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Walking Taco Casserole


  • Author: Munil

Description

Walking Taco Casserole combines the delicious flavors of a classic taco with the fun, crunchy texture of a walking taco, all in an easy-to-make baked dish. Perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or parties, this casserole layers seasoned ground beef, tortilla chips, melted cheese, and customizable toppings. It’s a crowd-pleasing, fun dish that everyone can make their own by adding their favorite taco toppings. With just 20 minutes of prep and another 20 minutes in the oven, this quick and satisfying recipe is a winner for any occasion.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 envelope taco seasoning mix
  • 2 ounces cream cheese cubed
  • 1 10-ounce can Rotel style tomatoes
  • 1 15-ounce can Ranch style beans, drained
  • 3 cups Frito corn chips
  • 2 cups Mexican blend cheese shredded
  • 1 jalapeno pepper sliced (optional for garnish)

Optional Toppings:

  • Shredded lettuce
  • Chopped tomatoes
  • Sour cream
  • Sliced jalapenos
  • Sliced green onions
  • Sliced black olives

Instructions

  • Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Prepare the Casserole Dish: Spray a 2-quart casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray.
  • Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook and crumble the ground beef until no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  • Add Seasoning and Ingredients: Stir in the taco seasoning mix, then add the cream cheese, Rotel tomatoes, and Ranch beans. Stir until the cream cheese is melted and everything is well combined.
  • Layer the Casserole: Spread the beef mixture evenly into the prepared dish. Top with Fritos, then sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top.
  • Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  • Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with sliced jalapeno if desired, and serve hot with optional toppings.

Notes

  • Customization: This casserole is highly adaptable. Use ground turkey, chicken, or black beans for a healthier or vegetarian version. The toppings can also be varied based on what you have on hand—sour cream, guacamole, salsa, or diced tomatoes all work great.
  • Prevent Soggy Chips: To keep the chips crunchy, layer them just before baking or add them after baking. You can also serve the casserole with chips on the side for an extra crunch.
  • Make-Ahead: Assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. This makes it an excellent choice for meal prepping or prepping for a party.
  • Storage: Leftovers keep well in the fridge for 3-4 days, or freeze portions for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm in the oven to restore the crunchy texture of the chips.
  • Spice Level: If you love heat, add extra jalapenos or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture. For a milder dish, reduce the taco seasoning or opt for a mild salsa topping.