Walking Taco Casserole: A Flavor-Packed, Crowd-Pleasing Favorite

Looking for a comforting, cheesy, and effortlessly delicious dinner idea? This Walking Taco Casserole brings all the crave-worthy flavor of your favorite fairground snack — the walking taco — and turns it into a hearty, oven-baked meal the whole family will devour. Layers of seasoned beef, tangy enchilada sauce, gooey cheese, and crunchy Fritos create the ultimate weeknight dinner or party hit.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick & Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes with minimal prep.
Loaded with Flavor: Bold Tex-Mex ingredients in every bite.
Perfect for Families & Gatherings: Everyone builds their own plate with toppings they love.
Highly Customizable: Add your favorite taco toppings and make it your own.

Ingredients & Their Purpose

For the Casserole:

1½ pounds ground beef: The protein-packed foundation of the dish, savory and satisfying.
⅓ large onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and aromatic depth (optional).
1 small can green chilies: Offers mild heat and smoky flavor without overpowering.
1 (10 oz) can enchilada sauce: Coats everything in rich, zesty Tex-Mex flavor.
2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese: Melts into gooey deliciousness that binds the layers.
3–4 cups Fritos corn chips: Add signature crunch and classic walking taco taste.

Optional Toppings:

Sour cream: Adds creamy coolness.
Diced tomatoes: Brightens the dish with freshness.
Shredded lettuce: Adds crunch and balances richness.
Sliced jalapeños: For extra heat if desired.
Salsa or hot sauce: Personalize with your preferred kick.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat & Prep

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or spray with non-stick cooking spray.

2. Cook the Beef Mixture

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until browned and fully cooked (about 6–8 minutes). Drain any excess grease.

Stir in the green chilies and enchilada sauce. Let the mixture simmer for 2–3 minutes to absorb flavor.

3. Assemble the Casserole

Layer 1: Spread half of the Fritos on the bottom of your baking dish.
Layer 2: Spoon the seasoned beef mixture evenly over the chips.
Layer 3: Sprinkle with shredded cheese to cover the meat mixture.
Layer 4: Top with the remaining Fritos for that signature crunch.

4. Bake

Place the dish in the oven and bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.

5. Serve with Toppings

Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Serve with your favorite taco toppings like sour cream, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, jalapeños, and salsa.

Pro Tips for Perfect Walking Taco Casserole

Use lean ground beef (90/10 or better) to avoid excess grease in the dish.
Make it spicy by adding taco seasoning or hot sauce to the meat mixture.
Keep chips crunchy: Add the final Frito layer just before baking to retain maximum crunch.
Prep ahead: Make the beef mixture in advance and assemble before baking.