why make this recipe
Walking Taco Casserole is a fun and easy dish that brings all the flavors of a taco in a hearty casserole. It’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings. The best part? You can customize it with your favorite toppings and make it as spicy or mild as you like. Plus, it combines flavorful ingredients that are often found in your pantry, making it a great last-minute meal option.
how to make Walking Taco Casserole
Ingredients :
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
- 2/3 cup water
- 1 can (15 oz) chili beans, undrained
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies), undrained
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups crushed Doritos or corn chips (Fritos)
- 1 cup sour cream (for topping, optional)
- 1 cup shredded lettuce (for garnish, optional)
- 1 diced tomato (for garnish, optional)
- Chopped green onions or cilantro (optional)
Directions :
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Add Flavor: Stir in the taco seasoning and 2/3 cup of water. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Mix in Beans and Rotel: Add the can of chili beans and Rotel. Stir to combine and let simmer for another 2–3 minutes.
- Layer the Casserole: In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread half of the crushed chips on the bottom. Pour the beef mixture over the chips. Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly on top.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Top and Serve: Remove from oven. Top with the remaining crushed chips and desired toppings: sour cream, lettuce, diced tomatoes, green onions, or cilantro.
how to serve Walking Taco Casserole
Serve the casserole hot, straight from the oven. You can offer extra toppings like sour cream, lettuce, and diced tomatoes on the side so everyone can customize their own plate. This dish pairs nicely with a side of salsa or guacamole for dipping as well.
how to store Walking Taco Casserole
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the oven or microwave until heated through. For best results, you may want to add a little extra cheese on top before reheating.
tips to make Walking Taco Casserole
- For extra flavor, add jalapeños or hot sauce to the meat mixture if you like it spicy.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, use black beans and skip the meat entirely.
variation
Try adding other ingredients like corn, black olives, or bell peppers to the meat mixture for different flavors and textures. You can also switch up the cheese with pepper jack or mozzarella for a twist.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meat mixture and layer it with chips and cheese a day in advance. Just cover and refrigerate it, then bake it when you’re ready to serve.
What can I use instead of Doritos?
You can use Fritos, tortilla chips, or even homemade tortilla chips if you prefer.
Is there a gluten-free version?
Yes! Make sure to use gluten-free taco seasoning and chips, and check the labels on the canned ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free.
Walking Taco Casserole
A fun and hearty casserole that combines all the flavors of tacos, perfect for family dinners and gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten-Free, Optionally Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
- 2/3 cup water
- 1 can (15 oz) chili beans, undrained
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies), undrained
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups crushed Doritos or corn chips (Fritos)
- 1 cup sour cream (for topping, optional)
- 1 cup shredded lettuce (for garnish, optional)
- 1 diced tomato (for garnish, optional)
- Chopped green onions or cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the ground beef and diced onion in a large skillet over medium heat until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Stir in the taco seasoning and water. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add the chili beans and Rotel. Stir to combine and let simmer for another 2–3 minutes.
- Spread half of the crushed chips in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Pour the beef mixture over the chips and sprinkle shredded cheese evenly on top.
- Bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from oven and top with remaining crushed chips and desired toppings: sour cream, lettuce, diced tomatoes, green onions, or cilantro.
Notes
For extra flavor, add jalapeños or hot sauce to the meat mixture. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. For a vegetarian version, use black beans instead of meat.
