Description
Cheesy Walking Taco Casserole is a delightful layered dish combining seasoned ground beef, crunchy tortilla chips, black beans, corn, and layers of melted cheddar cheese, topped with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, olives, and green onions. Perfect for easy weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, this casserole infuses the flavors of classic walking tacos into a comforting baked meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup water
- 2 cups tortilla chips, crushed
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn (canned or frozen)
- 1 cup diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 cup sour cream
Toppings
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking.
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess fat to reduce grease.
- Add Seasoning: Stir in the taco seasoning and water into the cooked beef. Allow it to simmer for about 5 minutes until the mixture thickens and flavors meld.
- Prepare Baking Dish: In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread the crushed tortilla chips evenly across the bottom as the base layer.
- Layer Beef Mixture: Evenly spread the seasoned ground beef mixture over the tortilla chip layer in the baking dish.
- Add Beans and Corn: Sprinkle the drained black beans and corn evenly over the beef layer to add texture and flavor.
- Top with Cheese: Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the beans and corn layer to start the cheesy layers.
- Add Tomatoes: Pour the diced tomatoes with green chilies evenly over the cheese layer for a zest and moisture.
- Spread Sour Cream: Use a spatula to spread the sour cream evenly over the tomato layer to add creaminess.
- Final Cheese Layer: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the sour cream layer for a bubbly, golden finish.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top.
- Garnish and Serve: Once out of the oven, allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes. Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced black olives (if using), and chopped green onions before serving to add freshness and color.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
- For a spicier casserole, add jalapeños or hot sauce to the beef mixture.
- Use gluten-free tortilla chips to make this dish gluten-free.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Feel free to add extra toppings like avocado slices or cilantro for added flavor.