If you love tacos but want something even easier and more fun to share with family or friends, the Walking Taco Casserole is a recipe you’ll want on repeat. It’s a warm, cheesy, and flavor-packed dish that brings all the beloved elements of a taco into one bubbly, comforting casserole. This recipe is quick, versatile, and absolutely delicious—perfect for game nights, potlucks, or an easy weeknight dinner.
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Why You’ll Love Walking Taco Casserole
The beauty of this casserole lies in its simplicity. Instead of juggling taco shells, fillings, and toppings, you layer everything into a dish and bake it until it’s gooey and irresistible. The crunchy Fritos corn chips at the bottom soak up the saucy beef and enchilada flavors, while the melted cheese on top ties everything together. Once baked, you can personalize each serving with fresh toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, salsa, and sour cream.
This dish has all the classic Tex-Mex flavors but requires only one baking dish and minimal cleanup.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you need to bring this flavorful casserole to life:
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef
- â…“ large onion, chopped
- 1 small can green chilies
- 1 can enchilada sauce
- 2 ounces cream cheese
- 1 bag Fritos corn chips
- 1 bag shredded cheese (cheddar, Mexican blend, or your choice)
- ¾ cup shredded lettuce
- ½ cup fresh diced tomato
- 16 ounces salsa
- 8 ounces sour cream
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1 – Cook the Beef Mixture
Brown the ground beef in a large skillet with the chopped onion until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat. Add the green chilies, enchilada sauce, and cream cheese. Stir until the cream cheese melts into the sauce, creating a creamy and flavorful beef mixture.
Step 2 – Assemble the Casserole
In a 9×13-inch baking dish, begin layering:
- A layer of Fritos chips
- A generous layer of the beef mixture
- A sprinkle of shredded cheese
Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used. Finish with a thick layer of shredded cheese on top.
Step 3 – Bake
Place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
Step 4 – Add Fresh Toppings
Once baked, serve individual portions and top with fresh shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, salsa, and sour cream. Each person can customize their plate just the way they like it.
Tips and Variations
- Spicy Kick: Use hot green chilies or add jalapeños for extra heat.
- Protein Swap: Replace ground beef with ground turkey or shredded chicken for a lighter twist.
- Make It Veggie: Use black beans, corn, and bell peppers instead of meat for a vegetarian-friendly casserole.
- Party Style: Serve straight from the dish with bowls of toppings on the side so everyone can build their own serving.
Calories and Nutrition (Per Serving, approx. 8 servings)
| Ingredient | Calories |
|---|---|
| Ground Beef (1 ½ lbs) | 1,080 |
| Onion (â…“ large) | 15 |
| Green Chilies (1 can) | 25 |
| Enchilada Sauce (1 can) | 110 |
| Cream Cheese (2 oz) | 200 |
| Fritos Corn Chips (1 bag) | 1,600 |
| Shredded Cheese (2 cups) | 800 |
| Lettuce (¾ cup) | 5 |
| Tomato (½ cup) | 15 |
| Salsa (16 oz) | 150 |
| Sour Cream (8 oz) | 450 |
| Total | 4,450 |
| Per Serving (8) | 556 |
Note: Calories are approximate and may vary based on brands and serving sizes.
Final Thoughts
The Walking Taco Casserole is the perfect dish when you’re craving bold Tex-Mex flavors with minimal effort. Crunchy, cheesy, and topped with refreshing veggies, this casserole turns a classic party snack into a hearty meal. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or making a cozy dinner, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit.
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