Description
This Walking Taco Casserole is a hearty and flavorful dish that captures the fun of a walking taco but in an easy-to-make casserole form. Ground beef is cooked with taco seasoning, black beans, diced tomatoes with green chiles, and sour cream to create a creamy, spicy filling layered with crispy Fritos corn chips and melted Mexican-style cheese. Topped with fresh green onions, sour cream, guacamole, salsa, and jalapenos, this casserole is perfect for a casual family dinner or game day meal.
Ingredients
Meat and Veggies
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped finely
Seasonings and Sauces
- 1 package taco seasoning
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup sour cream
Beans and Tomatoes
- 1 can black beans (15 ounces), drained and rinsed
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chiles (10 ounces)
Other Ingredients
- 1 bag Fritos corn chips (9.25 ounces)
- 2 cups Mexican-style shredded cheese
- Green onions, sliced (for topping)
- Sour cream (for topping)
- Guacamole (for topping)
- Salsa (for topping)
- Jalapenos (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly spray a 13x9 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook Beef and Onions: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until it is nearly cooked through. Add the finely chopped onions and continue cooking until the onions are soft and the beef is no longer pink.
- Add Seasoning and Water: Stir in the taco seasoning packet and ½ cup of water. Raise the heat and bring the mixture to a boil to activate the seasoning flavors.
- Combine Beans and Tomatoes: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the drained black beans, diced tomatoes with green chiles, and sour cream. Simmer gently for 8 to 10 minutes, allowing the mixture to heat through and slightly thicken.
- Layer the Casserole: Spread a single layer of Fritos corn chips evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded Mexican cheese over the chips, then add the ground beef mixture as the next layer. Top with the remaining shredded cheese.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, allowing the casserole to heat through and the cheese to begin melting.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and the casserole is bubbly around the edges.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and top with more Fritos corn chips and your favorite toppings such as sliced green onions, sour cream, guacamole, salsa, and jalapenos. Serve immediately while hot and cheesy.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with plant-based ground meat or cooked lentils.
- Adjust the level of heat by adding more or fewer jalapenos or using a mild salsa.
- Leftovers are delicious reheated in the oven or microwave, though the chips may lose some crunch.
- You can prepare the casserole assembly ahead of time and refrigerate before baking, allowing flavors to meld.
- Serve with a fresh side salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
