Walking Taco Casserole (Mexican Casserole Recipe with Doritos) - Foodess (2024)

What is Walking Taco Casserole (or Walking Taco Bake)?

Ground Beef or Chicken: Cooked and seasoned with taco spices like chili powder, cumin, garlic, and onion powder. I love this chicken taco spice mixture which can be used only any ground meat or poultry.
1. Corn Tortilla Chips: Crushed or broken tortilla chips (I use Doritos, which thrills my kids to no end) are used as a base layer for the casserole, providing a crunchy texture. Frito corn chips are probably the most popular option for walking tacos in general.
2. Refried Beans: Canned or homemade refried beans are spread over the tortilla chips, adding creaminess and flavor.
3. Cheese: Shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese is sprinkled over the beans, providing a gooey, melted layer.
4. Sour Cream: A layer of sour cream adds creaminess and tang to the casserole.
5. Toppings (optional): Diced tomatoes, lettuce, chopped onions, sliced olives, jalapenos, and sour cream are common toppings, similar to those used in traditional walking tacos.

• Oil: Your slick sidekick for sautéing onions and browning beef.
• Onion: This adds some serious flavor backbone.
• Garlic: Bringing a bold kick to your casserole party.
• Lean ground beef: The main event. It’s all about that savory, meaty goodness. I also love it with ground chicken.
Taco seasoning: Borrow this simple homemade Chicken Taco Seasoning, or use storebought (homemade taco seasoning tastes better, though!)
• Refried beans: These provide a creamy, rich layer that sticks everything together.
• Sour cream: Adds a tangy creaminess to balance out those spicy, savory flavors.
• Corn chips: The crunch factor. Plus, who doesn’t love a good chip?
• Cheese: Melted, bubbly, cheesy bliss. Need we say more?
• Optional toppings: Your chance to get creative and customize your dish (see suggestions below).

• Preheat and prep: Fire up your oven and grease your baking dish. Easy start, right?
• Sauté onions: Let the onions hang out in the oil, get golden, and soften. That’s flavor town, right there.
• Add garlic: It’s a quick addition, but it’s all about that depth of flavor.

• Cook the beef: Break it up, stir it in, and let it get nice and brown.
• Layer up: Start with the refried beans, then a layer of chips, followed by the ground beef mixture.
• Spread sour cream: Dollop and spread this tangy creaminess evenly over the meat.

• Cheese time: Sprinkle that glorious cheese all over the top.
• Bake: Let the oven do its thing. Sit back, relax, and maybe do a little happy food dance.
• Cool and serve: Give it a hot minute to cool, then pile on your fave toppings and dig in.

• Straight from the dish: This Walking Taco Casserole is built to be casual. Grab a fork and dive right in! It’s a party in a dish, after all.
• Plate it up: If you’re a fan of the classics, scoop out servings onto plates and add your favorite toppings. The bright colors of the toppings will stand out beautifully against the savory base.
• Taco bar style: Want to get interactive? Set out a spread of toppings and let everyone customize their own plate. It adds a fun twist to the meal and is a sure-shot hit for a party or a family dinner.
• As a taco salad: I personally love big meal salads, so I pile my plate high with all the salad fixin’s and top it with a good scoop of taco casserole.

• Chopped Tomatoes: These add a refreshing, juicy burst to balance out the rich flavors.
• Shredded Lettuce: Lettuce can provide a crunchy texture and a cool, fresh flavor.
• Diced Avocados or Guacamole: They lend a creamy, rich contrast to the other elements.
• Sliced Jalapenos: For those who like it hot, jalapenos can kick the spice level up a notch. Pickled green chiles are also great.
• Sliced Black Olives: They contribute a unique, slightly briny taste.
• Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream can add tanginess and creaminess.
• Salsa or Pico de Gallo: A flavorful salsa or pico de gallo brings a mix of tomatoes, onions, and cilantro to the dish.
• Fresh Cilantro: For those who enjoy its flavor, cilantro can add a touch of fresh brightness.
• Green onions or minced red onion

Mexican Rice: Fluffy and full of flavor, Mexican rice is the perfect companion for the hearty casserole.
• Coleslaw: A crisp, tangy slaw can offer a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the casserole. Try a simple slaw for fish tacos.
Mexican Street Corn Salad: Sweet, smoky, and with a bit of a crunch, grilled Mexican corn is always a crowd-pleaser, especially as esquites (the salad version of elotes).
• Black Bean Salad: For a healthier side, a colorful black bean salad with a tangy dressing works wonders.
Guacamole: Creamy guacamole is a versatile side that also works as an additional topping. Some slices of avocado or avocado crema would also be delicious.
• Pico de Gallo: This fresh salsa can brighten up the flavors and add a pop of color to your plate.

• Prep ahead: Busy day ahead? You can prepare the beef mixture a day before. Simply store it in the fridge and when you’re ready to party, assemble and bake the casserole.
• Leftovers: Leftovers are gold! Store them in the fridge in an airtight container for 3-4 days. It’s perfect for those lazy days when you need a quick meal.
• Freezer friendly: If you’re a plan-ahead kind of person, you’ll be glad to know this casserole can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven when you’re ready to eat. A future fiesta is just a freezer away!
• Reheating: Reheat covered in a 350ºF oven or microwave individual portions.

• Change your protein: Swap out the ground beef and use ground turkey, chicken, or even ground pork for a different flavor profile. Or go plant-based with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian-friendly version.
• Different beans: Not a fan of refried? No problem! You can use black beans, pinto beans, or even kidney beans. The choice is yours!
• Cheese switch: Experiment with different kinds of cheese. Try using Monterey Jack cheese for its mild flavor and good melting properties, Colby for a more pronounced cheese flavor, or even a spicy pepper jack for an extra kick! You can also swap softened cream cheese for sour cream.
• Chip swap: This casserole is versatile enough to work with different types of chips. Use different flavored chips like barbecue or even jalapeño for a twist. Or try a more traditional corn tortilla base!

• Browning the beef: Make sure to brown the beef nicely before adding the seasonings. This caramelization adds a depth of flavor that takes the dish to the next level.
• Layering: An even bake is key for the perfect casserole. Make sure your layers are spread evenly across the dish. You don’t want to end up with a bite that’s all chip and no filling!
• Serving: The casserole will be piping hot and bubbling when it comes out of the oven. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This not only makes it easier to scoop out but also allows the flavors to meld together, improving the overall taste.

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Last Updated on November 3, 2023 by Jennifer Pallian BSc, RD