Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
Drain any excess grease.
Add the taco seasoning and garlic powder. Stir well and cook for another minute or two so the beef absorbs all the seasoning.
Step 2: Add the Beans and Corn
Stir the drained black beans and corn into the seasoned beef.
Add the diced green chiles if using them.
Mix everything together and cook for another 2–3 minutes until heated through.
For a saucier casserole, stir in the enchilada sauce or a little extra salsa.
Step 3: Build the Casserole
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Spread a layer of lightly crushed tortilla chips across the bottom.
Spoon half of the seasoned beef mixture over the chips.
Add some salsa and sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese.
Repeat with another layer of tortilla chips, the remaining beef mixture, salsa, and cheese.
Step 4: Add the Creamy Topping
Dollop the sour cream over the top or spread it gently across the surface.
Finish with another generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese.
If you prefer extra crunch, reserve some tortilla chips for adding after baking.
Step 5: Bake
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbling around the edges.
Keep an eye on the tortilla chips so they don’t become overly browned.
Step 6: Add Fresh Toppings
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes.
Top with diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, chopped red onion, sliced jalapeños, or fresh cilantro.
Add a few extra crushed tortilla chips just before serving for maximum crunch.
Step 7: Serve
Scoop the casserole onto plates while it is still warm.
Each serving has layers of crunchy tortilla chips, savory taco-seasoned beef, creamy sour cream, beans, corn, salsa, and melted cheese.
This Walking Taco Casserole is especially easy to customize. You can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, add extra vegetables, switch to pepper Jack cheese for more heat, or serve it with guacamole and fresh pico de gallo.
It’s everything you love about a walking taco transformed into a warm, comforting casserole that’s easy to prepare and guaranteed to be a hit at the dinner table. 🌮🧀🥑
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