Walking Taco Casserole
Walking Taco Casserole is a delightful blend of flavors that brings all the excitement of your favorite walkable taco right to your table. Imagine a dish loaded with savory ground beef, beans, and melted cheese, all nestled atop a crunchy base of Doritos. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or need something to impress your friends at game night, this casserole is your ticket to satisfaction. It’s quick to prepare and could easily become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
This recipe shines for several reasons – it’s quick, budget-friendly, and, let’s face it, absolutely delicious! Not only is it a time-saver on busy weeknights, but it’s also a hit with both kids and adults alike. The crunchy texture of Doritos combined with the hearty filling makes it a fun dish that feels special without demanding too much effort in the kitchen.
"We made this for a family gathering, and it disappeared within minutes! Everyone was asking for the recipe!" – A satisfied home cook.
How This Recipe Comes Together
The magic of Walking Taco Casserole lies in its simplicity. The process begins with browning the ground beef and onions in a skillet before adding the taco seasoning and beans. It all comes together in a baking dish with layers of crunchy chips and cheesy goodness. In just a short time, you’ll have a bubbling, mouthwatering casserole to serve.
Gather These Items
To make Walking Taco Casserole, grab the following ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
- 2/3 cup water
- 1 can (15 oz) chili beans, undrained
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies), undrained
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups crushed Doritos or corn chips (Fritos)
- 1 cup sour cream (for topping, optional)
- 1 cup shredded lettuce (for garnish, optional)
- 1 diced tomato (for garnish, optional)
- Chopped green onions or cilantro (optional)
Feel free to mix things up a bit! If you’re looking for alternatives, lean ground turkey is a great swap for beef, and black beans can replace chili beans.
Directions to Follow
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Stir in the taco seasoning and 2/3 cup of water. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until it slightly thickens.
- Mix in the can of chili beans and Rotel, stirring well to combine. Let it simmer for another 2–3 minutes to meld the flavors.
- In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread half of the crushed chips on the bottom.
- Pour the beef mixture over the chips evenly.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top of the beef mixture.
- Bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven, top with the remaining crushed chips and your choice of toppings: sour cream, lettuce, diced tomatoes, green onions, or cilantro.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Walking Taco Casserole is incredibly versatile. Serve it fresh from the oven alongside some simple sides like Spanish rice or a crisp green salad. You can even set up a toppings bar with additional options such as jalapeños, salsa, or guacamole, allowing everyone to personalize their serving!
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
Storing your leftovers is simple! Place the cooled casserole in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep fresh for up to 3 days. If you wish to freeze it, make sure it’s well-sealed; it can last up to three months in the freezer. Just thaw in the fridge before reheating!
Helpful Cooking Tips
- If you’re short on time, consider using pre-cooked ground beef or rotisserie chicken.
- For an extra kick, try using spicy taco seasoning or adding jalapeños directly into the beef mixture.
- Don’t skimp on the cheese! It adds an unbeatable rich flavor and texture to the casserole.
Creative Twists
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are many ways to put your spin on this recipe. You might swap out the ground beef for lentils or chickpeas for a vegetarian take. Consider adding other veggies, such as bell peppers or corn, right into the mix for added color and nutrition.
Your Questions Answered
Q: How long does it take to prepare this casserole?
A: The prep time is about 15 minutes, and the baking adds another 15-20 minutes, making it a quick meal option!
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole, cover it with foil, and store it in the fridge for up to a day before baking.
Q: Is it safe to freeze and reheat?
A: Yes, it’s safe! Just ensure it’s cooled completely before freezing. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
With its rich flavors and textures, Walking Taco Casserole is bound to become a staple in your home. Give it a try, and it might just become your go-to comfort food!
Walking Taco Casserole
Ingredients
For the Casserole
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
- 2/3 cup water
- 1 can (15 oz) chili beans, undrained
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies), undrained
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups crushed Doritos or corn chips (Fritos)
For Toppings (optional)
- 1 cup sour cream for topping
- 1 cup shredded lettuce for garnish
- 1 diced tomato for garnish
- Chopped green onions or cilantro optional
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Stir in the taco seasoning and 2/3 cup of water. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until it slightly thickens.
- Mix in the can of chili beans and Rotel, stirring well to combine. Let it simmer for another 2–3 minutes to meld the flavors.
Assembly and Baking
- In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread half of the crushed chips on the bottom.
- Pour the beef mixture over the chips evenly.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top of the beef mixture.
- Bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven, top with the remaining crushed chips and your choice of toppings: sour cream, lettuce, diced tomatoes, green onions, or cilantro.
