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Walking Taco Casserole topped with cheese and lettuce, served in a bowl.

Walking Taco Casserole

A one-pan, family-friendly casserole that combines the flavors of tacos and nachos, perfect for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Mexican
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 pound Ground beef (or ground turkey) Use any ground meat you have.
  • 1 small Onion, diced (optional) Adds flavor to the meat.
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder) Fresh garlic adds more flavor.
  • 1 packet Taco seasoning Or use 2 to 3 tablespoons of homemade.
  • 1 can Diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained a little Rotel or similar brand works well.
  • 1 can Black beans, rinsed and drained For added protein and fiber.
  • 1 cup Corn Can be frozen, canned, or leftover.
  • 2 to 3 cups Crushed tortilla chips Plus a handful extra for topping.
  • 2 cups Shredded cheese Cheddar, Mexican blend, or your favorite.
  • 1/2 cup Sour cream (optional) Makes the casserole creamy.
  • to taste Salt and pepper Adjust according to preference.
Toppings
  • Shredded lettuce For freshness.
  • Diced tomatoes Optional.
  • Salsa For extra flavor.
  • Avocado For creaminess.
  • Jalapenos For spice, if desired.
  • Extra sour cream For topping.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a 9 by 13 baking dish or a deep oven safe skillet.
Cook the Meat
  1. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat. Add onion if using. Break the meat up and cook until it's no longer pink. Drain excess grease.
Add Flavor
  1. Stir in garlic, taco seasoning, diced tomatoes with green chilies, black beans, and corn. Let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes.
Make it Creamy
  1. Turn off the heat and stir in sour cream for extra richness.
Layer and Bake
  1. Spread a layer of crushed tortilla chips in the bottom of your baking dish. Spoon the meat mixture over the chips, then sprinkle cheese on top. Add a handful of crushed chips if desired.
  2. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. Do not overbake to maintain some crunch.

Notes

Thin chips get soft faster; opt for thicker tortilla chips. You can make the meat mixture ahead of time. For a variation, use shredded chicken and green salsa.