Walking Taco Casserole: A Tex-Mex Delight

If you’re a fan of walking tacos, you’re in for a treat with this Walking Taco Casserole recipe. This dish takes all the delicious components of a walking taco – seasoned ground beef, cheesy goodness, and crunchy toppings – and transforms them into a comforting and shareable casserole. It’s perfect for family gatherings, game day parties, or anytime you’re craving that classic Tex-Mex flavor. Let’s dive into making this flavorful casserole!

Ingredients:

For the Beef Layer:

1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 packet taco seasoning
1 cup salsa

For the Casserole Layer:

6 cups corn chips (like Fritos), crushed
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
2 cups shredded lettuce
1 cup diced tomatoes
1 cup diced red onions
1 cup sliced black olives
1 cup sour cream
1 cup guacamole
1 cup pickled jalapeños (optional, for spice)
Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Brown the Beef

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until it’s browned and crumbled. Drain any excess grease.

3. Add Aromatics and Seasoning

Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the cooked beef. Sauté for a few minutes until the onion is soft and translucent.
Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the beef mixture and stir to combine.
Pour in the salsa, and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

4. Assemble the Casserole

Spread half of the crushed corn chips evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Next, layer on half of the beef mixture.
Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the beef.
Repeat the layers with the remaining chips, beef, and cheese.

5. Bake

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

6. Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, top the casserole with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, diced red onions, sliced black olives, and pickled jalapeños if desired.
Dollop sour cream and guacamole over the casserole.
Finish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a burst of flavor and color.

7. Dig In

Serve your Walking Taco Casserole while it’s still hot and let everyone dig in. You can scoop out portions with a spatula and enjoy the fusion of textures and flavors.

Cook’s Tips:

Customize the toppings to your liking. This casserole is incredibly versatile, so feel free to add your favorite taco toppings like diced avocado, pico de gallo, or even a drizzle of hot sauce.
If you prefer a spicier casserole, you can add some diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the beef mixture.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Simply reheat in the oven or microwave.

Walking Taco Casserole Variation:

Vegetarian Option:

If you prefer a meatless version, you can substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or use a combination of black beans and corn for a hearty and delicious vegetarian walking taco casserole.

Enjoy your Walking Taco Casserole – a Tex-Mex twist on a classic comfort food! It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply enjoying a cozy family dinner, this dish brings all the flavors of a walking taco right to your table.

Walking Taco Casserole