Description
This Easy Walking Taco Casserole is a delightful twist on the classic taco, combining seasoned ground beef, black beans, tomatoes with green chiles, and crunchy Fritos corn chips layered with melted Mexican cheese. Baked to perfection, it makes a comforting and quick dinner that’s perfect for families or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Meat and Veggies
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped finely
Seasoning and Mixture
- 1 package taco seasoning
- ½ cup water
- 1 can black beans (15 ounces), drained and rinsed
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chiles (10 ounces)
- ½ cup sour cream
Casserole Components
- 1 bag Fritos corn chips (9.25 ounces)
- 2 cups Mexican-style shredded cheese
Toppings (Optional)
- Green onions, sliced
- Sour cream
- Guacamole
- Salsa
- Jalapenos
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 13×9-inch baking dish by spraying it with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Brown Ground Beef and Onions: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it is almost fully browned. Add the finely chopped onions and continue cooking until the onions are soft and the meat is no longer pink, stirring frequently.
- Add Taco Seasoning and Water: Stir in the taco seasoning package and ½ cup of water. Bring the mixture to a boil to fully incorporate the seasoning.
- Combine Beans, Tomatoes, and Sour Cream: Lower the heat and mix in the drained black beans, diced tomatoes with green chiles, and ½ cup sour cream. Let this simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture heats through and thickens slightly.
- Assemble Casserole: Spread a single layer of Fritos corn chips on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded Mexican cheese evenly over the chips. Add the ground beef mixture as the next layer, then top with the remaining 1 cup shredded cheese.
- Bake: Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the casserole is bubbly around the edges.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven. Top with additional corn chips and your favorite garnishes such as sliced green onions, sour cream, guacamole, salsa, and jalapenos before serving.
Notes
- For extra crunch, add the corn chips as a topping right before serving rather than baking them inside.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Adjust the spice level by choosing mild, medium, or hot taco seasoning.
- If you prefer, use a low-fat sour cream to reduce calories.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.