Ingredients You’ll Need for Walking Taco Casserole
The best part about this casserole is that it’s made with simple, easy-to-find ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry or fridge. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Casserole:
- 1 lb ground beef: Ground beef is the classic choice for taco meat, but you can also substitute it with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a leaner or vegetarian option.
- 1 packet taco seasoning: Taco seasoning gives the casserole that classic taco flavor. You can use store-bought seasoning or make your own at home by combining chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies: This adds some spice and flavor to the casserole. You can use regular diced tomatoes if you prefer a milder dish.
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans or black beans: Beans add heartiness and protein to the dish. You can use either kidney beans or black beans, depending on your preference.
- 1 1/2 cups frozen corn: Frozen corn adds a sweet and crunchy texture to the casserole. If you prefer, you can use fresh corn or even canned corn.
- 1 cup sour cream: Sour cream adds creaminess and richness to the casserole. It’s a great contrast to the spices in the taco seasoning.
- 1 cup salsa: Salsa adds an extra layer of flavor and moisture to the casserole. You can use any salsa you like, from mild to hot, depending on your spice tolerance.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Cheddar cheese is a must for this casserole. It melts beautifully and complements the taco flavors perfectly. You can also use a blend of cheddar and Mexican cheese for a different taste.
- 1 bag (9 oz) tortilla chips: Tortilla chips are used as the base for the casserole. You can crush them slightly to create a crunchy layer at the bottom of the casserole dish.
- 1/2 cup green onions, sliced (optional): Green onions add a pop of color and a mild onion flavor to the dish.
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives (optional): Black olives add an extra layer of flavor and texture. You can skip this if you’re not a fan of olives.
For Serving (Optional):
- Chopped lettuce: For a fresh and crunchy topping.
- Diced tomatoes: Adds freshness and color to the dish.
- Sour cream and salsa: Serve on the side for extra creaminess and tanginess.
How to Make Walking Taco Casserole
Now that you have all the ingredients ready, it’s time to put everything together. This recipe comes together quickly and easily, making it a perfect weeknight dinner. Let’s walk through the steps:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and let it preheat while you prepare the casserole.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Continue cooking until it’s no longer pink, and then drain any excess fat. Once the beef is cooked, return it to the skillet.
Step 3: Add Taco Seasoning and Other Ingredients
Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the cooked beef and stir it in. Add the diced tomatoes with green chilies, beans, and corn. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 5 minutes to combine the flavors.
Step 4: Prepare the Casserole Dish
Spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent the casserole from sticking. Next, spread the crushed tortilla chips evenly over the bottom of the dish to form the base layer.
Step 5: Layer the Casserole
Spread the beef and veggie mixture evenly over the chips. Then, spoon the sour cream and salsa mixture over the top, making sure it covers the casserole evenly. Sprinkle the shredded cheese generously over the top of everything.
Step 6: Bake the Casserole
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is golden and the casserole is heated through.
Step 7: Add Toppings
Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes to set. If you like, you can sprinkle sliced green onions and black olives on top for added flavor and texture. For extra freshness, top with chopped lettuce and diced tomatoes. Serve with extra sour cream and salsa on the side.
Why You’ll Love This Walking Taco Casserole
Easy and Quick
This casserole comes together quickly, with minimal prep time. You don’t need to worry about assembling individual tacos—just layer everything in a casserole dish, bake, and enjoy! It’s the perfect dish for busy weeknights when you want something filling but don’t have much time to cook.
Crowd-Pleasing
Whether you’re making this for your family or serving it at a party, this casserole is sure to be a hit. It’s hearty, cheesy, and packed with flavors everyone loves. The best part is that it’s a one-dish meal, making cleanup easy.
Customizable
Feel free to add or subtract ingredients to suit your taste. Want more spice? Add some jalapeños or hot sauce. Prefer a milder version? Use mild salsa and leave out the chili-flavored tomatoes. The beauty of this casserole is that it’s highly adaptable to what you like or have on hand.
Kid-Friendly
Kids will love this casserole because it’s essentially a giant taco in casserole form. You can even set up a taco bar and let everyone add their own toppings, making it a fun, interactive meal.
Variations of Walking Taco Casserole
While the classic version of this casserole is delicious, you can easily switch things up based on your preferences or dietary needs.
Vegetarian Walking Taco Casserole
For a vegetarian version, swap the ground beef with a plant-based protein like lentils, crumbled tofu, or a meat substitute like tempeh or tofu crumbles. You can also use a mixture of beans (black beans, pinto beans, or kidney beans) to bulk up the dish.
Make It Spicy
If you love heat, consider adding diced jalapeños or use spicy salsa to kick up the flavor. You could also add some chili powder or cayenne pepper to the taco seasoning to make it more fiery.
Gluten-Free Version
To make this casserole gluten-free, simply substitute the tortilla chips with gluten-free chips, and ensure that the taco seasoning and other ingredients don’t contain gluten.
Final Thoughts
Walking Taco Casserole is a fun and delicious way to enjoy the flavors of tacos without the hassle of assembling individual tacos. It’s a crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for busy nights, family gatherings, or parties. With its cheesy, spicy, and savory flavor, this casserole will surely become a family favorite. Plus, it’s customizable, so you can make it just the way you like it! So why not give it a try and bring a little taco fun to your dinner table?