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Walking Taco Casserole

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This Walking Taco Casserole brings together all the fun of classic walking tacos in a hearty, family-friendly dish! With layers of seasoned beef, crunchy Fritos, gooey cheese, and your favorite toppings, it’s an easy, customizable meal that’s perfect for any weeknight or party.

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Below you will find tips, tricks and helpful hints for making this recipe including step by step instructions with pictures. If you would like to go directly to the recipe, scroll down to the recipe card or tap “Jump to Recipe” at the top of the page.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I stumbled across the walking taco casserole recipe by chance, and it quickly became a go-to in our house. It’s like the fun of walking tacos, but in a big, family-sized dish. You get all the good stuff—seasoned beef, crunchy chips, and a mix of tasty toppings—layered into a casserole that makes the whole house smell amazing.

Using Fritos adds that perfect crunch with gooey melted cheese and seasoned ground beef. It’s super easy to throw together and can be customized to suit everyone’s tastes or dietary needs. Whether you’re planning a cozy family dinner or looking for a crowd-pleaser at your next get-together, this walking taco casserole is a simple, versatile option that fits right into any meal plan.

A serving of Walking Taco Casserole topped with lettuce, tomato, and sour cream.

What is a Walking Taco?

A walking taco is more than just food—it’s a fun and easy way to enjoy all your favorite taco flavors on the go. With chips loaded up with seasoned ground beef, cheese, and classic taco toppings, it’s a hit at parties or gatherings because everyone can grab their own personal, portable snack.

The love for walking tacos is so strong, turning it into a walking taco casserole was a no-brainer! This dish takes everything you love about the original—taco-seasoned beef, cheese, crunchy chips—and bakes it into a hearty, family-sized meal that’s perfect for weeknights. It’s comforting, delicious, and guaranteed to become a go-to favorite.

Ingredients to make a Walking Taco Casserole including beef, chips, taco seasoning, salsa, tomatoes, sour cream, green chiies, onion, lettuce, and cheese.

Ingredients

*Ingredient amounts are located in the recipe card at the end of this post.

  • Lean Ground Beef: I went with 90% lean ground beef to keep things a bit healthier, without losing any of that juicy flavor.
  • Taco seasoning: I made my own taco seasoning—super easy and lets you control the spice but pre-made taco seasoning will work as well.
  • Chopped Onion & Canned Green Chilies: These bring in a nice savory kick with just the right amount of heat.
  • Cream cheese: It adds a creamy twist that balances all the zesty flavors.
  • Fritos Corn Chips: These crunchy corn chips are a must! They bring the salty crunch that makes this casserole pop.
  • Shredded Cheese, Lettuce, & Tomatoes: Toss these on top for some freshness and a burst of color.
  • Sour cream & salsa: Perfect to serve on the side, letting everyone add their favorite finishing touch.

Optional ingredients or substitutions, like gluten-free taco seasoning or ground turkey, make this walking taco casserole recipe versatile, catering to various dietary needs or preferences.

How to Make Walking Taco Casserole

[Step 1] In a skillet cook the chopped onion and ground beef over medium-high heat until no longer pink. Add the green chilies, enchilada sauce, taco seasoning, and cream cheese to the beef, stirring until combined.

Seasoned taco meat in a skillet.

[Step 2] Spray a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick spray and add a layer of Fritos. Top the chips with the meat mixture then sprinkle the shredded cheese on top.

ed with taco beef and shredded cheese in a baking dish.

[Step 3] Bake the casserole at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is melted.

ed with taco beef and shredded cheese in a baking dish.

[Step 4] Remove from the oven and top individual servings with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, salsa, and sour cream.

A serving of Walking Taco Casserole topped with lettuce, tomato, and sour cream.

Optional Topping Ideas

  • Sliced jalapeños for extra heat
  • Diced avocado or guacamole for a creamy touch
  • Black olives for a savory, briny kick
  • Cilantro for a fresh, zesty flavor
  • Pickled onions for a tangy twist
  • Hot sauce to spice things up
  • Corn kernels for a sweet crunch
  • Refried beans for added heartiness
  • Sliced radishes for a crisp, peppery bite
  • Shredded red cabbage for a crunchy, colorful addition
A serving of Walking Taco Casserole topped with lettuce, tomato, and sour cream.

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How to Store Leftovers

Let the casserole cool completely before storing it. Once it’s cool, cover it tightly or transfer it to an airtight container, and it’ll keep in the fridge for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, just reheat it in the oven or microwave, and add fresh toppings afterward.

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A serving of Walking Taco Casserole topped with lettuce, tomato, and sour cream.

Walking Taco Casserole

Yield: 8 Servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

This Walking Taco Casserole brings together all the fun of classic walking tacos in a hearty, family-friendly dish! With layers of seasoned beef, crunchy Fritos, gooey cheese, and your favorite toppings, it's an easy, customizable meal that's perfect for any weeknight or party.

Ingredients

Casserole

  • 1 1/2 Pounds Ground Beef
  • 1 Onion, chopped
  • 1 Can (4 Ounces) Green Chilies
  • 1 /4 Cup Salsa
  • 1/4 Cup Sour Cream
  • 1 Package Taco Seasoning (3 Tablespoons)
  • 1 Bag Fritos Corn Chips
  • 2 Cups Shredded Cheese

Toppings

  • Shredded Lettuce
  • Diced Tomatoes
  • Salsa
  • Sour Cream

Instructions

  1. In a skillet cook the chopped onion and ground beef over medium-high heat until no longer pink. Add the green chilies, salsa, taco seasoning, and sour cream to the beef, stirring until combined.
  2. Spray a 9x13 baking dish with nonstick spray and add a layer of Fritos. Top the chips with the meat mixture then sprinkle the shredded cheese on top.
  3. Bake the casserole at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is melted.
  4. Remove from the oven and top individual servings with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, salsa, and sour cream.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 435Total Fat: 27gSaturated Fat: 12gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 109mgSodium: 1317mgCarbohydrates: 15gFiber: 4gSugar: 7gProtein: 32g

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