Walking Taco Casserole
Looking for a crowd-pleasing dish that combines the flavors of a classic taco with the comfort of a casserole? Our Walking Taco Casserole is the perfect solution! This savory and satisfying recipe brings together seasoned ground beef, black beans, corn, and two types of cheese, all layered with crunchy Fritos corn chips. Topped with optional garnishes like lettuce, tomatoes, olives, and jalapeños, this dish is not only delicious but also customizable to suit your taste preferences.
Who Will Love This Recipe?
Our Walking Taco Casserole is ideal for busy weeknights when you need a quick and easy meal that will please the whole family. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or hosting a casual gathering with friends, this dish is sure to be a hit. Plus, it’s versatile enough to accommodate various dietary preferences, making it suitable for both meat lovers and vegetarians alike. With its hearty flavors and satisfying crunch, this casserole is comfort food at its finest.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
Before you get started, make sure you have the following kitchen equipment on hand:
- Large skillet
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Mixing spoon or spatula
- Oven for baking
Instructions and Cooking Tips
Preparing the Casserole:
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add Taco Seasoning: Stir in the taco seasoning, black beans, tomato sauce, and water. Simmer for 5 minutes, then add the corn.
- Assemble the Casserole: Layer half of the Fritos corn chips in the baking dish, followed by the beef mixture and shredded cheeses. Top with the remaining corn chips.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Tips:
- Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite taco toppings such as diced onions, bell peppers, or avocado.
- For a spicier kick, mix some diced jalapeños into the beef mixture before baking.
- Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef? A: Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great alternative to beef and can be used interchangeably in this recipe.
Q: Are there any vegetarian substitutes for the ground beef? A: Yes, you can use cooked lentils or crumbled tofu as a meat-free alternative.
Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time? A: Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Just be sure to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.
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Walking Taco Casserole
Equipment
- Large skillet
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Mixing spoon or spatula
- Oven for baking
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 can 15 ounces black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can 8 ounces tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 cup corn kernels canned, frozen, or fresh
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 bag 9.75 ounces Fritos corn chips or similar
- Optional toppings: chopped lettuce diced tomatoes, sliced olives, sliced jalapeños, sour cream, and salsa
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
- Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
- Add Taco Seasoning: Stir in the taco seasoning, black beans, tomato sauce, and water to the skillet with the beef. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes, or until slightly thickened. Stir in the corn and remove from heat.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spread half of the Fritos corn chips at the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Pour the beef mixture over the chips. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses evenly over the top. Finish by covering with the remaining corn chips.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve with Optional Toppings: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve with your choice of optional toppings like chopped lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced olives, sliced jalapeños, sour cream, and salsa on the side.
Notes
Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite taco toppings such as diced onions, bell peppers, or avocado.
For a spicier kick, mix some diced jalapeños into the beef mixture before baking.
Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.