Walking Taco Casserole
Layers of seasoned ground beef, corn chips, and melted cheese come together in this easy baked casserole.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef 450 g
- 1 small yellow onion chopped
- 1 packet taco seasoning (28 g) 1-ounce
- 1/2 cup water 120 ml
- 1 can black beans rinsed and drained (425 g), 15-ounce
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chiles undrained (280 g), 10-ounce
- 1/2 cup sour cream 120 g
- 1 bag corn chips (approx. 260 g) divided, 9.25-ounce
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend divided, 8 oz / 225 g
- Optional toppings: sliced green onions salsa, guacamole, jalapeños
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 13x9-inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is browned and the onion is soft, about 5-7 minutes. Drain off any excess fat.
- Stir in the taco seasoning and water. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Add the rinsed black beans and the undrained can of diced tomatoes with green chiles.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the sour cream until well combined. Let the mixture cook for 5-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it has thickened slightly.
- Spread about half of the corn chips in an even layer on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Top with 1 cup of the shredded cheese.
- Pour the beef mixture evenly over the cheese and chips. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese over the top.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and the casserole is bubbly around the edges. The internal temperature of the ground beef mixture should reach 160°F (71°C).
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Top with the remaining corn chips and your desired toppings before serving.
Notes
Food Safety: Ensure the casserole is cooked through by checking that the internal temperature of the ground beef filling reaches at least 160°F (71°C) with a food thermometer.
Cheese: If you don't have a Mexican blend, shredded cheddar, Colby Jack, or Monterey Jack cheese all work well.
Adjusting Spice: For a milder casserole, use a can of plain petite diced tomatoes instead of tomatoes with green chiles. For more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper with the taco seasoning.
Corn Chips: Adding the final layer of chips just before serving keeps them crunchy.