Bold, comforting, and unapologetically flavorful, Walking Taco Casserole brings all the fun of a street-style taco into one irresistible baked dish.
Each bite blends creamy, cheesy, and crunchy textures with a Tex-Mex kick.
This easy weeknight favorite layers seasoned beef, enchilada sauce, and crispy corn chips with melty cheese and fresh toppings, making it a crowd-pleasing dinner or game-day hit.
The Flavor Makers Behind This Walking Taco Casserole
Ground beef – The savory base of the dish, perfectly seasoned and satisfying in every layered bite.
Fritos corn chips – Crunchy, salty, and nostalgic, they add texture and signature taco-in-a-bag flavor.
Green chilies – Mellow heat and a slight tang that gives the casserole its Tex-Mex personality.
Enchilada sauce – A bold, saucy layer that brings depth and binds the filling with a rich, spiced flavor.
Cream cheese – Adds velvety creaminess to the beef mixture, creating a luxurious, savory finish.
Shredded cheese – Melts to golden perfection over the top, bringing a gooey, comforting element.
Salsa – Fresh, zesty, and just the right amount of spice to brighten each bite.
Sour cream – Cools the dish and adds a creamy tang, making each mouthful complete.
Shredded lettuce & diced tomatoes – Fresh toppings that contrast the warm casserole with crunch and brightness.
Onion – Cooked into the beef, it builds the aromatic base of this dish with a mild bite.
How to Build This Casserole Dream
Start by browning your ground beef with finely chopped onion until deeply savory and tender. Stir in green chilies, enchilada sauce, and cream cheese for a rich, creamy layer that infuses every bite.
In your baking dish, layer the magic: a bed of Fritos, followed by that hot and melty beef mixture, and a generous sprinkle of shredded cheese. Repeat the layers if you’re craving extra indulgence.
Bake it to golden, bubbling perfection in the oven. Then, pile on the fresh toppings — salsa, lettuce, tomato, and sour cream — for the ultimate walking taco experience in casserole form.
Kitchen Tips & Tasty Twists
To switch things up, try swapping ground beef for shredded rotisserie chicken or spicy chorizo.
Want it vegetarian?
Sub in black beans and corn with extra cheese. Add jalapeños for more kick, or drizzle hot sauce before serving for those who love heat.
Using a thicker, chunkier salsa brings more texture, while flavored Fritos (like chili cheese) give the base an extra punch. For a crispier top layer, broil for a minute or two at the end of baking.
Keeping It Fresh: Storing and Reheating Tips
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To keep that signature crunch, reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes rather than microwaving.
If freezing, assemble the casserole without fresh toppings and store in a freezer-safe dish for up to a month. Thaw overnight before baking and top fresh right before serving for best results.
Walking Taco Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 bag Fritos corn chips
- 1 can green chilies small can
- 1/3 large onion finely chopped
- 2 ounces cream cheese
- 1 bag shredded cheese
- 16 ounces salsa
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 3/4 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 can enchilada sauce
- 8 ounces sour cream
- 1/2 cup diced fresh tomato
Instructions
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef together with the chopped onion over medium heat until fully cooked.
- Stir in the green chilies, enchilada sauce, and cream cheese, allowing the mixture to melt and combine thoroughly.
- In a 9×13-inch baking dish, create layers starting with a base of Fritos corn chips, followed by the seasoned meat mixture, and then a generous sprinkle of shredded cheese. Repeat the layers if desired.
- Place the dish in a preheated oven at 350°F and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and is bubbling.
- Upon serving, garnish each portion with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, salsa, and a dollop of sour cream according to preference.