This easy and shareable Walking Taco Casserole takes all the best flavors of a classic taco and turns them into a warm, cheesy, and crunchy dish. Perfect for Taco Tuesday, family dinners, or social gatherings, this casserole is quick to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy – Takes just 35 minutes from start to finish.
- Crowd-Pleasing – A great dish for potlucks, parties, or family dinners.
- Customizable – Add your favorite taco toppings to make it your own.
- Crunchy & Cheesy – The combination of Fritos and melted cheese is irresistible.
- Kid-Friendly – Even picky eaters will love this taco-inspired dish.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 bag (9.25 oz) Fritos corn chips
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
- Your favorite taco toppings (sour cream, guacamole, jalapeños, etc.)
Directions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the Beef Mixture
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the taco seasoning, black beans, and corn. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until heated through.
Assemble the Casserole
- Spread a layer of Fritos corn chips in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Top with half of the beef mixture, followed by half of the shredded cheese.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining Fritos, beef mixture, and cheese.
Bake the Casserole
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Add Toppings and Serve
- Remove from the oven and top with your favorite taco toppings like sour cream, guacamole, or jalapeños.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the taco goodness in casserole form!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Calories: ~350 kcal per serving
Variations
- Make it Spicy – Add diced jalapeños, a dash of hot sauce, or spicy taco seasoning.
- Use Chicken or Turkey – Swap ground beef for ground turkey or shredded chicken for a leaner option.
- Vegetarian Version – Skip the meat and double the beans or add sautéed bell peppers and mushrooms.
- Different Chips – Use Doritos, tortilla chips, or even homemade baked tortilla strips.
- Extra Cheese – Try adding some queso sauce or using a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerate – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze – Freeze the casserole (before adding toppings) for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Reheat – Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.
FAQs
How do I keep the Fritos crunchy?
To maintain the crunch, serve immediately or add extra chips on top when serving.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble it without the chips, refrigerate, and add the chips just before baking.
Can I use homemade taco seasoning?
Absolutely! A mix of chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt works well.
What other toppings go well with this casserole?
Try diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, chopped onions, olives, or a drizzle of taco sauce.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of your favorites will work great.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be! Use gluten-free taco seasoning and check that your chips are gluten-free.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey is a great substitute for a leaner dish.
How do I prevent the casserole from being too soggy?
Don't add too much liquid, and serve immediately to keep the chips crispy.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, cook the beef mixture first, layer everything in a slow cooker, and heat on low for 2-3 hours.
Can I add rice to this casserole?
Definitely! Cooked rice can be added to the beef mixture for extra heartiness.
Conclusion
Walking Taco Casserole is a fun, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that's perfect for any occasion. Whether you're hosting a party, feeding a family, or just craving some cheesy taco goodness, this recipe is a winner. Try it with your favorite toppings and enjoy every crunchy, cheesy bite!
Walking Taco Casserole
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This Walking Taco Casserole combines the best flavors of tacos into a warm, cheesy, and crunchy dish. With layers of seasoned beef, black beans, corn, and Fritos, this easy casserole is perfect for Taco Tuesday or any family dinner. Customize it with your favorite taco toppings like sour cream, guacamole, or jalapeños, and enjoy this crowd-pleasing comfort food!
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 bag (9.25 oz) Fritos corn chips
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
- Taco toppings (sour cream, guacamole, jalapeños, etc.)
Instructions
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in taco seasoning, black beans, and corn. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until heated through.
- Spread a layer of Fritos in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Top with half of the beef mixture and half of the shredded cheese.
- Repeat with remaining Fritos, beef mixture, and cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Top with your favorite taco toppings and serve!
Notes
- For a spicier version, add diced jalapeños or spicy taco seasoning.
- Use ground turkey or shredded chicken for a leaner dish.
- For a vegetarian option, double the beans or add sautéed vegetables.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- Reheat in the oven or microwave for a quick meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
