- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and onions until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Add garlic, taco seasoning, Rotel tomatoes, beans, and corn. Stir and cook for 2 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Base
- In a bowl, mix cream of cheddar soup and sour cream until smooth.
- Add to the meat mixture and stir until combined.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
- Spread half of the crushed chips in the bottom of the greased baking dish.
- Pour the taco meat mixture over the chips.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top.
- Add the remaining crushed chips over the cheese layer.
Step 4: Bake & Serve
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes.
- Garnish with your favorite taco toppings and serve warm!
Serving & Storage Tips
- Serving: Enjoy warm with a side of salsa, guacamole, or a dollop of sour cream.
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes, or microwave for 1–2 minutes.
- Make-Ahead: Prepare the taco mixture ahead of time and assemble before baking for a quicker meal.
Variations & Customizations
- Spicy Kick: Add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Low-Carb Option: Swap chips for crushed pork rinds or use cauliflower rice.
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute ground beef with black beans, lentils, or plant-based meat.
- Cheesy Upgrade: Mix in cream cheese or Velveeta for extra creaminess.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use different chips?
Yes! Fritos, Doritos (Nacho Cheese or Cool Ranch), or classic tortilla chips work great.
2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble everything except the chips and refrigerate. Add chips just before baking for crunch.
3. How do I prevent soggy chips?
Add the top layer of chips right before serving instead of baking them into the casserole.
4. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Cook the meat and mix everything in a slow cooker, then cook on LOW for 4 hours. Add chips just before serving.
5. Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes! Freeze in an airtight container without the chips for up to 2 months. Add fresh chips when reheating.
Final Thoughts
This Walking Taco Casserole is a fun, easy, and flavorful dish that combines everything you love about tacos in one simple bake. With crunchy chips, melty cheese, and bold taco flavors, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!