Walking Taco Casserole (30 Minute Meal)

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Take your taco nights to a new level with our walking taco casserole. This easy to make dish features seasoned ground beef, heaps of gooey cheese, crunchy chips and all your favorite taco toppings baked in casserole form.

Our walking taco casserole recipe is an easy weeknight meal the entire family will enjoy. It’s also a fun twist on taco Tuesday, full of traditional taco flavor and is ready in about 30 minutes. 

My inspiration for this delicious taco casserole came from a favorite party recipe, walking tacos. They are an easy way to serve a crowd because they’re made with small bags of Fritos or chips instead of taco shells.

You pile all of the taco fixings and toppings right into the bag of Fritos, and your guests can eat and mingle without getting all messy. This recipe is very similar, just in casserole version, which is better suited for a quick weeknight dinner. 

If you need another great hosting idea, I highly recommend a taco bar. It’s always a hit and requires very little effort on the host’s part, which I always appreciate. These are also great options to serve at a Cinco De Mayo celebration. 

Casserole Ingredients

• olive oil – to soften the onions. 
• diced onion – adds flavor to the ground beef. 
• garlic cloves – can use garlic powder if needed.  
• ground beef – use lean ground beef for a healthier version or a fattier blend for more flavor.
• spices: chili powder, cumin, onion powder
• black beans – be sure to drain and rinse them. We’re not using the juice and it adds unnecessary sodium. 
• salsa – we use mild or medium heat, but go with hot if you prefer a spicier dish. 
• whole kernel corn – we used canned, but frozen works too. 
• tortilla chips – adds a little crunch to the casserole.
• Mexican cheese blend – freshly grated shredded cheddar cheese can be substituted. 
• optional toppings: lettuce, avocado, cilantro, sour cream, black olives.

How to Make Walking Taco Casserole 

Grease a 9×13 casserole dish and set aside. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. 

Over medium-high heat, add the oil to a large skillet and cook the onions until they are soft. 

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. 

Add the ground beef and cook until it’s no longer pink (I use a ChopStir to break up the meat while it cooks). Drain the excess grease. 

Stir in the spices, drained beans, corn, and salsa. Cook until it’s heated throughout. 

Pour the beef mixture into the prepared baking dish. 

Top with crushed tortilla chips and shredded cheese. 

Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the cheese melts. 

Slice into squares and top individual servings with lettuce, olives, avocado, and sour cream if desired. 

Tips for Making 

• The combination of spices used is similar to regular taco seasoning mix. 
• Wait to add the additional toppings until you’re ready to serve.
• ​We like to set up a toppings station, so everyone has the option to add the toppings they like to their walking taco bake. 

How to Store 

Store the leftover taco casserole covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Please note, as the casserole sits the chips will soften and will not be as crispy. 

Reheat in the oven or microwave, then add more toppings and garnishes. 

What to Serve With 

This easy taco casserole is hearty and has enough ingredients and toppings that it doesn’t require a side dish. But if you do want to serve sides, it goes well with Mexican street corn, my 6 ingredient fiesta salad, or Arepas con Queso. You can also see how we have taco night without serving rice and beans every time to switch things up. 

With bold flavors and easy preparation this walking taco bake is sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation. So don’t wait – make a batch today and level up your taco nights.

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