Walking Taco Casserole

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Walking Taco Casserole is everything you love about taco night—hearty ground beef, melted cheese, crunchy chips, and zesty toppings—baked together into one epic dish. It’s the kind of meal that instantly brings the party to the table, full of color, texture, and bold flavors. Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or game-day spreads, this casserole is both easy to make and incredibly satisfying to eat.

What makes this dish irresistible is its layered magic: savory seasoned meat, gooey melted cheddar, crisp tortilla chips, and a bright finish of fresh tomatoes, jalapeños, and cilantro. It’s a fork-and-knife version of your favorite taco in a bag, minus the mess but with all the flavor. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a fun twist on dinner, this casserole delivers comfort and crunch in every bite.

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Ingredients for this Walking Taco Casserole

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1/3 cup water
• 1 cup salsa (any kind you like)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 cups corn chips or tortilla chips
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup sliced jalapeños (fresh or pickled)
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• Sour cream (optional, for serving)
• Shredded lettuce (optional, for topping)

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Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s no longer pink. Break it apart with a spoon as it cooks so it browns evenly. Once fully cooked, drain any excess grease.

Step 2: Add Seasoning and Salsa

Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the cooked beef and pour in the water. Stir to coat the meat evenly and let it simmer for about 3–5 minutes until the mixture thickens. Next, stir in the salsa for extra moisture and flavor.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a layer of crushed chips across the bottom. Spoon the seasoned beef mixture over the chips, spreading it evenly. Top with shredded cheddar cheese, making sure it covers the entire surface.

Step 4: Bake Until Melty

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and melted to golden perfection.

Step 5: Top and Serve

Remove from the oven and immediately top with diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, and chopped cilantro. If you like, add sour cream and shredded lettuce right before serving for that classic taco experience.

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Storage Instructions

To store leftovers, allow the Walking Taco Casserole to cool completely before covering it with plastic wrap or transferring to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.

For longer storage, portion the casserole into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through (about 20–25 minutes), or microwave individual portions for 2–3 minutes, adding fresh toppings afterward to preserve texture and flavor.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per serving (based on 6 servings):

• Calories: 480
• Protein: 25g
• Fat: 29g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 790mg

Note: Nutrition may vary depending on brands and toppings used.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works great and offers a leaner option with just as much flavor.

2. What chips are best for this recipe?

Sturdy corn tortilla chips or Fritos hold up best in baking and provide that satisfying crunch.

3. How can I make this casserole spicier?

Add extra jalapeños, hot salsa, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper to the meat mixture.

4. Can this be made ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the meat mixture in advance and assemble right before baking. For best results, add the chips last to avoid sogginess.

5. Is this gluten-free?

It can be! Just use certified gluten-free taco seasoning and chips.

6. What toppings go well with it?

Sour cream, guacamole, shredded lettuce, diced onions, and hot sauce all work wonderfully.

7. Can I make this vegetarian?

Definitely. Replace the meat with black beans, lentils, or a plant-based ground substitute.

8. What side dishes pair well with this casserole?

Mexican rice, refried beans, or a crisp side salad complement it perfectly.

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