Description
This Walking Taco Casserole is a flavorful and easy-to-make Tex-Mex dish perfect for taco night. Combining seasoned ground beef, black beans, corn, and Rotel tomatoes layered between crunchy corn chips and melted cheddar cheese, it’s a crowd-pleaser that offers the fun of walking tacos in a comforting casserole form.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1/3 cup water
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (frozen or canned)
- 1 can (10 ounces) Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 cups corn chips (like Fritos)
Optional Toppings
- Sour cream
- Diced tomatoes
- Shredded lettuce
- Sliced jalapeños
- Chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Prepare the onion: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil and cook the diced onion for 2 to 3 minutes until softened.
- Cook the beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Add seasoning: Stir in the taco seasoning and water, cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture thickens and is well combined.
- Combine ingredients: Add black beans, corn, and the drained Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies to the skillet. Stir to combine the mixture well and allow it to simmer for 2 minutes. Then remove from heat.
- Assemble casserole: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread half of the corn chips evenly on the bottom. Spoon the beef and vegetable mixture evenly over the chips, then sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese. Finally, top with the remaining corn chips.
- Bake: Place the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and add your favorite taco toppings such as sour cream, diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, sliced jalapeños, or chopped cilantro before serving.
Notes
- Ground turkey or plant-based crumbles can be used as substitutes for a lighter or vegetarian version.
- For added spice, mix diced jalapeños or hot sauce into the beef mixture while cooking.
- Best served fresh to maintain crispness of the corn chips.
