Imagine all the fun flavors of a walking taco, but served up in a cozy, shareable casserole that's perfect for a weeknight dinner! Our Easy Walking Taco Casserole takes everything you love – seasoned ground beef, a hearty bean mixture, crunchy corn chips, and plenty of melty cheese – and bakes it into one incredibly satisfying dish. It's simple to assemble, packed with Tex-Mex goodness, and guaranteed to become a new favorite for adults and kids alike.
Forget the individual bags; this casserole brings comfort and convenience together, making it ideal for busy evenings when you crave something homemade without the fuss. It’s also incredibly versatile, allowing you to tailor it to your family's tastes with various toppings and additions.
Why You'll Love This Simple Casserole
This isn't just another dinner; it's a solution for those chaotic weeknights when you need a delicious meal on the table fast. Here's why this Walking Taco Casserole will win you over:
Effortless Preparation for Busy Evenings
From browning the beef to layering the ingredients, each step of this recipe is straightforward and quick. Most of the magic happens in the oven, giving you time to relax or help with homework. It’s a true set-it-and-forget-it kind of meal once assembled, perfect for making dinner stress-free.
Packed with Crowd-Pleasing Flavors
The combination of savory seasoned ground beef, tender beans, sweet corn, tangy cream cheese, and gooey cheddar creates a symphony of flavors that mimic your favorite taco stand. The addition of crunchy Fritos throughout and on top adds an irresistible texture that makes every bite exciting. If you love robust, flavorful meals, you might also enjoy our Slow Cooker Beef Curry: An Easy, Flavorful & Comforting Recipe for another comforting dinner option!
Customizable to Your Heart's Content
One of the best aspects of this casserole is how easily it adapts. You can swap out the ground beef for ground turkey, adjust the spice level with more jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne, or add different vegetables. Offer a topping bar at the table with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, and salsa to let everyone create their perfect bite.
Tips for the Ultimate Walking Taco Casserole
- Drain Your Beef Well: After browning the ground beef, make sure to drain off all excess grease. This prevents the casserole from becoming oily and ensures the best texture.
- Cream Cheese for Richness: Don't skip the softened cream cheese! It adds a wonderful creamy texture and helps bind the meat mixture together, infusing it with extra richness.
- Layering is Key: A layer of chips at the bottom provides a sturdy base, but reserving some to sprinkle on top during the last few minutes of baking (or after) guarantees maximum crunch.
- Spice It Up: For those who love a bit of heat, consider adding a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture or sprinkling in some red pepper flakes. For more ideas on infusing your meals with vibrant, authentic flavors, check out Food Network's Tex-Mex collection.
- Consider Your Sides: While this casserole is a meal in itself, a simple green salad or some fresh fruit can complement it perfectly. For a lighter, quicker meal idea, our Easy Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad: Your 15-Minute Recipe Guide! is always a hit.
Recipe Card
FAQs
What kind of chips are best for Walking Taco Casserole?
Fritos corn chips are the classic choice for a Walking Taco and provide the perfect salty crunch. However, you can also experiment with other sturdy corn chips or even Doritos for a different flavor profile.
Can I prepare Walking Taco Casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can cook the seasoned ground beef and bean mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Assemble the casserole with the chips and cheese just before baking to ensure the chips remain crispy.
What are some recommended toppings for this casserole?
The beauty of Walking Taco Casserole is customization! Popular toppings include shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, salsa, sliced black olives, pickled jalapeu00f1os, and fresh cilantro. Set out a topping bar for a fun family dinner.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For reheating, individual portions can be microwaved, or the whole casserole can be warmed in an oven at 350u00b0F (175u00b0C) until heated through. Adding a fresh sprinkle of chips and cheese before reheating in the oven is highly recommended.
Easy Walking Taco Casserole
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
- Diet: Omnivore
Description
This comforting casserole brings all the beloved flavors of a walking taco into one easy-to-make, family-friendly dish, featuring seasoned ground beef, crunchy Fritos, and melted cheese.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 (1 oz) packet taco seasoning
1/2 cup water
1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1 (10 oz) bag Fritos corn chips, divided
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Optional toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, salsa, jalapeños
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Step 2: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain off any excess fat.
Step 3: Stir in the taco seasoning and water. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the liquid has mostly absorbed.
Step 4: Add the rinsed black beans, drained corn, and softened cream cheese to the skillet. Stir until the cream cheese is fully melted and incorporated, creating a creamy meat mixture.
Step 5: Spread half of the Fritos corn chips evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Step 6: Spoon the seasoned beef and bean mixture over the layer of chips, spreading it evenly.
Step 7: Sprinkle 1.5 cups of shredded cheddar cheese over the beef mixture.
Step 8: Bake for 15 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted.
Step 9: Remove the casserole from the oven. Sprinkle the remaining Fritos and 0.5 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top. Return to the oven for another 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and the chips are slightly warmed.
Step 10: Let the casserole stand for a few minutes before serving. Serve hot with your favorite toppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, and salsa.
Notes
For a spicier kick, add a diced jalapeño to the beef mixture with the beans and corn. You can also swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
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