Description
Walking taco casserole delivers a mouthwatering Mexican-inspired comfort meal packed with zesty flavors and satisfying textures. Crispy tortilla chips layered with seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and fresh toppings create an irresistible dish you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 pound ground chicken, beef, or turkey
Vegetables and Beans:
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 1/2 can Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies)
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 bag Frito corn chips
- 1 can (10 ounces) enchilada sauce
- 2 ounces cream cheese
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican-style blend)
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 350°F (175°C) and coat a 9×13 inch baking dish with light grease to prevent sticking.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground meat over medium heat until completely cooked, incorporating sliced onions midway to develop deeper flavor.
- Introduce Rotel and taco seasoning to the meat, stirring thoroughly and allowing the mixture to simmer approximately 5 minutes until slightly thickened. Add minimal water if the mixture appears dry.
- Create a foundational layer of Frito corn chips across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, reserving some for garnishing later.
- Distribute the seasoned meat and onion mixture evenly over the chip foundation.
- Combine black beans, enchilada sauce, and cream cheese in a separate bowl, ensuring thorough integration of ingredients.
- Pour the bean mixture uniformly across the meat layer, creating a consistent coverage.
- Generously sprinkle shredded cheese over the entire casserole surface.
- Transfer the dish to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese melts completely and develops a golden, bubbly texture.
- After removing from oven, allow casserole to rest briefly for structural stability.
- Optionally crown the casserole with remaining Frito chips for added crunch and textural contrast.
- Serve immediately, accompanied by optional garnishes like sour cream, fresh tomatoes, crisp lettuce, or spicy jalapeños to enhance individual preferences.
Notes
- Customize chip choice by using tortilla chips or corn chips for varied texture and flavor preferences.
- Substitute ground meat with plant-based crumbles or shredded jackfruit for vegetarian adaptation.
- Control spice levels by selecting mild or hot taco seasoning and adjusting Rotel tomato type.
- Prep ahead by cooking meat mixture and assembling casserole in advance, then refrigerate until ready to bake.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 483 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 690 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 31 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg