Walking Taco Casserole
This walking taco casserole is an easy 30-minute dinner packed with huge taco flavor. Simple ingredients and smart tips keep it from getting soggy, making it perfect for busy nights or feeding a crowd.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs ground beef
- 1 small onion (finely diced)
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 10 oz Rotel tomatoes & green chilies
- 2 packs taco seasoning
- 9.25 oz corn chips
- 8 oz shredded fiesta blend cheese
Optional Toppings
- shredded lettuce
- diced tomato
- sour cream
- sliced black olives
- avocado/guacamole
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain well to prevent excess moisture. Add the diced onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until softened.
- Add the cream cheese, Rotel (do not drain), and taco seasoning. Stir until melted and combined. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes to thicken slightly. Do not add extra water, even if the seasoning packet suggests it.
- Transfer the meat mixture to an 8x8 or 7x11-inch baking dish and spread evenly. Top with corn chips, keeping them loosely layered instead of pressing them in. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top.
- Bake at 350 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and heated through. Avoid overbaking, which can make the chips too soft.
- Let sit for about 5 minutes before serving so it sets slightly. Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomato, and sour cream just before serving.
Notes
- Drain the ground beef well after browning to prevent excess grease and soggy chips
- Let the filling simmer and thicken for a few minutes before layering
- Do not add extra water with the taco seasoning, even if the packet suggests it
- Layer chips on top, not mixed in, to help keep some texture
- Do not press the chips down into the filling when assembling
- Bake just until the cheese is melted, about 8 to 10 minutes, to avoid soft chips
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving so it sets up and scoops more easily
- Add toppings like lettuce, tomato, and sour cream right before serving
- Fritos = best texture, Doritos = more flavor but softer
- For make-ahead, prep the meat mixture ahead and add chips and cheese before baking
- Reheat in the oven for the best texture, or add fresh chips when serving
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 693kcalCarbohydrates: 33gProtein: 37gFat: 46gSaturated Fat: 16gPolyunsaturated Fat: 8gMonounsaturated Fat: 17gTrans Fat: 2gCholesterol: 115mgSodium: 835mgPotassium: 619mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 362IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 423mgIron: 3mg
