Walking Taco Casserole

There’s something undeniably comforting about a dish that combines the flavors of a classic taco with the warm, hearty appeal of a casserole. That’s where my love for Walking Taco Casserole comes into play. I can still remember the first time I made it for a gathering with friends. Everyone was raving about it, and it quickly became a staple in my recipe rotation. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together, making it perfect for potlucks, game nights, or even just a cozy family dinner. The flavors meld beautifully, and the presentation is as fun as it is delicious.

The best part? It’s incredibly easy to whip up! You can tailor it to suit your taste—add your favorite toppings or even switch up the ingredients based on what you have on hand. That adaptability keeps me coming back to this dish time and time again. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a meal that’s practically a party on a plate? The crunchy texture of the chips, the creamy layers of cheese, and the spiced beef blend create a delightful harmony that will have you reaching for seconds.

So whether you’re gathering with friends or just treating yourself to a cozy night in, Walking Taco Casserole is sure to impress. Trust me, after you try this, you’ll understand why it’s become such a beloved dish in my home. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe that’s perfect for any occasion!

Key Ingredients for Walking Taco Casserole

The ingredients for Walking Taco Casserole create a delightful blend of flavors and textures that truly showcase the essence of a taco while providing the comfort of a casserole. Each component plays a vital role in building the overall taste and enjoyment of the dish. Here’s a closer look at these key players:

• 1 pound ground beef: This forms the hearty base of the casserole, providing a savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the spices.
• 1 small onion, chopped finely: Adds a sweet, aromatic depth to the beef.
• 1 package taco seasoning: This blend of spices infuses the meat with classic taco flavors.
• ½ cup water: Helps to create a moist filling that melds the flavors together.
• 15 ounces pinto beans, drained: Provides a creamy texture and adds protein to the dish.
• 10 ounces Rotel original diced tomatoes and green chilis: Adds a zesty kick and a burst of color.
• ½ cup sour cream: Gives a creamy richness that balances the spices.
• 9.25 ounces corn chips, divided: Offers a crunchy texture and serves as a base layer.
• 2 cups Mexican-style shredded cheese, divided: Melts beautifully, creating a gooey, cheesy top.
• Green onions, sliced: For garnishing and adding a fresh crunch.
• Guacamole, salsa, jalapenos: These toppings add extra flavor and personalization to every serving.

Directions for Walking Taco Casserole

Prepare yourself for a delicious journey with Walking Taco Casserole! This dish is not only easy to make, but it also allows for personal touches in every layer. Let’s get started on crafting this crowd-pleaser.

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Make sure your oven is fully preheated before you put in the casserole—this is crucial for an evenly baked dish.

2. While the oven is heating, grab a 13 x 9 inch baking dish and spray it with nonstick cooking spray. This will ensure your flavors don’t stick and helps with easy cleanup.

3. In a large skillet over medium high heat, add the finely chopped onions and ground beef. As you cook, stir occasionally until the onions are soft and the beef is no longer pink. Make sure to break the meat apart for better cooking. We want to drain off any extra grease afterward.

4. Next, stir in the taco seasoning and water, bringing the mixture to a boil. The spices will start to release their beautiful aromas as they mix with the beef.

5. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium low. Stir in the pinto beans, Rotel, and sour cream. Allow this to cook for about 8 to 10 minutes or until heated and slightly thickened. Keep an eye on the texture; it should be creamy but not runny.

6. Now, it’s time to assemble! Start with a single layer of corn chips—about half of the bag—at the bottom of the prepared baking dish. This will add a delightful crunch.

7. Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded cheese on top of the corn chips. Feel free to add more if you’re feeling cheesy!

8. Layer the seasoned beef mixture over the cheese. Spread it out evenly so every bite has a taste of that flavorful filling.

9. Top the casserole with the remaining shredded cheese, creating a gooey blanket over the entire dish.

10. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes. This helps to melt the cheese and warm the flavors.

11. After 15 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5 minutes. This allows the cheese to become bubbly and golden. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges look deliciously bubbly!

12. Once done, take the casserole out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Top with the remaining corn chips and your favorite toppings like green onions, guacamole, salsa, and jalapenos. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Walking Taco Casserole!

Tips and Variations

There are countless ways to customize your Walking Taco Casserole to fit your taste and needs. Here are some tips to make it your own!

• Storage: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This casserole can be stored in the casserole dish covered with aluminum foil, or I recommend scooping it into individual portions in airtight containers.
• Freezing: In a freezer-safe casserole dish with an airtight lid, you can freeze this casserole. Just be sure not to add any of the toppings before freezing; save them for when it is thawed and reheated before you serve.
• Serving suggestions: Pair with a side salad or some grilled vegetables for a balanced meal. You can also serve it with additional toppings like jalapenos for those who like a kick!
• Vegetarian option: Replace the ground beef with a mix of black beans, lentils, or textured vegetable protein to create a hearty vegetarian version of this dish.
• Spice it up: If you love heat, consider adding diced peppers or a hotter taco seasoning to amp up the flavor. You can also serve with spicy salsa!
• Experiment with cheeses: Try different types of cheese, like pepper jack or a blend of Mexican cheeses, for a unique flavor twist.

