Description
The Walking Taco Casserole is a fun, hearty dish that transforms the beloved walking taco into a comforting baked casserole. Made with seasoned ground beef, Rotel tomatoes, beans, Frito corn chips, and melted cheese, this recipe is perfect for family dinners or potlucks. It’s easily customizable, allowing you to add or change toppings to suit everyone’s preferences, and offers a satisfying balance of crunchy, cheesy, and creamy textures in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Casserole:
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 envelope taco seasoning mix
- 2 ounces cream cheese, cubed
- 1 (10-ounce) can Rotel style tomatoes (with green chilies)
- 1 (15-ounce) can Ranch style beans, drained
- 3 cups Frito corn chips
- 2 cups Mexican blend cheese, shredded
- 1 jalapeno pepper (optional for garnish)
Optional Toppings for Serving:
- Shredded lettuce
- Chopped tomatoes
- Sour cream
- Sliced jalapenos
- Sliced green onions
- Sliced black olives
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure the casserole bakes evenly. - Prepare the Casserole Dish:
Grease a 2-quart casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make for easier serving and cleanup. - Cook the Ground Beef:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook and crumble the lean ground beef for 6-8 minutes until browned. Drain any excess fat if necessary. - Add Seasoning and Ingredients:
Stir in the taco seasoning mix, following package instructions for adding water (typically ¼ cup). Once combined, add the cream cheese cubes and stir until melted and creamy. Then, mix in the Rotel tomatoes and drained Ranch style beans until fully combined. - Layer the Casserole:
Spread the beef mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish. Top with Frito corn chips, spreading them evenly over the surface. Sprinkle the shredded Mexican blend cheese over the chips. - Bake the Casserole:
Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. - Garnish and Serve:
Remove the casserole from the oven and garnish with sliced jalapenos, if desired. Serve hot, offering optional toppings like shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, sour cream, and more for guests to customize their servings.
Notes
- Make it Your Own:
This recipe is highly adaptable. You can use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version, or make it vegetarian by replacing the beef with plant-based ground meat or additional beans. - Keep It Crunchy:
To maintain the crunch of the chips, add them just before baking and avoid over-layering with wet ingredients. You can also serve extra chips on the side for added crunch. - Meal Prep Tip:
Prepare the beef mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to serve, simply layer the chips and cheese, then bake for an easy weeknight meal.