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Walking Taco Casserole fresh from the oven in a 13x9 baking dish with melted Mexican cheese bubbling over seasoned ground beef, black beans, and crispy Frito corn chips

Walking Taco Casserole

Taco-seasoned ground beef, black beans, Rotel tomatoes, and sour cream baked over crispy Frito corn chips and melted Mexican cheese in one dish. A crowd-pleasing weeknight dinner ready in 40 minutes.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex
Calories: 688

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef 80/20 recommended for best flavor and moisture
  • 1 small white or yellow onion finely chopped
  • 1 oz taco seasoning packet or 2 tablespoons homemade blend
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 15 oz canned black beans drained and rinsed
  • 10 oz Rotel tomatoes with green chiles original variety recommended
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 9.25 oz Frito corn chips classic original Fritos recommended
  • 2 cups Mexican-style shredded cheese cheddar, Monterey Jack, and queso quesadilla blend
  • sliced green onions, sour cream, guacamole, salsa, jalapeƱos optional toppings, added after baking

Equipment

  • 13x9-inch baking dish
  • Large skillet
  • Wooden spoon
  • Aluminum foil
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Cutting board and knife

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 13x9 inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef for 5 to 6 minutes breaking it apart as it cooks. Add finely chopped onion and cook for 3 to 4 more minutes until softened and beef is completely cooked through with no pink remaining. Drain all excess grease from the skillet.
  3. Stir in taco seasoning and water. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to low. Stir in drained black beans, Rotel tomatoes, and sour cream until fully combined. Simmer for 8 to 10 minutes stirring occasionally until the filling is thickened and creamy and holds together on a spoon.
  4. Spread a single even layer of corn chips across the entire bottom of the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese evenly over the chips. Spoon the beef filling over the cheese and spread it to the edges. Sprinkle remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese evenly over the top.
  5. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 5 minutes until cheese is fully melted and casserole is bubbling around the edges.
  6. Remove from oven and immediately scatter fresh corn chips over the top. Add desired toppings such as sour cream, guacamole, sliced green onions, salsa, and jalapeƱos. Serve immediately.

Notes

Always drain excess grease from beef before adding seasoning. Simmer filling until properly thickened before transferring to baking dish. Add fresh chips on top only after baking to preserve crunch. Store fresh chips separately from leftover casserole. Beef mixture can be made up to one day ahead and refrigerated. Assemble with fresh chips and cheese and bake when ready. Freeze beef filling only for up to 3 months without chips or toppings.