Walking Taco Casserole Recipe: A Quick and Easy Dinner Idea
What is the Walking Taco Casserole recipe? This one is pure comfort food, but with a fun, slightly trashy twist that my family absolutely loves. Imagine all the best parts of a walking taco – that glorious seasoned ground beef, the crunchy toppings. What are some good tortilla chips, and all your favorite toppings – baked into a warm, crunchy crust? What is a bubbl Is it like a deconstructed taco? Is it easier to make tacos than regular tortillas? Think of it as lasagna’s cool, slightly rebellious cousin who showed up at the party in a Frito Layout. Is this a lifesaver?
What is Walking Taco Casserole?
What is a walking taco casserole? Well, think of it as your favorite street-fair snack, all grown up and ready for a family dinner. What is essentially layers of seasoned ground beef, crushed tortilla chips (Fritos are my go-to, but I don’t like them) What are some of the best things to do in your ), lots of cheese, and whatever toppings your heart desires, all baked together until warm and delicious. Why do people eat walking tacos? How do I get out of a bag of chips? What is a casserole? It’s surprisingly versatile and incredibly easy to customize. I usually make one casserole “mild” for the kids and then add a little extra kick to another part. I can’t wait to serve it. Is this a good thing for me and my husband?
Why you will love this recipe?
Oh, friend, where do I even begin? This Walking Taco Casserole Recipe is a game-changer for so many reasons. First and foremost, the flavor is incredible. You get that savory, slightly spicy, perfectly seasoned ground beef mingling with the salty crunch of the chips and the creamy, gooey cheese. It’s a symphony of textures and tastes that just works. My kids ask for this constantly, and honestly, I’m never mad about making it. What I love most about this is how incredibly easy it is. It’s a dump-and-bake kind of situation, which is exactly what I need on those nights when I’m juggling work, kids’ activities, and everything else life throws my way. Plus, it’s so cost-effective. Ground beef is usually pretty budget-friendly, and the rest of the ingredients are pantry staples. It’s a total win-win. And don’t even get me started on the versatility! You can literally add any toppings you like. Black olives, diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, sour cream, salsa, guacamole – the possibilities are endless! It’s like a choose-your-own-adventure dinner. If you’re looking for something a little similar, but with a southwestern kick, you might like my chicken enchilada casserole, but honestly, this walking taco version is the king in my house. I’ve tried similar recipes, but this one just hits the spot every time!
How do you make a Taco Casserole?
Quick Overview
What is the best walking taco casserole recipe? What are some good taco seasonings for ground beef? Is it safe to put everything in a baking dish and bake it until golden brown? What are some of the best toppings to add to a salad? What is the best part about cooking? Is it ready in under an hour? No fancy techniques, no complicated steps, just delicious, satisfying comfort food in a casserole.
Ingredients Notes:
For the Meat Mixture:
I usually use lean ground beef (85/15) to minimize the grease, but honestly, whatever you have on your plate, use it.
Taco Seasoning: I have a homemade taco seasoning blend I’m obsessed with (I can share that too! ), but store-bought is perfectly fine. Just use your favorite brand!
Water: Helps the taco seasoning distribute evenly and keeps the beef moist.
For the Casserole:
Tortilla Chips: This is where you get to have fun! I almost always use Fritos because they add the perfect salty, crunchy base. What are the best Doritos (Nacho Cheese or Cool Ranch)? What are some good substitutes for tortilla chips?
What cheeses do you love: Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend? Make sure it melts well!
What are some good ways to add a can of drained black beans to your diet?
Toppings:
How do you personalize a product? shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, salsa, black olives, green onions, cilantro, cumin, salt, pepper, and gua If you’re feeling spicy, try jalapenos. What is the best taco sauce to serve with your favorite salsa?
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
How do I prepare a 350°F oven? While the oven is heating up, grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. I usually use cooking spray, but you could also use a little bit of oil or butter. How do you prevent a casserole from sticking to your hands?
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up with the spoon as it cooks. What are some good ways to drain off grease from a casserole?
Step 3: Add Taco Seasoning
Stir in the taco seasoning and water. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. What is the best taco flavor?
