before baking.
  • Use fat-free or reduced-fat sour cream for a lighter dish.
  • To make it vegetarian, substitute ground beef with a plant-based crumbled meat or more beans.
  • Serve with fresh salsa and guacamole for added freshness.
  • Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.