The Best Walking Taco Casserole for a Crowd
If you love the flavors of classic walking tacos, this Walking Taco Casserole is the perfect way to enjoy them in a warm, baked, family-style dish. This recipe takes everything you love about tacos in a bag—seasoned beef, crunchy chips, melty cheese, and fresh toppings—and transforms it into a hearty, comforting casserole. With bold Tex-Mex flavors, crispy tortilla chips, and a cheesy, bubbling top, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, game days, or potlucks.
Why You’ll Love This Walking Taco Casserole
This easy, one-pan meal delivers layers of flavor and texture in every bite. The seasoned beef, black beans, and corn mixture makes a savory, protein-packed base, while the crushed tortilla chips add the perfect crunch. The melted cheddar cheese ties everything together, creating a cheesy, gooey topping that pairs perfectly with fresh tomatoes, green onions, and a dollop of sour cream. The best part? It comes together in just 30 minutes, making it a quick and satisfying meal for any occasion.
Secrets to the Perfect Walking Taco Casserole
The key to achieving the best flavor is browning the ground beef well before adding the taco seasoning. Letting the taco meat simmer with the seasoning ensures a deep, rich flavor. For an extra crispy texture, don’t over-layer the tortilla chips—use just enough to provide crunch without becoming soggy. If you prefer spicier flavors, use hot taco seasoning or diced jalapeños. To make sure your cheese is perfectly melted and bubbly, bake uncovered and, if desired, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end.
Ingredients for the Ultimate Walking Taco Casserole
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- ½ cup water
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 2 cups crushed tortilla chips, plus more for topping
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream, diced tomatoes, and sliced green onions for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Walking Taco Casserole
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat. Stir in the taco seasoning and water, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend. Add the black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes with green chilies, stirring until well combined. Spread half of the crushed tortilla chips evenly over the bottom of the greased baking dish. Layer half of the beef and vegetable mixture on top. Sprinkle with one cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining tortilla chips, beef mixture, and the final cup of cheddar cheese. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly. Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with sour cream, diced tomatoes, and sliced green onions. Serve warm and enjoy!
What to Serve with Walking Taco Casserole
This casserole is a complete meal on its own, but you can serve it with a simple side salad, Mexican rice, or refried beans for a heartier spread. Pair it with fresh guacamole, salsa, or a squeeze of lime juice to enhance the flavors even more. For a fun serving twist, scoop portions into individual bags of Doritos or Fritos for a true walking taco experience!
Customizations and Variations
For a spicy version, add diced jalapeños, chipotle peppers, or a drizzle of hot sauce. If you prefer a different protein, swap out the ground beef for ground turkey, shredded chicken, or plant-based meat. For a gluten-free option, use certified gluten-free tortilla chips. If you love extra cheesiness, mix in Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or queso fresco for added depth.