Walking Taco Casserole
Add Preferred SourceI love making Walking Taco Casserole when I want all those taco flavors in one pan without the mess. Seasoned beef and pasta mix with gooey melted cheddar while black beans add heartiness and salsa keeps everything moist. Cool lettuce and creamy sour cream on top balance the warm, cheesy casserole perfectly.
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I make it for weeknight dinners when I need something quick, game day parties, and potlucks because it travels well and holds its heat. You can prep it ahead and bake when you’re ready to eat. It stays fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days or freezes for up to 3 months and reheats beautifully in the oven or microwave without drying out.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll need all the ingredients shown in the photograph below.
How to Make Walking Taco Casserole with Step-By-Step Instructions
Scroll down for the full recipe card containing a full printable recipe and measurements in both US customary and metric units.
In under 30 minutes, you’ll have a layered, filling, and cheesy casserole that’ll have you coming back for seconds.
Prep the Oven and Pasta
Preheat your oven to 350°F/180ºC and bring a large stock pot of salted water to a boil. Boil the pasta 2-3 minutes short of the cooking time indicated on the package so it doesn’t get mushy when it bakes. Drain in a pasta strainer and reserve.
Brown and Season the Beef
Heat a nonstick skillet to medium-high and brown the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon or a meat chopper as it cooks.
Drain any excess fat so your beef isn’t too oily. You can use a grease container with a fine mesh strainer, which is also great for saving the fat for other recipes.
Stir in the diced onion, minced garlic, taco seasoning, salt, and pepper, and cook for 5-7 more minutes until the onion softens and the spices coat the meat.
Combine the Beef and Pasta
Transfer the seasoned meat to a large mixing bowl and combine it with the drained pasta, half of the cheddar cheese, and red salsa. The cheese will start to melt from the heat of the beef and pasta.
SERIOUSLY GOOD
CASSEROLES
37 EASY RECIPES designed for days when you want one dish to do all the work for you. Expect rich, mouthwatering layers that are just begging to be on your dinner table.
Immediate eBook download. No physical book available.
∙ French Toast Casserole
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Layer in a Dish and Bake
Grease a casserole dish and transfer the beef and pasta mixture. Spread it evenly across the bottom using a silicone spatula. Top with an even layer of black beans, then sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
Bake for 15 minutes, or until the cheese melts and the casserole is bubbly around the edges. The cheese on top should be melted and starting to brown in spots.
Add Your Favorite Toppings
Top each serving with shredded lettuce, Pico de Gallo, and a drizzle of sour cream. The cool toppings balance the hot, cheesy casserole underneath.
Serve and enjoy!
Walking Taco Casserole travels well to potlucks, game day parties, and family gatherings. Keep it warm by wrapping the baking dish in aluminum foil and then a thick towel and transport it in an insulated casserole carrier to hold the heat for up to an hour.
Pack the toppings separately in small containers or in a bento-box container, and let everyone add their own lettuce, Pico de Gallo, and sour cream when serving.
Equipment
- Casserole dish 9×13
Ingredients
- 15 ounces ground beef
- ½ onion diced
- 1 garlic clove minced
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- salt and pepper
- 3 cups short pasta
- 1 ½ cups red salsa
- 1 cup black beans
- 2 cups Cheddar cheese
- Shredded lettuce for toppings
- pico de gallo for toppings
- sour cream for toppings
Video
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F/180ºC.
- Bring a pot of salted water to boil and boil the pasta 2-3 minutes short of the time indicated in the package. Reserve.3 cups short pasta
- Heat a non-stick skillet to medium-high and brown the ground beef — drain any excess fat. Add the onion, garlic, taco seasoning, salt, and pepper, and cook for 5-7 more minutes.15 ounces ground beef, ½ onion, 1 garlic clove, 2 tablespoons taco seasoning, salt and pepper
- Transfer the meat to a bowl and combine with the pasta and half of the cheese.2 cups Cheddar cheese
- Grease a baking pan and transfer the mixture. Top with a layer of beans and a layer of salsa. Top with the rest of the cheese.1 ½ cups red salsa, 1 cup black beans
- Bake for 15 minutes, or until bubbly.
- Top with shredded lettuce, sour cream and pico de gallo.Shredded lettuce
Notes
Nutrition
SERIOUSLY GOOD
CASSEROLES
37 EASY RECIPES designed for days when you want one dish to do all the work for you. Expect rich, mouthwatering layers that are just begging to be on your dinner table.
Immediate eBook download. No physical book available.
∙ French Toast Casserole
∙ Crack Chicken Casserole
∙ Four Cheese Ravioli Casserole
∙ Ratatouille Casserole
∙ Sweet Potato Casserole
...and much more!
Includes ad-free recipes like:
How to Store Leftovers
Store leftover Walking Taco Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or the whole dish covered with foil in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
For freezer storage, wrap the baking dish tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or transfer portions to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
The pasta might absorb some liquid when frozen, so add a splash of salsa or water when reheating to keep it from drying out.
What to Serve With Walking Taco Casserole
It’s filling on its own, but serve it with tortilla chips, Fritos corn chips, or Doritos on the side for scooping. A simple side salad or Mexican street corn adds freshness and balances the richness of the cheese.
You can also set out extra toppings like sliced jalapenos, green chilis, hot sauce, diced tomatoes, or cilantro so everyone can customize their plate. If you’re feeding kids, keep a bowl of plain shredded cheese and mild salsa available for those who prefer less spice.
For drinks, iced tea, limeade, or cold beer pairs well with the taco flavors. Refried beans, Spanish rice, or guacamole also make great sides.
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