Easy Walking Taco Casserole: A Dinner Winner for Busy Nights (Print Version)
Whip up this Easy Walking Taco Casserole! It’s a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for weeknights, packed with all your favorite taco fixings. So simple!
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 25 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American (Tex-Mex inspired)
Dietary: Contains Dairy, Gluten
# Ingredients:
→ Base Ingredients
01 -
1 lb ground beef (80/20 recommended)
02 -
1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chiles, undrained
03 -
1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
04 -
1 (15 oz) can corn, drained (or 1.5 cups frozen corn)
→ Flavor Boosters
05 -
1 (1 oz) packet taco seasoning
→ Crunchy Essentials
06 -
1 (9.25 oz) bag Fritos corn chips
→ Toppings & Finishers
07 -
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
08 -
Sour cream, for serving
09 -
Salsa, for serving
# Instructions:
01 -
Alright, first things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a large skillet and get that ground beef browning over medium-high heat. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. You want it nice and crumbled, not big chunks. This is where you really build the base flavor for your casserole, so don't rush it. I always make sure to drain off any excess grease really well, otherwise, the casserole can get a bit oily, which I learned the hard way that one time, remember?
02 -
Once the beef is browned and drained, toss in your taco seasoning. Stir it all together, letting those spices really wake up for about a minute. Then, pour in the diced tomatoes with green chiles (undrained!), black beans, and corn. Give it a good stir. Let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes, just so all those amazing flavors can meld together. It’s going to smell incredible at this point, honestly, my kitchen always fills with this warm, inviting aroma.
03 -
Now for the fun part! Grab a 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread about half of your Fritos corn chips evenly across the bottom. Don't be shy; you want a good crunchy base for this Easy Walking Taco Casserole. This is where the magic starts to happen! I usually crush them a little bit more with my hands, just to ensure every bite has that satisfying crunch.
04 -
Carefully spoon your seasoned beef mixture over the Fritos layer in the baking dish. Spread it out as evenly as you can. You want every scoop of this dish to have a bit of everything. I sometimes get a little messy here, but hey, that's just real cooking, right? Don't worry if a few chips peek through, it just adds character.
05 -
Now, sprinkle about half of your shredded cheddar cheese over the beef mixture. Then, add the remaining Fritos on top, followed by the rest of the cheese. This double layer of Fritos and cheese is key! The cheese will melt down and create this gooey, delicious binder, and the top layer of chips will get wonderfully toasty. Oh, the anticipation at this point is real!
06 -
Pop that beautiful baking dish into your preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and melted and the edges are slightly golden. When it comes out, the whole casserole should be fragrant and irresistible. Let it cool for just a few minutes before scooping it out. Serve with sour cream and salsa, and honestly, get ready for happy faces around the table. It’s just so comforting.
# Notes:
01 -
Don't overmix the beef, it gets tough. I learned that the hard way, honestly.
02 -
Leftovers are even better! Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
03 -
Swap ground beef for turkey; I've done it, and it works, just needs a bit more seasoning.
04 -
Serve with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, it just makes the flavors pop.
# Equipment Needed:
01 -
Large skillet
02 -
9x13 inch baking dish
03 -
measuring cups and spoons
# Nutrition (Per Serving):
Calories: 450-550 kcal
Total Fat: 25-35g
Total Carbohydrate: 35-45g
Protein: 25-35g