Walking Taco Casserole takes the beloved flavors of tacos and transforms them into a hearty, layered dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying with family. This recipe combines crunchy Fritos corn chips, seasoned ground beef, creamy cream cheese, and a variety of fresh toppings, all baked together for a comforting and satisfying meal. Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering or looking for a quick weeknight dinner idea, this casserole is sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients
- 4 cups Fritos corn chips
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 2 cups shredded iceberg lettuce
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 (4 oz) can diced green chili peppers, drained
- 1 Roma tomato, diced
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
- Sour cream and/or salsa, to serve
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
Step 2: Prepare Cream Cheese Layer
- Spread Cream Cheese: Spread the softened cream cheese evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Step 3: Cook and Season Ground Beef
- Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and no longer pink, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks.
- Season with Taco Seasoning: Drain any excess fat from the beef and add the taco seasoning. Stir well to combine, following the instructions on the taco seasoning packet.
Step 4: Layer the Casserole
- Layer Fritos: Spread half of the Fritos corn chips evenly over the cream cheese layer in the baking dish.
- Add Beef Mixture: Spoon half of the cooked and seasoned ground beef evenly over the Fritos layer.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle half of the shredded lettuce, diced yellow onion, diced green chili peppers, and diced Roma tomato over the beef layer.
- Repeat Layers: Repeat the layers with the remaining Fritos corn chips, ground beef, and toppings.
Step 5: Add Cheese
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded Mexican blend cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
Step 6: Bake the Casserole
- Cover and Bake: Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 7: Serve
- Serve Hot: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish and Serve: Serve hot, garnished with additional shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, and salsa as desired.
Cook’s Tips
- Make-Ahead Option: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it, covered, for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it convenient for meal prep or entertaining.
- Variation: Substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef for a lighter option.
- Topping Options: Customize your Walking Taco Casserole with your favorite taco toppings such as guacamole, jalapeños, black olives, or chopped cilantro.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 450 per serving (based on a 6-serving yield)
- Protein: Approximately 25g per serving
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 30g per serving
- Fat: Approximately 25g per serving
Serving Suggestions
Walking Taco Casserole pairs well with a side of Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh green salad. It’s also great served alongside tortilla chips for extra crunch.
Experience the flavors of tacos in a comforting and convenient casserole with this Walking Taco Casserole recipe. Whether you’re planning a family dinner or hosting a casual get-together, this dish is sure to please everyone with its layers of crunchy Fritos, savory beef, creamy cheese, and fresh toppings. Enjoy the convenience and deliciousness of this easy-to-make casserole and make it a new favorite in your meal rotation!
