Description
This Walking Taco Casserole is a flavorful and hearty Tex-Mex dish that combines seasoned ground beef, black beans, corn, and cheese layered over crispy corn chips, then baked to bubbly perfection. Topped with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, and jalapeños, it delivers all the taste of a classic walking taco in an easy, family-friendly casserole form.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 (1 oz) packet taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup frozen corn (optional)
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
- 2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- 3 cups crushed corn chips (like Fritos)
Toppings
- Chopped lettuce
- Diced tomatoes
- Sour cream
- Sliced jalapeños
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Cook the Beef and Onions: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion together until the beef is browned and the onion is soft, about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain off any excess grease to keep the casserole from being too oily.
- Add Taco Seasoning: Stir in the taco seasoning packet along with 1/2 cup water, coating the beef thoroughly. Simmer this mixture for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens and the flavors meld.
- Mix in Beans, Corn, and Tomatoes: Add the drained black beans, frozen corn if using, and diced tomatoes with green chilies to the skillet. Stir everything together to combine evenly.
- Layer the Casserole: Spread a layer of crushed corn chips evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spoon the beef and bean mixture over the chips, then sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles.
- Add Toppings and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. Just before serving, top with additional crushed corn chips, chopped lettuce, diced tomatoes, dollops of sour cream, and sliced jalapeños to add fresh flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a lighter or different flavor, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef.
- If preparing for a crowd buffet-style, keep the chips and fresh toppings separate to maintain their crispness and freshness.
- The casserole can be assembled a few hours ahead and refrigerated before baking for convenience.
- Adjust the jalapeño amount to control spiciness according to your preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
