Description

This Walking Taco Casserole is a fun, easy-to-make dish combining seasoned ground beef, chili beans, and tangy Rotel tomatoes layered with crushed Doritos and shredded cheddar cheese. Baked until bubbly and topped with classic taco garnishes like sour cream, lettuce, and tomatoes, it’s a perfect crowd-pleaser for casual family dinners or game day gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, diced
1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
2/3 cup water
1 can (15 oz) chili beans, undrained
1 can (10 oz) Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies), undrained
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
2 cups crushed Doritos or corn chips (Fritos)

Toppings (Optional)

1 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded lettuce
1 diced tomato
Chopped green onions or cilantro

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready for baking the casserole.
Cook the Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef alongside the diced onion until the beef is browned and the onion softens. Drain any excess grease to keep the dish from being too oily.
Add Flavor: Stir in the taco seasoning packet and 2/3 cup water. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly, enhancing the flavors.
Mix in Beans and Rotel: Add the undrained can of chili beans and Rotel tomatoes with green chilies. Stir well and let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors together.
Layer the Casserole: In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread half of the crushed chips at the bottom. Pour the seasoned beef mixture evenly over the chips. Then sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes, until the cheese has melted and is bubbly.
Top and Serve: Once baked, remove from the oven and top with the remaining crushed chips. Add any desired toppings such as sour cream, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and chopped green onions or cilantro to enhance the flavor and texture.

Notes

Drain excess grease from cooked beef to prevent a greasy casserole.
Use your favorite flavor of Doritos or corn chips for different taste variations.
Toppings are optional but add freshness and creaminess to the casserole.
This dish can be prepared ahead and baked just before serving for convenience.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Casserole
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Mexican-American

Keywords: Walking Taco Casserole, taco casserole, ground beef casserole, easy Mexican casserole, baked taco dish, quick family dinner