Walking Taco Casserole

Walking Taco Casserole is a fun, easy-to-make dish with layers of seasoned beef, cheese, and chips, perfect for family meals or parties.

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 20

Total Time 40

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 8 People

Calories 500 kcal

Ground Beef: 1 pound, 450 grams
Taco Seasoning: 1 packet, 1 ounce or 28 grams or approximately 2-3 tablespoons of homemade seasoning
Fritos or Tortilla Chips: 3-4 cups, enough to cover the bottom of the baking dish
Cheddar Cheese: 1-2 cups shredded, sharp or mild, depending on your preference
Sour Cream: 1 cup
Lettuce: 1-2 cups shredded or chopped
Tomatoes: 1-2 medium tomatoes, diced

Black Beans: 1 cup, drained and rinsed
Jalapeños: 1-2 fresh jalapeños, sliced or diced (adjust based on your heat preference)
Avocado: 1-2 avocados, diced or sliced
Guacamole: 1/2 to 1 cup, depending on how much you like
Olives: 1/2 cup sliced black or green olives

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cook the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
Add taco seasoning to the beef, along with water as directed on the seasoning packet. Stir until well combined.
Layer the casserole: Start by spreading a layer of Fritos or tortilla chips on the bottom of your baking dish. Add the seasoned ground beef on top, followed by a layer of cheese.
Bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Top with fresh ingredients like lettuce, tomatoes, and sour cream before serving.

When cooking the ground beef, make sure to break it up into small crumbles. This ensures even cooking and better distribution throughout the casserole. If you prefer leaner meat, you can opt for ground turkey or chicken as an alternative.

The key to a great Walking Taco Casserole is in the layering. Start with a sturdy base of chips, followed by the flavorful ground beef. The cheese layer should be generous, as it acts as the glue holding everything together. Fresh toppings are added last to preserve their texture and flavor.