By Dr. Leah Alexander | Published on June 13, 2023 | Last Updated on March 13, 2024
The Walking Taco casserole with enchilada sauce is a flavorful and delicious dish that combines classic Mexican flavors of beef, enchilada sauce, and Fritos.
The hearty base of ground beef is simmered in a creamy enchilada sauce and topped with crunchy Fritos before being covered in cheese and baked until golden brown.
This casserole can be served on its own or with a variety of garnishes such as lettuce, cilantro, tomatoes, sour cream, and jalapeños.
Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a dish to wow your guests at your next gathering, the Walking Taco Casserole with enchilada sauce is sure to be a hit!
What does it taste like?
The Walking Taco Casserole with enchilada sauce has the classic flavors of Mexican cuisine. The base of ground beef and creamy enchilada sauce provides a savory and slightly spicy flavor, while the Fritos add a crunchy texture to the dish. The melted cheese brings everything together and provides a rich flavor.
The taco seasoning, smoked paprika, and granulated garlic provide a traditional taco flavor that is sure to satisfy. The red enchilada sauce adds a punch of flavor that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
Overall, the Walking Taco Casserole with enchilada sauce delivers a delicious and satisfying meal that is sure to be enjoyed by all who try it!
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How did I first get introduced to the Walking taco casserole recipe with enchilada sauce?
I first tried the Walking Taco Casserole with enchilada sauce at a dinner party hosted by my friends. They had made the casserole for the occasion and it was an instant hit! Everyone loved the flavors of the dish and there were no leftovers by the end of the night. It was a great way to introduce me to this delicious Mexican-inspired recipe.
I asked her about the dish and she was happy to share the recipe with me. After making it a few times, I perfected the recipe and now I make this casserole for all of my gatherings!
All my friends and family love it and I am always asked to make it for special occasions. That’s why I’ve decided to share this with you so you can make it for your next gathering and bring the flavors of Mexico to your table.
How to make a Walking taco casserole recipe with enchilada sauce?
Making, Walking taco casserole recipe with enchilada sauce is pretty easy. The key here is that you need to focus on the quality of your ingredients. If you invest in quality beef, enchilada sauce and Fritos, you will end up with a delicious meal.
Ingredients
- Olive oil – a healthy cooking oil that adds flavor to the dish.
- Ground beef – a staple of many dishes, ground beef provides a hearty flavor and texture.
- Onion – diced onion adds an extra layer of flavor to this dish.
- Salt – for seasoning.
- White rice – a classic side dish that adds texture and nutrition.
- Taco seasoning – gives the beef a spicy kick.
- Smoked paprika – adds a smoky flavor and vibrant color to the dish.
- Granulated garlic – offers an extra layer of garlic flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Red enchilada sauce – adds a rich tomato flavor and color to the dish.
- Beef broth – adds additional depth of flavor to the dish.
- Mild green chiles – give the dish an extra kick of spice without overwhelming it.
- Sour cream – provides a cool, creamy element to contrast against the warm ingredients.
- Fritos – adds crunch and texture to the dish.
- Colby jack, shredded – provides a creamy flavor with hints of sharpness that compliment the other ingredients.
- Garnish – add color and extra flavor to your dish. Options include lettuce, cilantro, tomato, sour cream
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (177 C).
Step 2
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and onion and season with salt, taco seasoning, smoked paprika, and granulated garlic. Cook until beef is browned and onions are softened about 5 minutes.
Step 3
Add the red enchilada sauce, beef broth, mild green chiles, and white rice to the skillet and stir until combined. Bring mixture to a simmer and let cook for 12-15 minutes or until most of the liquid has been absorbed by the rice. Then turn off the heat and gently stir in sour cream until combined.
Step 4
Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and spread the Fritos evenly over the bottom. Pour the beef and rice mixture into the baking dish, spreading it evenly over the Fritos. Sprinkle with shredded cheese and cover with foil.
Step 5
Bake for 20 minutes covered, then remove foil and bake for 10-15 more minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 6
Serve casserole with desired garnishes (lettuce, cilantro, tomatoes, sour cream, jalapeños).
Tips
• Leftover taco casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for 1 month.
• To reheat, place the desired portion in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or until heated through.
• For a vegan option, swap out the ground beef for crumbled tofu and the beef broth for vegetable broth.
Walking Taco Casserole Recipe With Enchilada Sauce
Equipment
- large skillet
- baking
- dishfoil
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef*
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup white rice
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
- 1 ¾ cup (15 ounces) red enchilada sauce
- 2 cups beef broth*
- 1 can (7 ounces) mild green chiles
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2-3 cups fritos
- 8 ounces colby jack, shredded
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (177 C).
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and onion and season with salt, taco seasoning, smoked paprika, and granulated garlic. Cook until beef is browned and onions are softened about 5 minutes.
