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Walking Taco Casserole Recipe

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4 from 85 reviews

This Walking Taco Casserole is a delicious, easy-to-make dish that combines the flavors of classic walking tacos into a comforting baked casserole. Ground beef, seasoned with chili spices and mixed with kidney beans, cheese, and crunchy Fritos corn chips, is baked until bubbly and topped with fresh, flavorful toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, jalapeños, and creamy sour cream.

  • Total Time: 35-40 minutes
  • Yield: 5 servings

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef (80-90% lean)
  • 1 cup chopped yellow onion
  • 1 packet chili seasoning mix (about 1 ounce)
  • ½ cup beef broth or water
  • 1 can kidney beans, drained (15 ounces)
  • ½ bag Fritos corn chips (about 3 to 4 cups)
  • 3 cups shredded cheese, Mexican blend or cheddar

Optional Toppings

  • Shredded lettuce
  • Jalapeños, sliced
  • Chopped tomatoes
  • Sour cream
  • Green onions, chopped
  • Cilantro, chopped
  • Guacamole

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking.
  2. Cook Beef and Onions: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped yellow onion together until the beef is fully browned and the onions are tender, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
  3. Mix in Seasonings and Beans: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the chili seasoning mix, beef broth (or water), drained kidney beans, and 1 cup of shredded cheese until well combined.
  4. Assemble Casserole: Spread the beef and bean mixture evenly into a 9×9 or 9×11 inch casserole dish. Sprinkle the top evenly with the Fritos corn chips and then the remaining 2 cups of shredded cheese.
  5. Bake: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
  6. Add Toppings and Serve: Remove from oven and add your favorite toppings such as shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, sour cream, green onions, cilantro, or guacamole. Serve warm.

Notes

  • You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
  • For a vegetarian version, replace ground beef with a plant-based meat substitute or extra beans.
  • Feel free to add additional spices like cumin or smoked paprika for extra flavor.
  • If you prefer a crispier topping, add the Fritos just before serving instead of baking.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated before serving.
  • Author: ELLA
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
  • Category: Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American