Walking Taco Casserole: A Deliciously Easy Dinner Recipe

If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing dinner, look no further than the Walking Taco Casserole. This dish combines all the best elements of tacos and transforms them into a warm, cheesy, and satisfying casserole that’s perfect for any night of the week. Here’s how to make it.

Ingredients

Before we get started, let’s gather our ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• Taco Seasoning – see homemade recipe below, or use one packet
• 1 can Rotel tomatoes and chilis (I’m using the Chipotle version for an extra kick)
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 5 oz enchilada sauce (half of a 10 oz can)
• 2 oz. cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
• Your favorite taco toppings (I’m using lettuce, tomatoes, red onions, cilantro, and sour cream)

Walking Taco Homemade Seasoning

• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish by spraying it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Cook the Ground Beef

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef. While it cooks, you can prepare the homemade taco seasoning by mixing 2 teaspoons of chili powder, ½ teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of cumin, ½ teaspoon of onion powder, and ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika. If you prefer, you can use a packet of store-bought taco seasoning instead.

Season the Beef

Once the ground beef is fully cooked, drain any excess grease from the skillet. Next, season the beef with the homemade taco seasoning (or the store-bought packet), adjusting to taste.

Add Rotel Tomatoes

Add the can of Rotel tomatoes, undrained, to the skillet. The Chipotle version adds a nice spicy touch, but you can use any variety you like. Allow the mixture to simmer until most of the liquid has evaporated.

Add Black Beans

Stir in the drained and rinsed black beans. Mix until everything is well combined.

Incorporate Cream Cheese

Add the 2 ounces of softened cream cheese to the skillet. Stir until the cream cheese is melted and fully incorporated into the beef and bean mixture. This will add a creamy texture to the dish.

Add Enchilada Sauce

Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in 5 ounces of enchilada sauce, which is about half a can. This sauce will add another layer of flavor and a bit of moisture to the casserole.

Assemble the Casserole

Now it’s time to assemble the casserole in your prepared 9×13 inch baking dish. Start with a layer of Fritos chips on the bottom. Spoon half of the beef and bean mixture over the chips, spreading it out evenly. Then, add a layer of shredded cheddar cheese on top of the beef mixture. Repeat with another layer of Fritos, the remaining beef mixture, and finish with a final layer of shredded cheese.

Bake

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the casserole is heated through.

Serve

Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly. Serve with your favorite taco toppings. I recommend a combination of shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, chopped red onions, fresh cilantro, and a dollop of sour cream. These toppings add freshness and additional flavor to the dish.

Tips for the Best Walking Taco Casserole

• Customization: This recipe is very versatile. Feel free to customize it to your taste. You can add corn, jalapeños, or even switch out the black beans for pinto beans.
• Cheese: Use a good quality cheddar cheese for the best flavor. You can also experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend.
• Serving Suggestions: This casserole pairs well with a simple side salad or some Mexican rice. It’s also great for feeding a crowd at a potluck or family gathering.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Walking Taco Casserole is a fantastic recipe that brings all the fun of tacos into a convenient and comforting casserole form. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and sure to be a hit with both kids and adults. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to impress at your next gathering, this recipe has you covered. Enjoy!

Walking Taco Casserole: A Deliciously Easy Dinner Recipe

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• Author: hdrecipes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings

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Description

Walking Taco Casserole is a fun and easy-to-make dish that combines all the flavors of a traditional walking taco into a hearty casserole. It features layers of seasoned ground beef, corn chips, cheese, and your favorite taco toppings, making it perfect for family dinners or potlucks.

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Ingredients

1 lb ground beef

Taco Seasoning – see recipe below, or use one packet

1 can Rotel tomatoes and chilis (I’m using the Chipotle version)

1 can black beans, drained and rinsed

5 oz enchilada sauce (I’m using half of a 10 oz can)

2 oz. cream cheese, softened

2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded

Your favorite taco toppings (I’m using lettuce, tomatoes, red onions, cilantro and sour cream)

 

Walking Taco Homemade Seasoning

2 teaspoon chili powder

½ teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon cumin

½ teaspoon onion powder

½ teaspoon smoked paprika

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Instructions

Begin preheating the oven to 350 degrees, and spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.

 

Brown 1 pound of ground beef in a large skillet over medium high heat. While it’s cooking, mix up this quick walking taco homemade seasoning. Combine 2 tsp chili powder, ½ tsp salt, ½ tsp onion powder, 1 tsp cumin and ½ tsp smoked paprika. Mix this all together. You can also use 1 packet of taco seasoning instead.

 

When the ground beef is done cooking, remove any extra grease. Then season the ground beef with the walking taco seasoning to your taste.

 

Add the can of Rotel tomatoes, undrained. I’m using the Chipotle version for some extra spiciness. Simmer until the liquid has evaporated. Next, add one can of black beans that have been drained and rinsed. Mix to combine. Add 2 oz of softened cream cheese, and stir it into the mixture until it’s melted and thoroughly combined. Remove the pan from heat and stir in 5 oz of enchilada sauce, about a half a can.

 

To assemble in the 9×13 baking dish, start with a layer of Fritos. Spoon half of the beef and bean mixture over the chips, spread a layer of shredded cheese, followed by more chips, the rest of the beef mixture and top with cheese.

 

Bake in the 350 degree oven for 15 – 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and the taco casserole is heated through.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican-American

Nutrition

• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 900mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 80mg