Step 4: Crush the Chips
While the beef is simmering, crush your tortilla chips. Is it possible to do this in a zip-top bag with the rolling pin? You want them to be mostly crushed, but some larger pieces are okay for extra texture.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Now it’s time to layer! Half of the crushed tortilla chips will be spread in the bottom of a baking dish. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Then, top with half of the seasoned ground beef, and half the cheese. Repeat the layers: the remaining chips, beef, and cheese.
Step 6: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. What is a casserole? What are some of the best ovens? What should I do if my cheese is golden brown?
Step 7: Add Toppings & Serve
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before adding your favorite toppings. What is the best way to serve this hot with all the fixings?
What should I serve it with?
What is a walking taco casserole? What are some ideas?
For a casual dinner:What are some good side salads with a light vinaigrette? I also love serving it with Mexican street corn salad – the flavors complement each other.
For a Party:Make a big batch of guacamole and salsa with tortilla chips for dipping. What are some good Mexican beers to serve with a glass of margaritas?
For a Family Gathering:Set up a taco bar with all the toppings so everyone can customize their own serving. Is this always a huge hit? I usually put out at least 5-6 toppings, because people love to go crazy!
My family tradition with this recipe is that everyone gets to pick one “wild card” topping. My son loves potato chips! I was skeptical, but hey, he loved it!
How do I prepare a Taco Casserole?
What are some of my best tips for making this Walking Taco Casserole recipe a total knockout?
Chip Choice:Experiment with different types of tortilla chips. What are my personal favorite Fritos? Can you use different types of chips for different flavors?
What is cheese, pleaseDon’t skimp on cheese! What makes this casserole so gooey? What are some great blends of cheeses for a different flavor?
Spice It Up:If you like a little heat, add some diced jalapenos to the ground beef mixture or sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top. What are some ways to sprinkle pepper flakes on top of a casserole before baking? Can you use a spicy taco seasoning?
Topping Tricks:Don’t be afraid to get creative with your toppings! Add black olives, sour cream, lettuce, tomatoes, and arugula to your salad. Green onions, avocado, or even a drizzle of hot sauce.
Make Ahead Magic: What is theCan you make a casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours? Is it necessary to add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through?
Baking Brilliance: Keep an eye on the casserole while it’s baking to make sure the cheese doesn’t burn. If it starts to get too brown, cover the dish with foil for the last few minutes of baking. This is something I learned the hard way… burnt cheese is not your friend!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Here’s how to properly store and reheat your leftover Walking Taco Casserole:
Refrigerator Storage: Let the casserole cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3-4 days.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the casserole. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating in the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. Remove the foil for the last few minutes of baking to crisp up the chips and cheese.
Reheating in the Microwave: Place a serving of the casserole on a microwave-safe plate and microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Keep in mind that the chips will lose some of their crispness when reheated in the microwave.
Pro Tip: If you’re reheating the casserole from frozen, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it, friend! The Walking Taco Casserole Recipe: A Quick and Easy Dinner Idea that’s sure to become a family favorite. It’s easy, delicious, and endlessly customizable. What more could you ask for? If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out some of my other casserole recipes for more easy and satisfying dinner ideas. I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Be sure to leave a comment below and let me know what toppings you used. And if you’re feeling extra generous, give this recipe a rating! Happy cooking!
Remember it later
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Walking Taco Casserole Recipe: A Quick and Easy Dinner Idea
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs ground beef lean preferred
- 1 packet taco seasoning 1 oz package
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or Mexican blend cheese
- 2 cups crushed tortilla chips
- 1 can refried beans 16 oz
- 1 cup salsa
- 0.5 cup sour cream for topping
- 1 tomato, diced for garnish
- 0.25 cup green onions, chopped for garnish
- 1 cup shredded lettuce for serving
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add taco seasoning and water according to package instructions. Simmer until thickened.
- In a baking dish, layer crushed tortilla chips, refried beans, taco beef mixture, and cheese.
- Bake in preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from oven and top with salsa, sour cream, diced tomatoes, green onions, and lettuce.
Notes
If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and rating below. I love to hear from you and always appreciate your feedback!