Serve This Walking Taco Casserole With

This dish is incredibly versatile and can be served in numerous ways! Here’s how you can enhance your meal:

• Fresh salads: Serve with a crisp garden salad or a zesty coleslaw to bring a refreshing contrast to the warm casserole.
• Additional toppings: Offer a variety of toppings such as guacamole, sour cream, and salsa to let everyone customize their servings.
• Chips and dips: Pair with a side of tortilla chips and your favorite salsas for a fun appetizer spread.
• Beverage pairings: This casserole pairs well with a light beer or sparkling water to complement its hearty flavors.
• Occasions: Great for casual gatherings, game days, or family dinners, making it a go-to dish for celebrating.
• Storage tips: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave or oven!

FAQ

Conclusion

The charm of Walking Taco Casserole lies in its ability to bring together the beloved flavors of tacos into a cozy dish perfect for gatherings or family dinners. It’s delicious, easy to make, and offers endless opportunities for customization. I hope you give this recipe a try—you won’t regret it! It’s sure to become a favorite in your home, just like it has in mine. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Walking Taco Casserole

The ultimate comfort food, Walking Taco Casserole combines savory ground beef, zesty toppings, and crunchy chips for an unforgettable meal. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in, this easy weeknight dinner will have everyone asking for seconds!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small onion, chopped finely
• 1 package taco seasoning
• ½ cup water
• 15 ounces pinto beans, drained
• 10 ounces Rotel original diced tomatoes and green chilis
• ½ cup sour cream
• 9.25 ounces corn chips, divided
• 2 cups Mexican-style shredded cheese, divided
• 1 bunch green onions, sliced
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup guacamole
• 1 cup salsa
• 1 cup jalapenos

Equipment

• Skillet
• Baking Dish

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Make sure your oven is fully preheated before you put in the casserole—this is crucial for an evenly baked dish.
2. While the oven is heating, grab a 13 x 9 inch baking dish and spray it with nonstick cooking spray. This will ensure your flavors don’t stick and helps with easy cleanup.
3. In a large skillet over medium high heat, add the finely chopped onions and ground beef. As you cook, stir occasionally until the onions are soft and the beef is no longer pink. Make sure to break the meat apart for better cooking. We want to drain off any extra grease afterward.
4. Next, stir in the taco seasoning and water, bringing the mixture to a boil. The spices will start to release their beautiful aromas as they mix with the beef.
5. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium low. Stir in the pinto beans, Rotel, and sour cream. Allow this to cook for about 8 to 10 minutes or until heated and slightly thickened. Keep an eye on the texture; it should be creamy but not runny.
6. Now, it’s time to assemble! Start with a single layer of corn chips—about half of the bag—at the bottom of the prepared baking dish. This will add a delightful crunch.
7. Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded cheese on top of the corn chips. Feel free to add more if you’re feeling cheesy!
8. Layer the seasoned beef mixture over the cheese. Spread it out evenly so every bite has a taste of that flavorful filling.
9. Top the casserole with the remaining shredded cheese, creating a gooey blanket over the entire dish.
10. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes. This helps to melt the cheese and warm the flavors.
11. After 15 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5 minutes. This allows the cheese to become bubbly and golden. You'll know it’s ready when the edges look deliciously bubbly!
12. Once done, take the casserole out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Top with the remaining corn chips and your favorite toppings like green onions, guacamole, salsa, and jalapenos. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Walking Taco Casserole!

Notes

• Storage: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This casserole can be stored in the casserole dish covered with aluminum foil, or I recommend scooping it into individual portions in airtight containers.
• Freezing: In a freezer-safe casserole dish with an airtight lid, you can freeze this casserole. Just be sure not to add any of the toppings before freezing; save them for when it is thawed and reheated before you serve.
• Serving suggestions: Pair with a side salad or some grilled vegetables for a balanced meal. You can also serve it with additional toppings like jalapenos for those who like a kick!
• Vegetarian option: Replace the ground beef with a mix of black beans, lentils, or textured vegetable protein to create a hearty vegetarian version of this dish.
• Spice it up: If you love heat, consider adding diced peppers or a hotter taco seasoning to amp up the flavor. You can also serve with spicy salsa!
• Experiment with cheeses: Try different types of cheese, like pepper jack or a blend of Mexican cheeses, for a unique flavor twist.

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Meet Nora Wells

The Hearth Keeper For me, cooking is about hospitality. I want every recipe we create to make people feel welcome and safe. I love the old ways of cooking cast iron skillets, wooden spoons, and recipes passed down through generations. I work with the team to add that touch of nostalgia to our dishes. Whether we are making a modern pasta or a vintage cake, I’m there to ensure it tastes like home.