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A close-up macro shot of a serving of walking taco casserole. The dish has distinct layers of seasoned beef and melted cheddar, topped with sour cream and fresh cilantro.

Walking Taco Casserole: A Hearty, Home-Cooked Masterpiece

This Walking Taco Casserole is the ultimate easy weeknight dinner! Discover how to create perfect layers of seasoned beef, crunchy corn chips, and melted cheese topped with fresh tomatoes, sour cream, and cilantro for a truly mouth-watering meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Mexican-Inspired
Calories: 550
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil (15ml)
  • 1.5 lbs Lean Ground Beef (680g), 90/10
  • 1 medium Yellow Onion finely diced
  • 2 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1 packet (1 oz) Taco Seasoning (28g)
  • 1 can (10 oz) Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies (280g), undrained
  • 6 cups Corn Chips (approx 170g), like Fritos, divided
  • 2 cups Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese (226g), divided
  • 1 cup Sour Cream for topping
  • 2 Roma Tomatoes diced
  • 3 Green Onions thinly sliced
  • 0.25 cup Fresh Cilantro chopped

Equipment

  • 1 9x13 inch Casserole Dish
  • 1 Large Skillet

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and cook until translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant. Add ground beef, break it apart, and cook until browned. Drain excess grease.
  2. Return skillet to heat. Stir in taco seasoning, then add the can of diced tomatoes with green chilies. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  3. In a 9x13 inch casserole dish, layer half the corn chips (3 cups), the entire beef mixture, 1 cup of cheese, the remaining corn chips (3 cups), and the final cup of cheese.
  4. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
  5. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes. Serve portions topped with sour cream, diced tomatoes, green onions, and fresh cilantro.

Notes

Don't Skip Draining the Beef: Removing the excess fat is key to preventing a greasy casserole.
Freshly Shredded Cheese is Best: Grating your own from a block makes a world of difference in the final texture.
Let It Rest Before Serving: Letting the casserole sit for a few minutes allows the layers to set.
Apply Toppings Just Before Serving: Add the cool, fresh toppings to individual portions right before eating for the best texture.