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Walking Taco Casserole: Walk This Way To Easy Cheesy Goodness

ByShilpa Published:August 14, 2024August 14, 2024

This walking taco casserole is my answer to a fast and flavorful dinner. It’s got everything I love about tacos but in an easy-to-serve casserole form. The seasoned chicken, crunchy chips, and melted cheese always come together perfectly.

Walking taco casserole on a plate and in casserole dish.

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Walking tacos are a classic game-day or party favorite, but let’s face it: they can be messy. This casserole takes all the deliciousness of a walking taco and transforms it into a convenient, family-friendly meal.

With layers of seasoned ground chicken, crunchy tortilla chips, and melted cheese, it’s designed to be a crowd-pleaser. The casserole is baked until everything is perfectly melded together, creating a satisfying and flavorful meal.

Ingredients

Ground Chicken: I prefer using ground chicken for a lighter yet flavorful base. It absorbs the taco seasoning beautifully. If you prefer a richer flavor, you can substitute it with ground beef.

Onion: I use yellow onion for its balanced sweetness and sharpness, which enhances the savory notes of the dish. Finely dicing the onion ensures it cooks down quickly, blending seamlessly with the ground chicken.

Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: This ingredient is a quick way to add both moisture and a hint of heat to the casserole. I use canned diced tomatoes with green chilies to introduce a subtle kick without overwhelming the other flavors.

Black Beans: Black beans bring a hearty texture to the casserole. For this recipe, you can cook dried black beans from scratch or use canned.

Corn: I use canned or frozen corn, depending on what I have on hand. Corn adds a natural sweetness that balances the spice from the taco seasoning and tomatoes.

Tortilla Chips: For the ultimate crunch, I recommend using Fritos or Doritos. They hold up well to the baking process and add a layer of flavor that complements the taco seasoning. Lightly crush them before layering to ensure even coverage.

Taco Seasoning: Store-bought taco seasoning is convenient and works well here. For a more personalized flavor, you can make your own blend with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika.

Cheddar Cheese and Sour Cream: I like sharp cheddar cheese for its bold flavor, which stands out from the other ingredients. Sour cream is perfect for adding a cool, creamy contrast to the warm, spicy casserole.

See the recipe card for the complete list of ingredients and quantities.

Step-by-step Instructions

Sauted ground chicken and onions in a skillet.

Step 1: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground chicken and onion. Cook until the chicken is fully cooked.

Step 2: Add taco seasoning, black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes. Mix well and let it simmer for a few minutes to combine the flavors.

Step 3: Spread a layer of lightly crushed tortilla chips at the bottom of an 8X8-inch casserole dish.

Step 4: Pour the meat and bean mixture over the chips. Spread it evenly using a spatula or back of a spoon.

Sour cream and cheese topping in the casserole dish.

Step 5: Spread the sour cream evenly over the top. Sprinkle with shredded cheese.

Walking taco casserole baked until the cheese melts.

Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven at 350℉ for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Walking taco casserole garnished with lettuce, scallions, and cilantro.

Top the casserole with your favorite toppings and serve warm.

Expert Tips

Let the casserole rest for about 5-10 minutes after baking. This allows the layers to be set and makes it easier to serve neat slices.
This casserole can be assembled a day in advance and refrigerated. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.
Leftover walking taco casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. While the casserole reheats well, the corn chips will lose their crunch. When reheating, you can add fresh corn chips to individual servings.

Serving Suggestions

This hearty walking taco casserole is perfect for a casual weeknight dinner or a fun game-day gathering. Serve it alongside your favorite Mexican-inspired dishes like guacamole, salsa, or refried beans.

Close up of walking taco casserole to show the layers.

More Mexican Recipes

Need a quick and tasty meal idea? Try this Grilled Chicken Black Bean Burrito Bowl recipe! It’s filling, easy to make, and sure to become a new favorite in your dinner rotation.
Craving cheesy, loaded nachos but looking for a vegetarian option? These easy Black Bean Loaded Nachos pack flavor and melty cheese, making them perfect for weeknight dinners or game-day gatherings.
Whip up a batch of ultra-creamy refried black beans in minutes with this Instant Pot recipe! No soaking is necessary, just simple ingredients and easy steps.
Taco ’bout cute! These Mini Chicken Taco Stuffed Peppers are the perfect way to enjoy your favorite meal’s flavors in a fun and bite-sized package. Plus, they’re super easy to make with rotisserie chicken and a few simple ingredients!
Dinnertime dilemma? This Mexican Macaroni Salad is your lifesaver! It’s a vibrant twist on the classic, featuring a lighter, tangier yogurt dressing instead of mayo. Plus, it’s packed with black beans, corn, and a touch of Mexican magic!

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