Walking Taco Casserole – A Fun, Cheesy Tex-Mex Dinner Everyone Loves

If you’re looking for a family-friendly dinner that’s fun, flavorful, and easy to throw together, you’ll love this Walking Taco Casserole. Inspired by the beloved “walking tacos” you find at fairs and football games—where all the taco fixings are loaded into a bag of chips—this version bakes everything into one bubbly, cheesy casserole dish. It’s crunchy, savory, and endlessly customizable, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

This casserole also reminds me of why I love easy weeknight meals. Just like my Cheese Pizza and Blueberry Cottage Cheese Muffins, it’s proof that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. A few pantry staples, some ground beef, and a bag of Fritos are all you need to bring bold Tex-Mex flavors straight to your dinner table.

Why You’ll Love This Walking Taco Casserole

• Quick and simple – Just 30 minutes from start to finish.
• Crowd-pleasing flavor – Layers of seasoned beef, beans, salsa, cheese, and crunchy corn chips.
• Perfect for gatherings – Great for game days, potlucks, or casual family dinners.
• Customizable – Add your favorite taco toppings to make it your own.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 tablespoons neutral oil, such as canola oil
• 1 white onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1 pound 80/20 ground beef
• 3 tablespoons taco seasoning (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 scallion, finely diced
• 1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans
• 1 (10-ounce) can RO*TEL Original Diced Tomatoes and Green Chilies
• 1 cup thick and chunky salsa
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, plus more if needed
• 1 (9-ounce) bag Fritos Corn Chips

For serving (optional)

• Sour cream
• Pickled jalapeños
• Diced scallions
• Shredded lettuce

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 – Cook the aromatics

Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 5 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook another 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 2 – Brown the beef

Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 7–8 minutes. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.

Step 3 – Season and add mix-ins

Stir in the taco seasoning and diced scallion. Mix well to coat the meat. Add the pinto beans (with liquid), RO*TEL tomatoes, and salsa. Let everything simmer for 5 minutes to blend the flavors. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 4 – Layer the casserole

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread half of the Fritos corn chips in the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour the beef and bean mixture evenly over the chips, then sprinkle with cheddar cheese. Top with the remaining Fritos for an extra crunchy layer.

Step 5 – Bake until bubbly

Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbling.

Step 6 – Garnish and serve

Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, then serve with your favorite taco toppings like sour cream, pickled jalapeños, scallions, and shredded lettuce.

Pro Tips for Success

• Use freshly shredded cheese—it melts creamier than pre-packaged.
• Save some chips for topping after baking if you like extra crunch.
• Want to cut the richness? Add corn or bell peppers to the filling.
• For a game-day buffet, serve with a toppings bar so everyone can customize their portion.

Variations

• Chicken walking taco casserole – Swap beef for shredded chicken.
• Vegetarian version – Skip the meat and use black beans and corn.
• Cheesy deluxe – Mix in cream cheese or queso for an even creamier base.
• Spicy kick – Use hot RO*TEL and pepper jack cheese.

Perfect Pairings

This cheesy casserole pairs perfectly with:

• Fresh guacamole and tortilla chips
• A crisp green salad with lime vinaigrette
• Mexican street corn (elote)
• A refreshing margarita or iced tea
• Dessert ideas: Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies or Apple Cider Donut Bread

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Assemble but don’t bake. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding 10–15 minutes.
• Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes.

FAQs

What’s the difference between Frito Pie and Walking Taco Casserole? Frito Pie is usually served in a dish or even straight in the bag, while Walking Taco Casserole is baked in a pan for a bubbly, melty finish.
Can I make this ahead of time? Yes—assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Do I have to use Fritos? No—Doritos or tortilla chips also work well.
Can I make this healthier? Use lean ground turkey, light cheese, and baked tortilla chips.

Nutrition Facts (per serving, 6 servings)

Calories	Protein	Carbs	Fat	Fiber	Sugar
475	24g	37g	27g	5g	6g

Final Thoughts

This Walking Taco Casserole is the ultimate comfort food with a Tex-Mex twist. Easy, cheesy, and fun to customize, it’s perfect for busy weeknights, parties, or game-day feasts. Once you try it, you’ll see why this casserole is a family favorite that’s here to stay.