Walking Taco Casserole
Walking Taco Casserole is the perfect weeknight meal when you are in a hurry. It is loaded with all the delicious taco flavors that we love that are then topped with Frito corn chips. This will be a family favorite in no time.
Walking Taco Casserole
Walking taco casserole is one of my favorite taco dishes. It is as simple as preparing this dish in the morning and enjoying it after a busy day. It is filled with all the delicious taco flavors we love without all the mess of making and assembling tacos. Once you make this it will be on your meal plan every single week.
For more taco dishes we love, be sure to try our taco braid and our Applebee’s Copycat Wonton Chicken Tacos.
Why is this called a walking taco casserole?
Walking taco casserole gets its name because of how easy it is to walk around and eat these tacos which makes it perfect for parties, picnics, campfires.
“Walking taco” is usually served in Frito bags, but this is the casserole version.
It combines ground beef, onion, taco seasoning, enchilada sauce, beans, and cheese that is then topped with Frito corn chips. This is the perfect weeknight meal you have been searching for.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 package taco seasoning mix
- 2/3 cup water
- 1 can (15 oz.) enchilada sauce
- 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drain and rinse
- 1 bag (9.25 ounce) Fritos corn chips
- 2 cups shredded cheese
- 1 green onion chopped
- Optional Garnish: lettuce, tomato, sour cream, guacamole
How to Make Walking Taco Casserole
- Prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish by spraying it with oil or a non-stick cooking spray. Preheat the oven to 350ºF.
- In a large skillet, add the ground beef and onions. Cook over medium heat, stirring often until meat is brown and onions have softened.
- Once meat and onions are fully browned, drain off excess fat. Add in water and taco seasoning, stir and simmer for 3-4 minutes.
- Add the enchilada sauce and beans to the skillet and stir to fully combine.
- Sprinkle about 4 cups of Fritos onto the bottom of your baking dish, then top the Fritos with 1 cup of cheddar cheese. Spread the meat mixture on top of that for the next layer then top with remaining cheese.
- Bake at 350ºF for about 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Your casserole is out of the oven, topped with the remaining Fritos.
- Allow to cool slightly, then serve with optional topping such as lettuce, tomato, green onions, sour cream, or guacamole.
- Enjoy!
Tips Tricks and FAQs
- I suggest using a high quality ground beef. I opt to use a 90/10 quality when making this.
- This recipe called for pinto beans. You can swap them out for black beans or just omit the beans all together. You can even use refried beans.
- Add a can of corn, drained, if you want to make this even more hearty.
- Use your favorite variety of cheese. I typically use Mexican blend for a nice variety.
- Instead of Fritos you can use Doritos or tortilla chips.
- Swap out your ground beef for ground turkey or chicken.
Storage
Store your leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. While it is in the fridge your Fritos will become soggy on top. Feel free to remove and add extra when you go to reheat.
Yes, you can make this up to 2 days in advance. Assemble as directed, stopping when it is time to bake. Cover and refrigerate.
When you are ready to bake, remove from the fridge and bake as directed. You may have to add 5-10 minutes depending on how cold the dish is to start baking.
What toppings can I add to the top of Walking Taco casserole?
There are so many delicious toppings you can add! Feel free to add your favorites!
- Shredded lettuce
- Tomato
- Green onions
- Sour Cream
- Guacamole
- Salsa
- Slice Avocado
- Sliced jalapeno
- Sliced black olives
- Cilantro
- Salsa
Walking Taco Casserole
Walking Taco Casserole is the perfect weeknight meal when you are in a hurry. It is loaded with all the delicious taco flavors that we love that are then topped with Frito corn chips. This will be a family favorite in no time.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 package taco seasoning mix
- 2/3 cup water
- 1 can (15 oz.) enchilada sauce
- 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drain and rinse
- 1 bag (9.25 ounce) Fritos corn chips
- 2 cups shredded cheese
- 1 green onion chopped
- Optional Garnish: lettuce, tomato, sour cream, guacamole
Instructions
- Prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish by spraying it with oil or a non-stick cooking spray. Preheat the oven to 350ºF.
- In a large skillet, add the ground beef and onions. Cook over medium heat, stirring often until meat is brown and onions have softened.
- Once meat and onions are fully browned, drain off excess fat. Add in water and taco seasoning, stir and simmer for 3-4 minutes.
- Add the enchilada sauce and beans to the skillet and stir to fully combine.
- Sprinkle about 4 cups of Fritos onto the bottom of your baking dish, then top the Fritos with 1 cup of cheddar cheese. Spread the meat mixture on top of that for the next layer then top with remaining cheese.
- Bake at 350ºF for about 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Your casserole is out of the oven, topped with the remaining Fritos.
- Allow to cool slightly, then serve with optional topping such as lettuce, tomato, green onions, sour cream, or guacamole.
- Enjoy!
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
8Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 347Total Fat: 22gSaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 506mgCarbohydrates: 14gFiber: 3gSugar: 5gProtein: 24g
I’m Melissa, the imaginative force behind Sparkles to Sprinkles, where creativity comes to life, and sprinkles of joy are scattered generously. Melissa is a proud Jersey girl who found love with a New York boy. As a mom to four wonderful boys and a few fur babies, her journey into the world of blogging began after making the life-changing decision to stay home and raise her children. Previously a dedicated workaholic, Melissa’s blog became her creative outlet and passion project. Inspired by her mother-in-law, a masterful cook renowned for her delicious home-cooked meals and legendary holiday feasts (think mouthwatering sausage stuffing), Melissa honed her culinary skills through a combination of family recipes and countless cooking classes. She often attended these classes with her son Michael, who shared her enthusiasm for cooking from a young age. Melissa’s love for learning extends beyond familiar cuisines, as she enjoys exploring international recipes in hands-on cooking classes. Her blog features a diverse array of recipes, showcasing her expertise with various kitchen appliances such as the Instant Pot, air fryer, Slow Cooker, Ninja Foodi, Instant Vortex Plus, and more. Join Melissa on her culinary adventures as she shares tried-and-true family favorites alongside exciting new discoveries!
