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Walking Taco Casserole Recipe

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4.1 from 7 reviews

Walking Taco Casserole is a fun and flavorful twist on traditional tacos layered in a hearty casserole. Ground beef is sautéed with aromatic onions and garlic, seasoned with taco spices, and simmered with pinto beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and chunky salsa. This savory mixture is topped with crunchy Fritos and melted cheddar cheese, then baked until bubbly. Served with optional garnishes like sour cream, pickled jalapenos, scallions, and shredded lettuce, it offers the full taco experience in an easy-to-make dish perfect for casual dinners and gatherings.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons neutral oil, such as Canola oil
  • 1 white onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 pound 80/20 ground beef
  • 3 tablespoons taco seasoning (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1 scallion, finely diced
  • 1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans
  • 1 (10-ounce) can RO*TEL Original Diced Tomatoes and Green Chilies
  • 1 cup thick and chunky salsa
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, plus more if needed
  • 1 (9-ounce) bag Fritos Corn Chips

For Serving (optional)

  • Sour cream
  • Pickled jalapenos
  • Diced scallions
  • Shredded lettuce

Instructions

  1. Saute the aromatics: Set a large 12-inch skillet over medium heat and add the oil. Sauté the minced garlic and diced white onion for 6-8 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent, releasing wonderful flavors that will form the base of the casserole.
  2. Cook the meat: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon into bite-sized pieces. Cook for 6-8 minutes until the meat is nicely browned and cooked through. If your taco seasoning lacks salt, add a generous pinch now for balanced flavor.
  3. Preheat the oven: While the meat is cooking, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole later.
  4. Simmer the casserole: Reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in the taco seasoning, diced scallion, and drained pinto beans. Sauté the mixture for 1-2 minutes to blend the flavors. Then add the RO*TEL diced tomatoes with green chilies and chunky salsa. Let the entire mixture simmer gently for 8-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to fully meld and deepen. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.
  5. Add the toppings: Transfer the simmered meat mixture evenly into a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Sprinkle the top with 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and then scatter about 2 cups of Fritos corn chips over the cheese. Add more chips if you like extra crunch.
  6. Bake: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes or until the cheddar cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
  7. Serve: Remove from the oven and top the casserole with optional dollops of sour cream, pickled jalapenos, diced scallions, and shredded lettuce. Divide into plates and enjoy this comforting, taco-inspired meal!

Notes

  • You can customize the level of spice by using mild or spicy RO*TEL or salsa.
  • For extra protein, add corn or black beans along with pinto beans.
  • If desired, substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
  • Adding a layer of crushed Fritos at the bottom before the meat mixture can add crunch all through the casserole.
  • This dish reheats well and is perfect for meal prep or leftovers.
  • Author: Maya
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop and Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://recipeteach.com/walking-taco-casserole-recipe/