The Walking Taco Casserole also solves the practical challenges of serving individual walking tacos to a group. Instead of juggling multiple bags and toppings, everything comes together in one dish that can be served hot and fresh from the oven. It’s a time-saver that doesn’t compromise on the fun factor that makes walking tacos so popular in the first place.

Storage Options

• Refrigerator: Store base mixture up to 3 days
• Freezer: Base mixture can be frozen up to 2 months
• Best served: Fresh and hot
• Make ahead: Prepare meat mixture in advance
• Note: Add chips and toppings just before serving

Summary

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 8-10
• Difficulty Level: Easy

Equipment

• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Large skillet
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Can opener
• Cheese grater
• Aluminum foil
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife

Ingredients

For the Base:

• 2 lbs ground beef
• 2 packets taco seasoning
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup corn kernels
• 1 onion, diced

For Assembly:

• 2 bags (9.25 oz each) Doritos or corn chips, slightly crushed
• 3 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
• 2 cups shredded lettuce
• 2 diced tomatoes
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 diced avocado
• Sliced black olives
• Chopped cilantro
• Lime wedges

Instructions

1. Prepare the base:
   • Preheat oven to 350°F
   • Brown ground beef with diced onion
   • Drain excess fat
   • Add taco seasoning and prepare according to package
2. Build the mixture:
   • Stir in black beans
   • Add diced tomatoes with juice
   • Mix in corn kernels
   • Simmer for 5 minutes
3. Layer the casserole:
   • Spread half the crushed chips in baking dish
   • Top with meat mixture
   • Sprinkle with half the cheese
   • Add remaining chips
   • Top with remaining cheese
4. Bake:
   • Cover with foil
   • Bake for 20 minutes
   • Remove foil
   • Bake additional 5 minutes until cheese melts
5. Add toppings:
   • Let rest 5 minutes
   • Top with lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream
   • Add avocado, olives, and cilantro
   • Serve with lime wedges

Notes

• Keep chips slightly crushed, not pulverized
• Don’t add toppings until ready to serve
• Can substitute ground turkey for beef
• Add jalapeños for extra heat
• Use different chip flavors for variety
• Make it vegetarian with extra beans and corn
• Prepare meat mixture day ahead if desired
• Set up topping bar for customization
• Leftovers won’t retain chip crunch
• Great for potlucks and game day
• Can be made in disposable aluminum pan