Walking Taco Casserole

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Walking Taco Casserole brings all the best elements of a walking taco into one savory, baked dish. The combination of seasoned ground beef, creamy cheese, and crunchy chips makes for a fun meal that satisfies cravings for both comfort and flavor. It’s easy to prepare, takes just 30 minutes, and can be personalized with your favorite toppings. Whether you're feeding a family or entertaining friends, this casserole is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients

• 1 ½ lbs ground beef

• 1 cup onion, chopped

• 3 oz cream cheese

• 1 packet taco seasoning

• 1 can green chilis

• 2-3 cups Fritos corn chips

• 1 cup shredded taco blend cheese

• 1 Roma tomato, chopped

• 1-2 cups shredded lettuce

• Salsa and sour cream for garnish

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. In an oven-safe skillet, cook the ground beef and chopped onion over medium-high heat. Stir occasionally until the beef is browned and the onions have softened.

3. Add the taco seasoning, green chilis, and cream cheese to the skillet. Continue to cook and stir until the cream cheese is fully melted and combined with the beef mixture.

4. Top the beef mixture with Fritos corn chips and shredded taco blend cheese.

5. Place the skillet in the oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

6. Remove from the oven and top with shredded lettuce and chopped Roma tomato.

7. Garnish with salsa and sour cream before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6 servings

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cooking Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Replace the ground beef with seasoned black beans or your favorite plant-based protein.

• Spicy Twist: Add some sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture for extra heat.

• Cheese Variations: Swap the taco blend cheese for cheddar or pepper jack for a different flavor.

• Crunchy Toppings: Use tortilla chips or Doritos instead of Fritos for a different texture and taste.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: To reheat, place individual servings in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or warm the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the beef mixture and assemble the casserole, then cover and refrigerate it before baking. When you're ready to bake, just preheat the oven and cook as directed.

2. Can I use a different kind of chip instead of Fritos?

Absolutely! You can substitute any crunchy snack chip, such as Doritos, tortilla chips, or even tortilla strips, depending on your preference.

3. Is this casserole gluten-free?

The casserole can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free chips and ensuring your taco seasoning and other ingredients do not contain gluten.

4. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken are great alternatives to ground beef for a lighter version of this dish.

5. How do I make the casserole spicier?

To add some spice, consider using spicy taco seasoning, adding jalapeños to the beef mixture, or topping the casserole with hot salsa or hot sauce.

6. Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes! After baking, let the casserole cool completely, then cover it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven before serving.

7. Can I add beans to this casserole?

Yes, you can mix in black beans, kidney beans, or refried beans for extra texture and flavor.

8. Can I make this without cheese?

While cheese adds great flavor and creaminess, you can omit it if you prefer a dairy-free version. Consider adding avocado or a vegan cheese alternative instead.

9. What can I use as a garnish besides sour cream and salsa?

You can also use guacamole, chopped cilantro, or green onions as garnishes for extra flavor and freshness.

10. Can this recipe be made in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can cook the ground beef mixture in a slow cooker and then top with chips and cheese towards the end of cooking. Keep in mind that the texture of the chips will be softer compared to the baked version.

Conclusion

This Walking Taco Casserole is the perfect combination of savory, creamy, and crunchy, all baked together for an irresistible dish. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or a fun meal to share with family and friends, this casserole offers something for everyone to enjoy. With simple ingredients and easy steps, it’s sure to become a go-to recipe in your home.

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Walking Taco Casserole

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Looking for a fun and easy dinner? This Walking Taco Casserole is the perfect twist on the classic walking taco, featuring seasoned ground beef, melty cream cheese, and a crunchy Fritos topping. Customizable with fresh toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, salsa, and sour cream, it's a crowd-pleasing meal that’s easy to make and full of flavor.

• Author: Janet
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Category: Dinner, Casserole
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

1 ½ lbs ground beef

1 cup onion, chopped

3 oz cream cheese

1 packet taco seasoning

1 can green chilis

2-3 cups Fritos corn chips

1 cup shredded taco blend cheese

1 Roma tomato, chopped

1-2 cups shredded lettuce

Salsa and sour cream for garnish

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. In an oven-safe skillet, cook the ground beef and chopped onion over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally until the beef is browned and the onions are softened.

3. Add taco seasoning, green chilis, and cream cheese to the skillet, stirring until the cream cheese is melted and mixed through.

4. Top the beef mixture with Fritos corn chips and shredded taco blend cheese.

5. Bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

6. Remove from the oven and top with shredded lettuce and chopped Roma tomato.

7. Garnish with salsa and sour cream before serving.

Notes

• Vegetarian Option: Use seasoned black beans or a plant-based protein.

• Spicy Option: Add sliced jalapeños or hot sauce for an extra kick.

• Cheese Variations: Swap taco blend cheese for cheddar or pepper jack.