- Add the red enchilada sauce, beef broth, mild green chiles, and white rice to the skillet and stir until combined. Bring mixture to a simmer and let cook for 12-15 minutes or until most of the liquid has been absorbed by the rice. Then turn off the heat and gently stir in sour cream until combined.
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and spread the Fritos evenly over the bottom. Pour the beef and rice mixture into the baking dish, spreading it evenly over the Fritos. Sprinkle with shredded cheese and cover with foil.
- Bake for 20 minutes covered, then remove foil and bake for 10-15 more minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve casserole with desired garnishes (lettuce, cilantro, tomatoes, sour cream, jalapeños).
Notes
- Leftover taco casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for 1 month.
- To reheat, place the desired portion in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or until heated through.
- For a vegan option, swap out the ground beef for crumbled tofu and the beef broth for vegetable broth.
Nutrition Information
One serving of Walking Taco Casserole with Enchilada Sauce provides approximately: 752kcal | Carbohydrates: 59g | Protein: 29g | Fat: 44g | Saturated Fat: 18g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 17g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 100mg | Sodium: 2394mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 9g
What to serve with the Walking taco casserole recipe with enchilada sauce?
The Walking Taco Casserole with enchilada sauce is a very versatile dish. It can be served as is or you can add some extra toppings such as lettuce, cilantro, tomatoes, sour cream, and jalapeños for an additional flavor kick.
You could also serve it alongside some Mexican-inspired dishes such as refried beans, Mexican rice, or guacamole. Alternatively, if you are looking for a meal for a crowd, this dish pairs well with simple side dishes such as green salad, roasted potatoes, and baked cornbread.
How to store leftover Walking taco casserole recipe with enchilada sauce?
You can store leftover Walking Taco Casserole with enchilada sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for 1 month. To, place the desired portion in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or until heated through.
For best results when reheating, cover the dish with a damp paper towel before placing it in the microwave. This will help keep the dish moist and prevent it from drying out. When storing leftovers, make sure to cool the casserole completely before refrigerating or freezing to ensure optimal food safety practices.
Can pregnant women eat this?
Yes, pregnant women can eat Walking Taco Casserole with Enchilada Sauce. This dish is prepared with ingredients that are generally considered safe for pregnant women to consume, such as ground beef, enchilada sauce, Fritos, cheese and various seasonings.
As with any meal consumed during pregnancy, pregnant women should ensure all ingredients in this dish are cooked thoroughly and the casserole is stored properly. Pregnant women should also consult with their healthcare provider if they have any concerns about consuming this meal.
As with any meal, Walking Taco Casserole with Enchilada Sauce should be enjoyed in moderation as part of an overall healthy eating pattern.
FAQs
Can the Walking Taco Casserole with Enchilada Sauce be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the Walking Taco Casserole with Enchilada Sauce ahead of time. To do this, simply prepare the recipe as directed and assemble in a baking dish. Cover the dish with foil or a lid and store it in the refrigerator. When you are ready to cook, simply preheat your oven and bake as directed. This will help save time on busy days!
What other toppings can I add to the Walking Taco Casserole with Enchilada Sauce?
The Walking Taco Casserole with Enchilada Sauce is very versatile and can easily be customized with your favorite toppings. Some delicious ideas include lettuce, cilantro, tomatoes, sour cream, jalapeños, diced onions, olives, and avocado slices. You could also add some extra protein such as cooked chicken or shrimp to make it a more complete meal.
Can the Walking Taco Casserole with Enchilada Sauce be served cold?
Yes, the Walking Taco Casserole with Enchilada Sauce can be served cold. In fact, some people prefer to serve it as a taco salad by layering all of the ingredients on top of a bed of lettuce or other greens. This makes for a delicious, light meal that is great for summer days!
Can the Walking Taco Casserole with Enchilada Sauce be made vegan?
Yes, the Walking Taco Casserole with Enchilada Sauce can easily be made vegan-friendly by substituting ground beef for plant-based proteins such as crumbled tofu or vegan beef crumbles. You can also use vegan cheese and sour cream for a delicious, dairy-free version of this dish.
Finally, if you want to add some extra texture and flavor to the casserole, try using vegan Fritos in place of regular Fritos.
Wrapping Up
The Walking Taco Casserole with Enchilada Sauce is an easy and delicious Mexican-inspired dish that the whole family will enjoy. With a few simple ingredients, you can create a hearty meal in no time! Whether you choose to make it as directed or customize it with your favorite toppings, this flavorful casserole is sure to be a hit.
The best part? It can easily be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator or freezer for later use. So gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and enjoy this delicious meal tonight!
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Dr. Leah Alexander, M.D., is a board-certified Pediatrician in New Jersey and has been working at Elizabeth Pediatric Group of New Jersey since 2000.
She also has a passion for culinary arts that extends beyond the medical realm. After completing culinary school at the French Culinary Institute, she started Global Palate, LLC, a catering firm, in 2007. She ran her own six-year-old catering company and served small group parties as an owner and executive chef.
