Walking Taco Casserole brings all the fun of those beloved walking tacos (you know, the ones served in individual chip bags) into a family-style dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners. This crowd-pleasing casserole layers crispy tortilla chips, seasoned ground beef, and all your favorite taco fixings into one delicious, scoopable meal that captures the essence of taco night with the convenience of a casserole.
I created this recipe after reminiscing about carnival food and school fundraisers where walking tacos were always the hit item. Now you can enjoy that same nostalgic flavor in a form that feeds the whole family without the individual bags!
Why You’ll Love This
- One-dish meal that combines everyone’s favorite taco flavors in a scoop-and-serve format
- Kid-friendly recipe that allows for customization with toppings at the table
- Perfect for busy weeknights – prep in just 15 minutes, then bake
- Great for using up leftover taco ingredients or chips that might be getting stale
- Makes fantastic leftovers that reheat beautifully for lunch the next day
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef
- 1 cup onion, chopped
- 3 oz cream cheese
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 can green chilis
- 2-3 cups Fritos corn chips
- 1 cup shredded taco blend cheese
- 1 Roma tomato, chopped
- 1-2 cups shredded lettuce
- Salsa and sour cream for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Cook ground beef and onion in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until beef is browned and onions are softened.
- Add taco seasoning, green chilis, and cream cheese, and sauté until cream cheese is melted and combined.
- Top with corn chips and shredded cheese.
- Bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove from oven, top with shredded lettuce and tomato, and garnish with salsa and sour cream.
Tips & Variations
- Use ground turkey or chicken as a lighter alternative to ground beef
- Add a layer of refried beans on the bottom for extra heartiness
- Make it spicier with jalapeños, hot sauce, or using “hot” taco seasoning
- For a vegetarian version, replace the meat with an extra can of beans or plant-based ground
- Prep the meat mixture ahead of time and assemble just before baking for a quick dinner
- Customize with additional toppings like sliced olives, avocado, or pickled jalapeños
Serving Suggestions
Serve Walking Taco Casserole with small bowls of additional toppings like guacamole, pico de gallo, and extra sour cream so everyone can customize their portion. A simple side salad with a lime vinaigrette makes a refreshing accompaniment to balance the richness of the casserole.
For a complete fiesta, pair with Mexican street corn (elote) or a batch of Spanish rice. Don’t forget the margaritas for the adults or a pitcher of agua fresca for a family-friendly beverage!
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The chips will soften over time but still taste delicious.
- For best results, add the fresh toppings (lettuce, tomato, sour cream) just before serving, not before storing leftovers.
- This casserole is done when the cheese is completely melted and beginning to bubble around the edges.
FAQs
Can I make this Walking Taco Casserole ahead of time?
You can prepare the meat mixture up to 2 days ahead, but assemble with the chips just before baking to prevent them from becoming soggy.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat in a 325°F oven for about 15 minutes or until warmed through. Microwave works too, but the chips won’t be as crispy.
Can I freeze this casserole?
I don’t recommend freezing the complete casserole as the chips and fresh toppings don’t freeze well. However, you can freeze the meat mixture for up to 3 months.
Why is it called a “Walking Taco” Casserole?
The name comes from the popular fair food where taco ingredients are served in individual bags of chips that you can eat while walking. This casserole version brings those same flavors to your dinner table!
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