Walking Taco Casserole is a fun and delicious twist on the classic walking taco, perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or game day gatherings. This dish brings together all the elements of a walking taco – seasoned beef, crunchy Fritos, and a variety of toppings – in a convenient, baked casserole format. I remember the first time I tried walking tacos at a local fair; the combination of flavors and textures was a revelation. Bringing those flavors home and transforming them into a casserole has been a hit with family and friends ever since. This recipe is not only tasty but also incredibly easy to prepare, making it a favorite in my household.
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
1 pound lean ground beef
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
1 jalapeno pepper, optional for garnish
Optional Toppings for Serving:
Shredded lettuce
Chopped tomatoes
Sour cream
Sliced jalapenos
Sliced green onions
Sliced black olives
Instructions
Preparing the Casserole
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the oven is at the right temperature when the casserole is ready to be baked.
Prepare the Casserole Dish:
Spray a 2-quart casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray. This prevents the casserole from sticking to the dish, making it easier to serve and clean up afterwards.
Cook the Ground Beef:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook and crumble 1 pound of lean ground beef until it is no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. If necessary, drain any excess fat to prevent the dish from becoming greasy.
Add Seasoning and Ingredients:
Add 1 envelope of taco seasoning mix to the cooked beef and stir to combine. Taco seasoning adds the classic Mexican flavor that makes this dish irresistible.
Stir in 2 ounces of cubed cream cheese, 1 (10-ounce) can of Rotel style tomatoes, and 1 (15-ounce) can of drained Ranch style beans. Continue to stir until the cream cheese is melted and all ingredients are well combined. The cream cheese adds a creamy texture, while the Rotel tomatoes and beans enhance the flavor and heartiness of the casserole.
Layer the Casserole:
Spread the ground beef mixture evenly into the prepared 2-quart casserole dish. This forms the flavorful base layer of the casserole.
Top the beef mixture with 3 cups of Frito corn chips, spreading them evenly to cover the entire surface. The Fritos provide a delightful crunch and are essential to the walking taco experience.
Sprinkle 2 cups of Mexican blend cheese over the Fritos. The cheese will melt and create a gooey, delicious top layer.
Baking and Serving
Bake the Casserole:
Place the assembled casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Baking melds all the flavors together and ensures the casserole is hot and ready to enjoy.
Garnish and Serve:
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven. If desired, garnish with sliced jalapeno pepper for an extra kick of heat.
Serve the casserole hot, with optional toppings such as shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, sour cream, sliced jalapenos, sliced green onions, and sliced black olives. These toppings add freshness and additional flavor, allowing each person to customize their serving to their liking.
Notes and Tips
Homemade Taco Seasoning: Making your own taco seasoning allows you to control the sodium and heat levels. Simply combine chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper to taste.
Bean Substitutes: If you don’t have Ranch style beans, you can substitute with pinto beans, kidney beans, or black beans. Each type of bean offers a slightly different flavor and texture, so feel free to use your favorite.
Make-Ahead Option: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to bake. If baking directly from the refrigerator, add an additional 15 minutes to the cooking time to ensure it heats through completely.
Variations: For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with a plant-based ground meat alternative or additional beans and vegetables. You can also add layers of corn, bell peppers, or onions for extra flavor and nutrition.
Conclusion
Walking Taco Casserole is a versatile, easy-to-make dish that brings the fun and flavors of a walking taco into a baked casserole format. The combination of seasoned beef, creamy cheese, crunchy Fritos, and a variety of fresh toppings makes this a dish that appeals to both kids and adults alike.
The simplicity of the recipe means you can have a delicious meal ready in no time, perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining guests. Its adaptability allows for numerous variations and substitutions, ensuring it can cater to different tastes and dietary preferences.
Whether you’re looking for a new family favorite, a dish to bring to a potluck, or a fun meal for game day, Walking Taco Casserole is sure to impress. Enjoy the delightful mix of flavors and textures, and savor the convenience of this crowd-pleasing dish.
