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Walking Taco Bake

Name: Walking Taco Bake
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 packet taco seasoning; ¼ cup water; 15-ounce can pinto beans or black beans (drained and rinsed); 1½ cups frozen corn; 2 cups freshly-shredded cheddar cheese or Colby Jack cheese (divided); 2 cups Fritos or tortilla chips; Chopped onions (green and/or white); Diced tomatoes; Sliced black olives; Shredded lettuce; Sour cream; Salsa

This Walking Taco Bake is a low-effort dinner ready in 35 minutes. It features seasoned ground beef, beans, corn, melty cheese, and a crunchy corn chip topping. Baked in a 9×13 pan, it uses pantry staples and keeps cleanup light. Great for busy weeknights or casual hosting, and it reheats well.

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Author:

Sara Nelson

Modified:

November 12, 2025

Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 25

Total Time: 35

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A white baking dish filled with taco casserole topped with Fritos, ground beef, corn, beans, shredded cheese, lettuce, diced tomatoes, green onions, and dollops of sour cream. A wooden spoon rests in the dish.

You’ll love this recipe if you like this Johnny Marzetti Casserole and Philly Cheese Steak Casserole.

Walking tacos are usually served in small chip bags for parties or tailgates, but this version turns it into a family-style meal that’s just as fun and far less work. It uses everyday ingredients and comes together fast.

This recipe keeps it simple: brown and season the beef, then move it to the pan and stir in drained beans and frozen corn. Sprinkle most of the cheese on top and bake until hot and bubbly; finish with corn chips or tortilla chips and more cheese for a quick second bake. Let it rest a couple minutes, then add toppings.

Great for busy weeknights, game day, or anytime you want something comforting and hearty with minimal steps.

A plate of Walking Taco Bake, is topped with corn chips, ground beef, beans, shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, green onions, cheese, and sour cream. Bowls of extra cheese and sour cream sit nearby.

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Table of Contents

💛 Why you’ll love this recipe

Ready in 35 minutes from start to finish.
Uses basic ingredients you may already have.
Easy to customize with your favorite taco toppings.
Perfect for feeding a crowd or casual weeknight dinners.

➡️ Ingredients you’ll need

Five bowls containing labeled ingredients of walking taco bake: ground beef, corn, shredded cheese, corn chips, and pinto beans, along with a glass of water and a small bowl of taco seasoning, all arranged on a light surface.

⏲ How to make this walking taco casserole recipe

Oval white ceramic baking dish with ridged handles, lightly greased with a thin layer of oil or butter, on a light-colored surface.

A green-handled skillet filled with cooked, browned ground beef sits on a light surface. A green spatula rests in the pan among the crumbled meat.

An oval white baking dish filled with a bean casserole topped with shredded cheese and crispy bits, on a light-colored surface.

An oval white baking dish filled with a mixture of ground beef, corn, beans, and shredded cheese, placed on a light-colored surface.

An oval white casserole dish filled with a baked casserole topped with shredded cheese and crunchy Fritos chips, set on a light-colored surface.

A white casserole dish filled with a baked Walking Taco Bake topped with melted cheese and corn chips. Nearby are bowls of chopped green onions, salsa, and shredded lettuce on a light surface with a striped towel.

👉 Easy ingredient swaps

Ground Beef: Use ground turkey or ground chicken.
Cheese: Try Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or a Mexican blend if you prefer.
Chips: Fritos or tortilla chips work, or use Doritos (Nacho Cheese or Cool Ranch) for extra flavor — just expect a saltier, bolder topping.

✨ Variations

Add Veggies: Mix in diced bell peppers or onions when cooking the beef.
Spicy Kick: Use spicy taco seasoning or top with jalapeños before baking.
Creamier Texture: Stir in a few spoonfuls of sour cream or cream cheese with the beef mixture before baking.

〰️ How to serve

Rice and beans — Cilantro lime cauliflower rice, Spanish rice, or refried beans.
Salad — Fresh corn salad, simple freen salad with ranch or lime vinaigrette, or creamy cucumber salad.
Sides — Street-style corn off the cob or grilled pineapple.

💬 FAQs

Can I prep this walking taco bake in advance?

Yes. Assemble everything in the baking dish except for the chips and final cheese layer. Cover and refrigerate up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add a few minutes to the initial bake time, then top with chips and cheese at the end.

How long do leftovers last?

Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through or microwave individual portions.

Can I freeze it?

Yes. Let dish cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven at 350°F until hot. Add fresh chips on top before serving to keep that crunch.

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My name is Sara Nelson, and I am the face behind Real Balanced. I am a Mom to two and a proud Wisconsinite. Here, you will find easy and delicious tried-and-true recipes that can often be made in minimal time.