🌮 Walking Taco Bake
Walking Taco Bake is a fun, deconstructed taco casserole that’s easy to make and perfect for weeknight dinners or potluck-style meals. It layers seasoned taco meat, corn, beans, cheese, and crushed tortilla chips into a baked dish, giving all the flavors of a walking taco without the bag.
🥄 Ingredients (Serves 6–8)
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade blend)
- 1 cup canned corn, drained
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
- 2 cups crushed tortilla chips (or Doritos for extra flavor)
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- Optional toppings: sour cream, salsa, chopped green onions, jalapeños, avocado
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Cook meat:
In a large skillet, cook ground beef and onion over medium heat until beef is browned. Drain excess fat.
Add garlic and taco seasoning with a splash of water; simmer 2–3 minutes.
2️⃣ Assemble casserole:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a 9×13-inch baking dish, layer:
- Crushed tortilla chips
- Cooked taco meat mixture
- Corn, black beans, and diced tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheese
3️⃣ Bake:
Bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes until heated through and cheese is melted.
4️⃣ Add final toppings:
Sprinkle remaining cheese on top and bake 2–3 minutes more if desired.
Serve warm with sour cream, salsa, avocado, or green onions.
🌟 Tips for the Best Walking Taco Bake
- Crispy base: Layer chips right before adding meat to retain some crunch.
- Cheese: Mix in some cheese with the meat for extra gooeyness.
- Make ahead: Assemble casserole, cover, and refrigerate for a few hours; bake when ready.
- Variations: Add cooked rice or quinoa for extra bulk, or use ground chicken for a lighter version.
I can also provide:
- 🌶️ Spicy Walking Taco Bake with jalapeños
- 🥑 Vegetarian Walking Taco Bake with beans & corn
- 🥩 Walking Taco Bake with seasoned steak
- 🥘 Slow-cooker Walking Taco version
Do you want the slow-cooker version?
