​Walking Taco Casserole

All you need for this Walking Taco Casserole are some Fritos, taco meat, and a trip down memory lane! Enjoy this delicious, high-protein casserole with your family today.

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What are walking tacos?

Walking tacos are the epitome of an easy Midwestern meal. You take a snack sized back of Fritos and add taco meat, cheese, beans, and other toppings. Then you use a fork to eat the "taco" out of the bag. Hence the 'walking' part - armed with just a bag of Fritos and a fork, you're free to move easily around while you eat your dinner! I've been a fan of walking tacos ever since I first experienced them at my first sleep away camp as a kid! 

I've heard of people enjoying walking tacos at campsites, football tailgates, and middle school lunch! You may also know this meal by a different name - it is also known as a 'frito pie'. No matter what you call it, you can't deny this recipe is simple, easy, and delicious! The entire family is going to love this easy taco casserole.

Walking Taco Casserole

This Walking Taco Casserole is perfect for Taco Tuesday, Cinco de Mayo, or an easy weeknight meal. With all the reminiscent flavors of a classic walking taco, this casserole version is so tasty and filling. The simple ingredients make this a great choice when you need a quick meal to throw together. 

Most of these ingredients can probably be found right now in your own pantry! In just 30 minutes, this delicious casserole will be ready for you to dig in! No individual bags of chips required. 

Walking taco casserole recipe ingredients

Gather all of these pantry essentials to make this delicious walking taco bake. 

• lean ground beef
• taco seasoning
• onion
• black beans
• corn
• Fritos
• cheddar cheese 
• salsa 
• optional toppings: green onions, greek yogurt, jalapeños

How to make a walking taco casserole

​Follow these simple instructions to a great weeknight dinner. 

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
• Spray a 9x13 baking dish with cooking grease and set aside.
• Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Spray with cooking spray. Add onion and ground beef.
• Cook onion and ground beef until beef is brown and cooked through. Drain excess grease. Cut the heat. Add taco seasoning and mix well.
• Add in corn, black beans, and salsa to the skillet. Mix.
• Pour the taco meat mixture into the casserole dish.
• Top the casserole with Fritos and shredded cheese.
• Bake for 15-20 minutes or until cheese is melted.
• Note: If making for meal prep, wait to add Fritos on top until meal time to avoid soggy Fritos.

Walking taco casserole substitution ideas

There are so many substitution ideas for this walking taco casserole! Choose what works best for you and let me know how it turns out!

• Ground beef: I use 93% lean ground beef in this recipe, but you could substitute any ground meat you have on hand. Ground chicken or ground turkey would work just fine, too.
• Taco seasoning: I use a low-sodium packet from the store, but making your own homemade taco seasoning is both quick and easy.
• Black beans: Black beans are my favorite, but pinto beans, kidney beans, refried beans would all taste great. 
• Cheddar cheese: Use whatever shredded cheese you have! Colby jack, monterey jack, or a Mexican blend cheese are all yummy choices.
• Toppings: Calling all of your favorite toppings! Green onions, greek yogurt, jalapeños, shredded lettuce, pico de gallo, sour cream! Even adding some enchilada sauce into the casserole and then drizzled on top before baking sounds absolutely delicious! 

How long does a walking taco casserole last in the fridge?

This delicious walking taco casserole will last in the fridge for up to five days. Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and place in the fridge. Alternatively, you could transfer the leftovers to an airtight container in the fridge. 

When it's time to warm up your casserole, cover and place in the microwave. Heat in 1 minute increments until you've reached your optimal temperature. If you want to heat the leftovers in the oven in the original casserole dish, I'd start with 350 degrees for 10 minutes. 

How to meal prep this recipe

This family favorite is a great one to add to your meal prep recipe rotation. Simply make the casserole according to the instructions and then separate evenly into six airtight containers. You're all set for a week of walking taco casserole! 

You could also make this recipe in an aluminum baking dish and then freeze before cooking. It will be there and ready for you when you need a quick meal on a busy weeknight, or a meal to drop off at someone's house. Simply remove the casserole from the freezer, let it sit out while the oven warms, and place in the oven for cooking!

What goes well with a walking taco casserole

​I've listed out some of my favorite taco toppings below. In addition, tortilla chips, a simple salad, or fresh fruit would be tasty side dishes!

• Green onions
• Greek yogurt
• Jalapeños
• Shredded lettuce
• Pico de gallo
• Sour cream

How healthy is a walking taco casserole?

Healthy is a subjective term and totally depends on you, your body and your health goals! This casserole has 24 grams of protein to help keep you full.

It has beans and corn to supplement your body with fiber. The cheese provides you with essential fats that help build muscle and keep your body functioning. 

Other delicious casserole ideas

There are an abundance of casseroles here at Jordo's World. Here are just a few of my favorites:

• Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe
• Mexican Tater Tot Casserole
• Best Buffalo Chicken Casserole Recipe
• Easy Crock Pot Cinnamon Roll Casserole