Walking Taco Casserole
A hearty baked casserole combining all your favorite taco elements, including seasoned ground beef, black beans, corn, salsa, and topped with crispy Fritos and gooey cheese.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef You can substitute with ground turkey or plant-based meat.
- 1 packet taco seasoning Homemade seasoning can also be used.
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed Pinto or kidney beans can be used as alternatives.
- 1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend) Dairy-free cheese is an option.
- 1 cup Fritos corn chips You can use gluten-free corn chips.
- 1 cup salsa Fresh pico de gallo can also enhance the flavor.
- ½ cup diced tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded lettuce (for topping)
- to taste sour cream (for serving) Optional toppings include guacamole and jalapeños.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Gather all your ingredients and set out your mixing bowls, measuring cups, and utensils.
Cooking
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add your ground beef and diced onion. Cook until the beef is browned and onions are soft, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in the taco seasoning along with the black beans, corn, and salsa. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything is heated through.
Assembly
- In a large baking dish, start layering: Begin with half of the meat mixture as the base.
- Add half of the shredded cheese and half of the Fritos on top of the meat. Repeat the layers for the second round.
- Sprinkle on the diced tomatoes and add the remaining cheese.
Baking
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Serving
- While the casserole is baking, prepare your toppings: wash and shred your lettuce and prepare any additional toppings like salsa or sour cream.
- Once baked, let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve warm with shredded lettuce and dollops of sour cream.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days. For longer storage, wrap individual portions in foil and freeze, good for up to 3 months.