Walking Taco Casserole

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🌶️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Easy & Quick: Made with simple ingredients and ready in about 30 minutes.
  • Customizable: Load it with your favorite toppings — from lettuce and tomatoes to jalapeños and sour cream.
  • Family Favorite: Crunchy, cheesy, and full of taco flavor — kids and adults love it!
  • Perfect for Parties: Great for feeding a crowd with minimal effort.

🧀 Ingredients

For the Base:

  • 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade seasoning)
  • Âľ cup water
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
  • 1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies (drained if preferred)

For Layering:

  • 2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
  • 3 cups crushed corn chips (like Fritos or Doritos)

Toppings (customize to your taste):

  • Shredded lettuce
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Sour cream
  • Sliced black olives
  • Jalapeños
  • Salsa or taco sauce
  • Fresh cilantro

🔪 Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven:
    Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Cook the beef mixture:
    In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and onion until browned. Drain any excess fat. Stir in the taco seasoning and water, cooking for about 5 minutes until the mixture thickens. Add the black beans and Rotel tomatoes, stirring to combine.
  3. Assemble the casserole:
    Spread half of the crushed chips across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spoon the beef mixture evenly over the chips, then sprinkle the shredded cheese on top.
  4. Bake:
    Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  5. Finish with toppings:
    Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and your favorite taco fixings just before serving.

🌮 How to Serve

Scoop the casserole into bowls and serve it “walking taco style” — each person can add their favorite toppings. For extra fun, serve it with small bags of Fritos or Doritos on the side so everyone can scoop the casserole right into their chip bag for an authentic walking taco experience!