Walking Taco Casserole

Walking Taco Casserole is a creative take on the popular “walking taco,” a dish often served at fairs or gatherings where taco ingredients are layered in a bag of chips. This casserole version is just as fun but much easier to serve to a crowd. With layers of seasoned ground beef, enchilada sauce, and Fritos corn chips, all topped with melted cheese, it’s a meal that packs a flavorful punch. Add fresh toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, salsa, and sour cream, and you’ve got a dish that’s both casual and satisfying.

Jump to Recipe

Let’s walk through the steps to create this crowd-pleasing casserole, along with a few tips to ensure it’s perfect every time.

Ingredients Breakdown

For the Base:

• 1 1/2 pounds Ground Beef: Ground beef forms the hearty base of the casserole, giving it the savory flavor and satisfying texture you expect from a taco dish.
• 1/3 large Onion, chopped: Onions add depth to the flavor of the ground beef, offering a mild sweetness when sautéed with the meat. Feel free to adjust the amount of onion depending on your taste.
• 1 can Green Chilies (small can): These mild green chilies add a subtle hint of spice without overpowering the dish, contributing to the Mexican-inspired flavors.
• 1 can Enchilada Sauce: Enchilada sauce brings a rich, tangy flavor that elevates the ground beef mixture and ties the casserole together. You can use mild or spicy enchilada sauce based on your heat preference.
• 2 ounces Cream Cheese: Cream cheese adds creaminess to the beef mixture, making the filling rich and velvety. This is a great way to balance the flavors and give the casserole a comforting texture.

For the Layers:

• 1 bag Fritos Corn Chips: Fritos bring a crunchy texture to the casserole. As they bake, they absorb some of the flavors from the beef mixture while maintaining a crispy texture. This layer mimics the chips in a walking taco and adds a fun twist to the dish.
• 1 bag Shredded Cheese: Cheese is essential for any taco dish, and here it melts beautifully over the top of the casserole. Use a blend of cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican cheese for the best results.

For the Toppings:

• 3/4 cup Shredded Lettuce: Fresh shredded lettuce adds a crisp, cool element that contrasts the warm casserole, bringing balance to each bite.
• 1/2 cup Fresh Diced Tomatoes: Tomatoes add freshness and a juicy burst of flavor. Diced tomatoes are a classic taco topping that enhances the dish’s overall presentation and taste.
• 16 ounces Salsa: Salsa adds a tangy, slightly spicy component to the dish. You can use your favorite store-bought salsa or homemade if you prefer.
• 8 ounces Sour Cream: Sour cream adds creaminess and a cooling effect, especially helpful if you’re using a spicy enchilada sauce or salsa.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef and Onion

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C).

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the 1 1/2 pounds of ground beef with 1/3 large chopped onion until the beef is browned and fully cooked. As the beef cooks, break it up with a spatula to create small, crumbled pieces. The onions will soften and become translucent as they cook with the beef, infusing the mixture with flavor.

Once the beef is fully browned, drain any excess fat from the pan to prevent the casserole from becoming greasy.

Step 2: Add the Chilies, Enchilada Sauce, and Cream Cheese

Next, stir in the small can of green chilies and the can of enchilada sauce. The green chilies add a subtle spice, while the enchilada sauce creates a rich, tangy base for the beef mixture. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Once the sauce has thickened slightly, add the 2 ounces of cream cheese to the skillet. Stir the mixture until the cream cheese is fully melted and incorporated into the sauce, creating a creamy and smooth texture. This step adds richness to the dish, ensuring that the beef mixture is flavorful and satisfying.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole Layers

Now that the beef mixture is ready, it’s time to assemble the casserole. In a 9×13-inch baking dish, begin layering the ingredients:

1. First Layer – Fritos Corn Chips: Spread a generous layer of Fritos corn chips across the bottom of the baking dish. This forms the crunchy base of the casserole and mimics the chips used in traditional walking tacos.
2. Second Layer – Meat Mixture: Pour the beef mixture over the Fritos, spreading it out evenly to ensure every bite is packed with flavor.
3. Third Layer – Shredded Cheese: Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheese over the beef mixture. The cheese will melt and create a bubbly, golden top when baked, adding that irresistible cheesy goodness.

Step 4: Bake the Casserole

Place the assembled casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on the casserole during the last few minutes to ensure the cheese doesn’t overcook or burn. The goal is for the cheese to be perfectly melted and golden, with the Fritos underneath still holding some of their crunch.

Step 5: Add the Fresh Toppings

Once the casserole is done baking, it’s time to add the fresh toppings.

Before serving, set out bowls of shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, salsa, and sour cream so that everyone can customize their servings. The fresh toppings provide a refreshing contrast to the rich, savory casserole, making each bite feel well-balanced.

Tips for the Perfect Walking Taco Casserole

1. Customize the Heat Level: Depending on your preference, you can adjust the spiciness of this casserole. Use a hot enchilada sauce or add some chopped jalapeños to the meat mixture if you like a bit more heat. For a milder version, stick with mild enchilada sauce and green chilies.
2. Use Other Chips for Variety: While Fritos are traditional for walking tacos, you can switch things up by using other crunchy chips like Doritos or tortilla chips. Each type of chip adds a different flavor and texture to the casserole.
3. Make It Healthier: For a lighter version, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. You could also try using baked chips and low-fat cheese to cut down on calories while still keeping the dish flavorful and satisfying.
4. Make Ahead: If you’re prepping this casserole for a party or busy weeknight dinner, you can assemble the casserole in advance. Simply cover the unbaked casserole with foil and refrigerate it for up to a day before baking. When you’re ready to serve, just pop it in the oven and bake as directed.
5. Serve with Guacamole: For an extra treat, serve this casserole with a side of guacamole. The creamy avocado pairs perfectly with the crunchy Fritos and rich beef mixture, adding another layer of flavor to the dish.
6. Add Refried Beans or Rice: For a heartier meal, you can add a layer of refried beans or cooked rice to the casserole before baking. This adds another dimension of flavor and makes the dish even more filling.

Customizing the Walking Taco Experience

This casserole is all about customization. Like the traditional walking taco, everyone can build their plate the way they like. Some additional toppings and options to consider include:

• Chopped onions or green onions for a fresh, sharp bite.
• Guacamole or sliced avocados for added creaminess.
• Pickled jalapeños or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
• Black olives for a briny, salty contrast.

Conclusion

Walking Taco Casserole is the perfect dish for family dinners, parties, or game day gatherings. It’s quick to prepare, full of flavor, and easy to customize, making it a crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone coming back for more. With its layers of seasoned beef, crunchy Fritos, and melted cheese, topped with fresh ingredients like lettuce and tomatoes, this casserole is a fun, handheld taco experience in a single dish.

Whether you’re feeding a large group or just craving a comforting and flavorful meal, Walking Taco Casserole delivers big on taste while keeping the preparation simple. So grab a spoon, top your casserole with your favorite taco fixings, and enjoy the perfect fusion of crunchy, cheesy, and savory goodness.