Walking Taco Casserole Made In Just 25 Minutes

This walking taco casserole is loaded with flavor. It is made with Tex Mex seasoned beef and vegetables, topped with crunchy Doritos, melty cheese, and sour cream. This taco casserole recipe is the ultimate party plate or family dinner, and it’s ready in under 30 minutes!

THE BEST WALKING TACO CASSEROLE

If you love everything about ground beef tacos and the simplicity of casserole recipes, you're going to fall in love with this walking taco casserole!

For the days when you want to prepare something filling and delicious without a lot of effort or time, this walking taco casserole is one of the best things you can make.

And if you’ve never heard of a walking taco before - also known as taco in a bag - it’s basically a crushed-up bag of chips like Fritos corn chips or Doritos mixed with taco ingredients like seasoned beef, vegetables, and cheese. 

This easy taco casserole version has all the flavor and texture of the original walking taco but is even better. It has layers of deliciousness, the Doritos bake up extra crisp in the oven, and the cheese becomes wonderfully gooey and melty.

Gah, I'm getting hungry just thinking about it!

Oh, and if you want another recipe that comes in clutch on Taco Tuesday, you have to give these chicken fajita crunchwraps a try. They are like the ones from Taco Bell, but better! 

Why This Recipe Works

Quick and easy to make. You can have this ground beef taco casserole ready in 25 minutes, and it's effortless to make.

Family favorite. This recipe is always a hit with everyone who tries it, and it makes for the best Taco Tuesday meal.

Simple ingredients. This walking taco bake is made with really basic ingredients, and you might have the majority of them on hand already. 

Easy to customize. You can add any ingredients that you want to make this taco casserole your own. It's so versatile!

Ingredients

I just mentioned the ingredients you need to make this recipe are really simple, and those ingredients are: 

• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 lb lean ground beef 
• 1 ½ tablespoon chili powder
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ cup crushed tomato 
• 10 oz black beans
• 2 cups Doritos
• 3 oz shredded cheddar cheese
• 3 oz shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• Sour cream for topping
• Spring onion for garnish

It may seem like a lot at first glance, but when you look closer, you’ll realize it’s primarily common spices for homemade taco seasoning, veggies, and toppings.

In fact, if you’ve made some of my similar recipes, like this spicy southwest salad or ground turkey casserole, you’re probably already familiar with everything on this list and might have the majority of them at home already!

By the way, if you want to make another version of this casserole recipe without shredded lettuce and tomatoes, check out this Mexican casserole.

How To Make Walking Taco Casserole

1. Prep: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Heat oil in a pan, add the onion to it and cook until it becomes translucent.

2. Cook the beef: Add the lean ground beef, followed by the homemade taco seasoning spices, to the pan and cook the meat breaking it apart until it has browned on all sides.

3. Complete the filling: Add crushed tomatoes and black beans, mix, and cook for another 5 minutes.

4. Assemble and bake: Transfer the taco filling to a casserole dish and top it with Doritos, followed by the shredded cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese. Bake the casserole for 10 minutes until the cheese has melted and is bubbly.

5. Serve: Top the baked casserole with shredded lettuce and diced tomatoes, followed by sour cream and some spring onions or any other toppings you want. Enjoy!

Tips To Make The Best Recipe

• Use Frito corn chips, chili cheese Fritos corn chips, or tortilla chips on top of the casserole for a different flavor.
• Use shredded chicken or ground turkey meat instead of ground beef.
• Swap the spice mix for the taco seasoning of your choice or your own taco seasoning.
• Top the casserole with chopped jalapenos, diced bell peppers, or even cooked rice for different flavors.

How To Store Walking Taco Casserole

In the fridge: Cover the casserole dish with a lid or transfer the casserole to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days.

In the freezer: Freeze the casserole filling an airtight container for up to 4 months. Then thaw in the fridge, assemble the casserole, and bake.

Reheating: Put everything back in a casserole dish and warm in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. Then add any toppings you want and enjoy.

FAQs About This Walking Taco Casserole Recipe

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the casserole a few days ahead of time. Just assemble as instructed, and don't add the shredded cheese or Doritos yet. Then when you're ready to bake, top it with the cheese and Doritos.

Do I have to use Doritos?

No, you can really use any chips that you want. Fritos, corn tortilla chips, flour tortilla chips, or even pork rinds all work great for this recipe. 

More Recipes

• Frito taco casserole
• Broccoli rice casserole
• Crack chicken casserole
• Taco casserole with tortillas
• Burrito casserole
• Enchilada casserole
• Taco casserole with tortilla chips