Walking Taco Casserole Recipe

Learn how to make the best homemade Walking Taco Casserole with this easy baking recipe! Featuring layers of seasoned beef, beans, crunchy tortilla chips, and melted cheese, this family-friendly dish transforms a beloved handheld snack into a satisfying meal everyone will love.
Difficulty:
Beginner
Prep Time:
20 mins
Cook Time:
25 mins
Serves:
1 casserole (8 servings)
An overhead shot of a bubbling Walking Taco Casserole fresh from the oven, showcasing layers of seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and slightly browned tortilla chips peeking through. The casserole is photographed in soft natural light highlighting the vibrant colors of the fresh toppings – bright lettuce, red tomatoes, and green onions scattered across the top. A spoonful is being lifted from the ceramic baking dish, revealing stretchy cheese pulls and the layered structure beneath. The casserole sits on a rustic wooden table with small bowls of sour cream, diced avocado, and extra crushed tortilla chips surrounding it, suggesting a festive, interactive dining experience.

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"> <li class="ingredients-single-item">500g lean ground beef</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 medium onion, diced</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">2 cloves garlic, minced</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">30g taco seasoning (or 1 packet)</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">400g can black beans, drained and rinsed</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">400g can diced tomatoes</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">200g corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">150g tortilla chips, lightly crushed</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">300g grated cheese blend (cheddar and monterey jack)</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">To serve: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, diced avocado, sliced green onions, sour cream, and extra tortilla chips</li> </ul>

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"> <li class="equipment-single-item">23cm × 33cm (9×13-inch) baking dish</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Large skillet</li> </ul>

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4> Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Lightly grease your baking dish with cooking spray or a thin layer of oil to prevent sticking. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4> Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it begins to brown, about 5 minutes, breaking it into small crumbles with a wooden spoon. The fine texture will ensure even distribution of flavor throughout the casserole. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4> Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the beef and continue cooking until the onion is translucent and the beef is completely browned, about 3-4 minutes more. Drain excess fat if needed – leaving a little will help keep the casserole moist. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4> Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the meat mixture and stir to coat evenly. Add the diced tomatoes with their juice and simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly. The acidity in the tomatoes will tenderize the meat and add depth to the flavor. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4> Stir in the drained black beans and corn kernels, heating through for about 2 minutes. The combination of protein-rich beans and sweet corn creates a balanced filling with varied textures. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4> Spread half of the lightly crushed tortilla chips in an even layer on the bottom of your prepared baking dish. The chips will soften slightly during baking but maintain some crunch, mimicking the texture of a walking taco. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4> Spoon half of the meat mixture over the chips, then sprinkle with one-third of the grated cheese. Repeat with another layer of chips, the remaining meat mixture, and another third of cheese. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4> Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes. The foil prevents the top from browning too quickly while allowing the flavors to meld together. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4> Remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top, and return to the oven uncovered for about 10 minutes, until the cheese is completely melted and beginning to bubble and brown at the edges. This creates that irresistible golden cheese crust. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 10</h4> Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving – this brief resting period allows the layers to set slightly, making it easier to serve intact portions. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 11</h4> Serve warm, allowing everyone to top their portion with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, avocado, green onions, and a dollop of sour cream. For extra crunch, offer additional tortilla chips on the side. The contrast of the warm casserole and cool, fresh toppings creates the complete walking taco experience! </li> </ol>

FAQs

Find answers to your most pressing questions about this delicious recipe right here.

What ingredients are used in Walking Taco Casserole?

Walking Taco Casserole uses ground beef, taco seasoning, black beans, diced tomatoes, corn, tortilla chips, and cheese for the main layers. It's topped with fresh ingredients like lettuce, diced tomatoes, avocado, green onions, and sour cream.

How to cook Walking Taco Casserole at home?

Learn how to cook Walking Taco Casserole by browning beef with onions and garlic, adding taco seasoning, tomatoes, beans and corn. Layer crushed tortilla chips with the meat mixture and cheese in a baking dish, then bake covered for 15 minutes. Add more cheese and bake uncovered for 10 more minutes until bubbly and golden.

Can I make this Mexican-inspired casserole ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the meat mixture up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, layer the casserole with fresh chips and cheese, then bake as directed. This makes it perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining as most of the work can be done beforehand.

What's the best way to keep the tortilla chips crispy in a taco bake?

To maintain crispiness, use thicker restaurant-style tortilla chips, add them just before baking, and avoid crushing them too finely. For maximum crunch, reserve some chips to sprinkle on top during the final minutes of baking or keep them completely separate as a topping after cooking.

How long will leftover taco casserole last in the refrigerator?

Leftover taco casserole will last 3-4 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container. Note that the tortilla chips will soften over time. For best results when reheating, add fresh chips on top and cover with foil before warming in a 180°C oven until heated through.

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The prep was simple and cleanup was easy - that's a win in my book!", "name": "Family Favorite Now", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Amir Patel", "datePublished": "2024-06-07", "reviewBody": "I made this for a neighborhood potluck and came home with an empty dish! Everyone wanted the recipe. The combination of crunchy chips with the seasoned beef is genius. Definitely easier than making individual walking tacos for a crowd.", "name": "Potluck Champion", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Sophie Chen", "datePublished": "2024-06-08", "reviewBody": "The flavors in this casserole are amazing! I added some jalapeños for extra heat and it turned out perfectly. My husband, who is usually picky about casseroles, had two servings. The fresh toppings really make it special.", "name": "Deliciously Customizable", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Lars Eriksson", "datePublished": "2024-06-10", "reviewBody": "This recipe is a game-changer for our weekly taco nights! So much easier than setting up a taco bar, and everyone still gets to customize with their favorite toppings. The layers of chips maintain just enough crunch - not soggy at all!", "name": "Taco Night Upgrade", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Gabriela Sanchez", "datePublished": "2024-06-12", "reviewBody": "Made this for my kids and their friends during a sleepover, and they absolutely demolished it! The recipe is straightforward and forgiving if you need to substitute ingredients. 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