A walking taco casserole is ideal for anyone on a budget, in a time crunch, or simply craving a Mexican-inspired dish. This recipe is a great go-to option when you’ve got 30 minutes to spare for dinner or need to make a meal ahead of time. Even better?
You probably already have all the needed ingredients in your kitchen and pantry. And, it’s a great meal when you’re looking to use up leftover ground beef.
What is a Walking Taco Casserole?
If you’ve never had a walking taco, sometimes called taco-in-a-bag, you’re missing out on a culinary masterpiece. A walking taco is taco meat and toppings added to a bag of crunchy corn chips or Doritos and eaten with a fork. The origin story for the walking taco has some disagreement.
Frito-Lay has laid claim to the original walking taco, going so far as to trademark it recently. Many claim that Frito founder Elmer Doolin attributes the original idea to his mother’s creative genius in the kitchen. Others claim Theresa Hernandez invented the same meal known as “Frito pie” in the 50s in Santa Fe.
While the origin of the walking taco is unclear, it is well known that a walking taco casserole is the casserole version of the walking taco. By utilizing the ingredients of a walking taco in a casserole dish, you can create a delicious meal that the whole family will enjoy.
How to Make the Best Walking Taco Casserole
Prep time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
taco casserole Ingredients
Ground Beef – Lean or extra lean ground beef (or ground bison) is a great way to go. Especially with the cheese that you add, it prevents your casserole from being too rich. If you’re looking to cut down on the amount of red meat you eat, ground turkey or ground chicken is also a great option.
Taco seasoning – If you want to make your taco seasoning, go for it! But using a quality pre-made taco seasoning will save you time and effort.
Water – It’s free! Most of the time. You need water simply to help dissolve the taco seasoning. Easy enough, right?
White onion – Any type of large white or yellow onion will work for a taco casserole. If you’re looking to cut down on food waste and only have a red onion, I say go for it.
Black beans – Canned black beans are the traditional beans to use in this recipe, but you can use any canned bean you choose. From pinto beans to kidney beans, or even chickpeas, if you want.
Tomatoes with Green Chiles – The green chilies in the canned tomatoes give the dish a kick of spice. But if you can’t take the heat, regular canned tomatoes are fine. My go-to brand is Rotel Diced Tomatoes with Green Chiles. This brand offers different levels of spice, from mild to hot.
Sweet corn – Canned or frozen corn is optional in this recipe, but I’m a fan of this addition. It adds a hint of sweetness to the heat and spice.
Salsa Verde – Salas verde is excellent on anything. It’s tangy and zesty with just a hint of spice. I’ve never met a salsa verde I didn’t like. But I tend to lean towards more traditional and authentic brands of salsa verde.
Cheddar cheese – Using shredded cheese saves you a ton of time in this recipe. You can also go for a Mexican or taco mix.
Fritos or Corn chips – Traditionally, this is made with Fritos. But you can use whatever corn chips you have on hand or prefer. Want to add a dash of extra color? Try using blue corn chips!
Taco Casserole Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a casserole dish.
- Using a large skillet, brown the ground beef and drain the grease.
- Add taco seasoning and recommended water to the skillet and cook on medium for 2-3 minutes.
- Add onions to the skillet and cook until translucent.
- Add black beans to the skillet and stir.
- Add corn and stir (optional).
- Add Rotel and salsa verde to the skillet and continue to stir until combined.
- Remove from heat and transfer the ground beef mixture to the greased casserole dish. Layer shredded cheese on top.
- Bake for 10 minutes or until the cheese has melted.
- Remove from oven and add corn chips on top. Return to oven for 5 minutes.
- Allow to cool and garnish as desired. Enjoy!
Walking Taco Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 lbs ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- ⅔ cup water
- 1 white onion or yellow onion
- 15 oz canned black beans
- 10 oz canned diced tomatoes with green chiles
- 8 oz sweet canned corn optional
- ¾ cup salsa verde
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 cups Fritos can also use corn chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a casserole dish.
- Using a large skillet, brown the ground beef and drain the grease.
- Add taco seasoning and recommended water to the skillet and cook on medium for 2-3 minutes.
- Add onions to the skillet and cook until translucent.
- Add black beans to the skillet and stir.
- Add Rotel and salsa verde to the skillet and continue to stir until combined.
- Remove from heat and transfer the ground beef mixture to the greased casserole dish. Layer shredded cheese on top.
- Bake for 10 minutes or until the cheese has melted.
- Remove from oven and add corn chips on top. Return to oven for 5 minutes.
- Allow to cool and garnish as desired. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Toppings for Walking Taco Casserole
There are many topping options for the best walking taco casserole! If you’re a fan of spice, consider dicing up some jalapenos. Perhaps more cheese is your style, so nacho cheese is a fantastic option. You may also add one of the following popular topping ideas:
- Shredded Lettuce
- Tomatoes
- Sour cream
- Green Onions
- Cilantro
- Red Salsa
- Black olives
- Avocado
- Guacamole
- Pico de Gallo
- Lime wedges
Walking Taco Casserole Variations
Variations of the walking taco casserole exist and can be just as delicious. While the traditional walking taco is created using Fritos, other chip substitutes can be delicious. Doritos of varying flavors or tortilla chips can be a great way to change up the traditional walking taco.
Other ways to alter the original walking taco is to use different kinds of beans. Black beans are the most common option, but you could also try refried beans, pinto beans, or kidney beans.
If you prefer a chicken taco to a traditional beef taco, shredded chicken might be a great substitution. Ground pork, ground turkey, and other substitutes can also change up the casserole. Get creative and see what you can create!
Can You Prep Waking Taco Casserole Early?
One of the great things about casseroles is the ability to prep them early. If you’re pressed for time, make the walking taco casserole but avoid the oven for now. You can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for two days before baking it.
When you need more time, you can even freeze your casserole! Use a freezer-safe container, like a foil casserole pan, and seal it well. It is best to use the lid that comes with the foil pan; double-wrap the container in plastic wrap before placing it in the freezer to prevent freezer burn.
If you choose to freeze your walking taco casserole, be sure to thaw it before baking. You may also bake from frozen, but you will need to add additional time in the oven. It is safe for consumption for up to 6 months but will taste best when eaten within three months.
Early prep can also occur by preparing your diced vegetables and toppings ahead of time. Dice your tomatoes, onions, and cilantro, and chop some olives the evening before. A walking taco casserole is a fantastic meal to make ahead of time!
More Easy to Make Casseroles
Bacon Cheeseburger Gnocchi Casserole
37 Summer Casseroles
Tuna Pasta Casserole
Creamy Chicken Crescent Casserole
Crack Green Bean Casserole
Crockpot Pierogi Casserole
Meatball Casserole
Looking to explore a new type of ground meat? Try out a ground bison recipe.
Have questions or suggestions? Leave them in the comments below.
