This Walking Taco Casserole takes all the flavors of a classic walking taco and transforms them into a warm, cheesy, baked dish. With crunchy Fritos, savory seasoned beef, and gooey melted cheese, this casserole is an instant hit for family dinners and gatherings. It’s quick, easy, and completely customizable with your favorite taco toppings! Whether you’re making it for a weeknight meal or serving it at a potluck, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. You can swap the beef for turkey, add extra beans for more protein, or spice it up with jalapeños. However you make it, this taco casserole is a delicious way to bring bold flavors to the table in under 40 minutes!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef (80-90% lean)
- 1 cup yellow onion, chopped
- 1 packet chili seasoning mix
- ½ cup beef broth or water
- 1 can kidney beans, drained
- ½ bag Fritos corn chips
- 3 cups shredded cheese (Mexican blend or cheddar)
- Optional Toppings: shredded lettuce, jalapeños, chopped tomatoes, sour cream, green onions, cilantro, guacamole
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and onions until the beef is browned and the onions are tender. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Turn off the heat and mix in the chili seasoning, beef broth, drained kidney beans, and 1 cup of shredded cheese.
- Spread the beef mixture evenly into a 9×9 or 9×11 casserole dish.
- Sprinkle Fritos corn chips over the top, followed by the remaining 2 cups of shredded cheese.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and top with your favorite toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, jalapeños, sour cream, green onions, cilantro, or guacamole.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 625 kcal per serving | Servings: 6
What Is a Walking Taco?
The walking taco is a beloved dish often served at fairs, sporting events, and outdoor gatherings. It typically consists of a small bag of chips (usually Fritos or Doritos) filled with seasoned taco meat, cheese, and toppings like sour cream, lettuce, and tomatoes. The idea is simple: grab a fork, mix everything together, and enjoy a delicious taco without needing a plate.
The concept of the walking taco originated in the Midwest and quickly became popular across the United States. Sometimes referred to as Frito Pie in the South, this dish is known for its bold flavors and easy preparation. It’s a favorite among both kids and adults because of its convenience and fun presentation.
The Walking Taco Casserole takes this handheld meal and turns it into a baked, shareable dish that’s just as delicious but even easier to prepare for a family meal or gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Walking Taco Casserole
There are plenty of reasons why this dish is a favorite among home cooks:
1. Quick and Easy Preparation
One of the best things about this recipe is that it can be made in just 35 minutes. With minimal prep work and only a handful of ingredients, you can have a hearty and satisfying meal ready to serve in no time.
2. Perfect for Families and Picky Eaters
This casserole is a hit with kids and adults alike. The combination of taco flavors, melted cheese, and crunchy chips makes it an instant crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s easy to customize based on individual preferences, so even picky eaters will love it.
3. Great for Meal Prep and Leftovers
If you love making meals ahead of time, this casserole is a great option. You can cook the meat mixture in advance and assemble the casserole when you’re ready to bake. Leftovers also store well, making it a perfect option for meal prepping or enjoying the next day.
4. Versatile and Customizable
One of the best parts of this recipe is how easily you can customize it. Whether you want to make it spicier, add more veggies, or use a different type of meat, the possibilities are endless. We’ll go over some great variations in the next section.
How to Customize Your Walking Taco Casserole
While the classic version of this casserole is already delicious, you can easily switch up the ingredients to make it fit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
1. Choose Your Protein
- Ground Beef: The traditional option, providing rich and savory flavor.
- Ground Turkey or Chicken: A leaner alternative that still tastes great with taco seasoning.
- Black Beans or Pinto Beans: Perfect for a vegetarian version of the dish.
- Shredded Chicken: If you have leftover rotisserie chicken, this is a great way to use it.
2. Adjust the Spice Level
If you love spicy food, there are plenty of ways to turn up the heat:
- Add diced jalapeños to the meat mixture.
- Stir in hot sauce or use a spicy taco seasoning mix.
- Top the casserole with crushed Flamin’ Hot Cheetos or Spicy Doritos for extra kick.
For a milder version, use less seasoning and stick with classic Fritos or tortilla chips.
3. Add More Vegetables
This casserole is easy to pack with extra nutrients by adding more vegetables to the mix:
- Diced bell peppers or onions can be sautéed with the ground beef.
- A can of corn or black beans adds texture and flavor.
- Chopped tomatoes, lettuce, or avocado make great fresh toppings after baking.
4. Try Different Chips and Cheeses
- Instead of Fritos, try using Doritos, tortilla chips, or even pita chips for a different crunch.
- Swap out the cheese for Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a queso-style cheese for extra creaminess.
What to Serve with Walking Taco Casserole
This dish is hearty on its own, but if you want to make it a complete meal, consider serving it with:
1. A Fresh Side Salad
A simple green salad with a light dressing can help balance out the richness of the casserole. A Mexican-inspired salad with lime vinaigrette and avocado pairs particularly well.
2. Mexican Rice
A side of fluffy Mexican rice with tomatoes and spices complements the bold taco flavors perfectly.
3. Guacamole & Chips
A scoop of fresh guacamole adds creaminess and extra flavor to each bite. Serve it with tortilla chips or as a topping for the casserole.
4. Cornbread or Jalapeño Muffins
For a fun twist, try serving this casserole with cornbread or spicy jalapeño muffins for a Southern-style pairing.
Storage and Reheating Tips
This casserole is easy to store and reheat, making it great for meal prep and leftovers.
How to Store Leftovers:
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: If you want to keep it longer, freeze the meat mixture separately, then add fresh chips and cheese when reheating.
How to Reheat:
- Oven: Reheat at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between to distribute heat evenly.
Conclusion:
Walking Taco Casserole is a fun, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that brings the best parts of a walking taco into a warm, cheesy, shareable meal. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a party dish, or something to meal prep for the week, this casserole is a fantastic choice.
The best part? It’s totally customizable you can make it spicier, pack it with veggies, or switch up the chips and cheese to create your perfect version. Once you try it, this casserole will likely become a regular in your meal rotation.