Walking Taco Casserole
Walking taco casserole takes the street food favorite and makes it into a family-friendly weeknight dinner! It’s quick, easy, and hearty, with beans, ground beef, lots of cheese, and your favorite chips.
Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef (or ground turkey)
- ½ cup diced onion (1 small onion)
- 1 packet (1 oz.) taco seasoning (or 3 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning)
- 1 can (15 oz.) pinto beans, rinsed and drained (or black beans)
- 1 can (10 oz.) diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained (like Rotel)
- 1 can (15.25 oz.) corn, drained (or 2 cups frozen corn kernels)
- ½ cup water
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a Mexican blend)
- 1 bag (9 to 10 oz.) Fritos corn chips, Doritos, or tortilla chips (see note)
- optional toppings: sour cream, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, jalapeños, guacamole, salsa, black olives
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9 x 13 inch baking dish. If you prefer, use a large oven-safe skillet to prepare the whole meal (less cleanup!)
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and onions. Cook until the ground beef is browned and cooked through, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks. Drain off excess fat, if desired.1 lb. ground beef, ½ cup diced onion
- Add taco seasoning, pinto beans, diced tomatoes, corn, and ½ cup water to the skillet. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, stirring to mix everything together. The mixture should thicken slightly. If there's extra liquid in the pan, cook it a little longer until the liquid mostly evaporates.1 packet (1 oz.) taco seasoning, 1 can (15 oz.) pinto beans, rinsed and drained, 1 can (10 oz.) diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained, 1 can (15.25 oz.) corn, drained, ½ cup water
- Turn off heat and stir in 1 cup of cheese until melted. If you’re not baking the casserole in the skillet, transfer the contents of the skillet to the prepared baking dish; spread into an even layer.2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Sprinkle chips on top, followed by remaining 1 cup of cheese.1 bag (9 to 10 oz.) Fritos corn chips, Doritos, or tortilla chips
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes
- Top with your favorite taco toppings such as shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, guacamole, jalapeños, or salsa.
Video
Notes
- Chips: If you use Doritos or tortilla chips, lightly crush the chips into smaller pieces. Nutritional information depends on the type of chips you use; we've calculated the data using Fritos and ground beef (90/10).
- Variations: Add a finely diced bell pepper (any color); cook with the ground meat and onions. Omit the ground beef if desired.
- Make ahead & freeze:The casserole can be frozen before or after baking. If freezing before, assemble the casserole in a casserole dish but do not bake it. Cover tightly with a layer of plastic wrap and then foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
- Storage & reheating: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days For individual portions, reheat in the microwave; to reheat the entire casserole, place it in a preheated 350ºF oven for 15 to 20 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition
Calories: 675kcal | Carbohydrates: 54g | Protein: 32g | Fat: 38g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 9g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 87mg | Sodium: 1234mg | Potassium: 727mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 876IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 394mg | Iron: 4mg
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