The Weight Watchers Walking Taco Casserole takes everything you love about a taco in a bag — the bold flavors, satisfying crunch, and fun presentation — and transforms it into a warm, cheesy, family-style meal that’s easy on the points and big on taste. It’s the ultimate comfort food makeover, where you can dig in without derailing your healthy eating goals.
This lightened-up casserole begins with seasoned lean ground turkey or chicken, browned with onions, garlic, and classic taco spices for a flavorful, protein-packed base. Black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and sweet corn are stirred in to bring richness and depth to the filling. The whole mixture is layered into a baking dish, topped with reduced-fat cheese, and baked until bubbling and golden.
What makes it “walking taco” style is the finishing touch: once out of the oven, each serving is garnished with crunchy, crushed baked tortilla chips or WW-friendly corn chips, shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, and a spoonful of non-fat Greek yogurt or salsa. You still get that nostalgic taco-in-a-bag vibe — the textures, the spice, the cheesy goodness — but with smart ingredient swaps that save you points without sacrificing flavor.
Weight Watchers Walking Taco Casserole
Servings: 6
Estimated WW Points: 4–6 per serving (depending on chips and cheese used)
Ingredients:
Casserole Base:
- 1 lb 99% lean ground turkey (0 points)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet low-sodium taco seasoning (or 2 tbsp homemade)
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel-style), undrained
- 1/2 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained (optional, check your plan)
- 1/2 cup frozen or canned corn (optional, check your plan)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings for Baking:
- 3/4 cup reduced-fat shredded Mexican cheese blend (6 points total)
- 1 oz baked tortilla chips, crushed (e.g., Baked Tostitos – ~4 points per oz)
Fresh Toppings (all optional and mostly 0 points):
- Shredded lettuce
- Chopped tomatoes
- Green onions
- Sliced jalapeños
- Non-fat plain Greek yogurt (sour cream substitute)
- Salsa or pico de gallo
- Hot sauce or lime wedges
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray a medium baking dish (8×8 or 9×9) with cooking spray.
- Cook the meat mixture:
In a large nonstick skillet, sauté diced onion over medium heat until soft (about 3–4 minutes). Add garlic and cook 30 seconds. Stir in ground turkey, breaking it up as it browns. Cook until no longer pink, about 6–7 minutes. - Add flavor:
Sprinkle taco seasoning over the meat, then stir in the diced tomatoes (with juices), black beans, and corn if using. Simmer for 5–7 minutes to thicken slightly. Season to taste with salt and pepper. - Assemble the casserole:
Pour the meat mixture into your prepared baking dish. Spread evenly and sprinkle the cheese over the top. - Bake:
Bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. - Add the crunch:
Remove from oven and sprinkle crushed baked tortilla chips over the top just before serving to preserve their crunch. - Garnish & serve:
Let cool slightly, then serve with your choice of fresh toppings — shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, Greek yogurt, salsa, or jalapeños.
