Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This casserole is the perfect balance of savory, cheesy, and crunchy. The seasoned ground beef and beans create a hearty filling, while the Fritos add the perfect level of crunch that’s essential for a walking taco experience. The melted cheese ties everything together into a deliciously gooey dish that’s perfect for families, potlucks, or casual gatherings. Plus, it’s easy to make and requires minimal prep, making it an ideal weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef (80-90% lean)
1 cup chopped yellow onion
1 packet chili seasoning mix
½ cup beef broth or water
1 can kidney beans, drained
½ bag Fritos corn chips
3 cups shredded cheese (Mexican blend or cheddar)
Optional toppings: shredded lettuce, jalapeños, chopped tomatoes, sour cream, green onions, cilantro, guacamole

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
Sauté the Onion: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until softened.
Season the Meat: Stir in the chili seasoning mix and beef broth (or water). Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, until the mixture thickens slightly.
Add the Beans: Stir in the drained kidney beans and cook for another 2-3 minutes, ensuring everything is well combined and heated through.
Assemble the Casserole: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a baking dish, spread half of the Fritos in an even layer at the bottom. Then, spoon the beef and bean mixture on top of the chips.
Add Cheese: Sprinkle 2 cups of shredded cheese over the beef and bean mixture. Layer the remaining Fritos on top of the cheese, and finish by sprinkling the remaining cheese over the Fritos.
Bake: Bake the casserole for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Top with your favorite toppings such as shredded lettuce, jalapeños, chopped tomatoes, sour cream, green onions, cilantro, or guacamole.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6-8
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

Add More Veggies: You can add diced bell peppers, corn, or black beans to the beef mixture for more flavor and nutrition.
Spicy Version: Add chopped jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the beef mixture for a spicy kick.
Ground Turkey Option: Use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner alternative to ground beef.
Cheese Variation: Use Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a blend of cheeses to change up the flavor.
Make It Vegan: Use plant-based ground meat and swap out the cheese for a dairy-free option for a vegan version of this casserole.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through. If the casserole has become too dry, add a splash of water or beef broth when reheating.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking. When you’re ready to bake, preheat the oven and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if the casserole is cold from the fridge.

Can I use a different type of chip instead of Fritos?

Yes! While Fritos are classic for this dish, you can use tortilla chips, nacho cheese chips, or even plain chips as a substitute. Just make sure they’re sturdy enough to hold up in the casserole.

Can I use other types of beans?

Yes! You can use black beans, pinto beans, or kidney beans, depending on your preference.

How do I make this casserole spicier?

If you want a spicier casserole, add diced jalapeños to the beef mixture or sprinkle chili powder or cayenne pepper into the seasoning mix for added heat.

Can I freeze the casserole?

Yes, this casserole freezes well. Once it’s baked and cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Can I add ground sausage to this recipe?

Absolutely! Ground sausage adds great flavor to the casserole. Just replace some or all of the ground beef with sausage and adjust the seasoning to your taste.

Conclusion

Easy Walking Taco Casserole with Fritos is the ultimate crowd-pleasing dish that combines the best of taco flavors with the comfort of a cheesy casserole. The crunchy Fritos, seasoned ground beef, creamy cheese, and hearty beans make this dish a filling and flavorful meal that everyone will love. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a party, this casserole is sure to become a favorite!

Easy Walking Taco Casserole with Fritos

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Author: Julia
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6-8 servings
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Easy Walking Taco Casserole with Fritos combines seasoned ground beef, hearty beans, crunchy Fritos, and melted cheese in a simple one-pan dish. This fun and flavorful casserole is a great twist on the classic walking taco, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. It’s a crowd-pleaser with minimal prep and plenty of cheesy, savory goodness.

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef (80-90% lean)

1 cup chopped yellow onion

1 packet chili seasoning mix

½ cup beef broth or water

1 can kidney beans, drained

½ bag Fritos corn chips

3 cups shredded cheese (Mexican blend or cheddar)

Optional toppings: Shredded lettuce, jalapeños, chopped tomatoes, sour cream, green onions, cilantro, guacamole

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Instructions

Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess fat.
Sauté the Onion: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until softened.
Season the Meat: Stir in the chili seasoning mix and beef broth (or water). Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
Add the Beans: Stir in the drained kidney beans and cook for another 2-3 minutes, ensuring everything is well combined and heated through.
Assemble the Casserole: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread half of the Fritos in an even layer at the bottom of a baking dish. Spoon the beef and bean mixture on top of the chips.
Add Cheese: Sprinkle 2 cups of shredded cheese over the beef and bean mixture. Layer the remaining Fritos on top and finish by sprinkling the remaining cheese over the Fritos.
Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Top with your favorite toppings like shredded lettuce, jalapeños, tomatoes, sour cream, green onions, cilantro, or guacamole.

Notes

Add More Veggies: Add diced bell peppers, corn, or black beans to the beef mixture for extra flavor and nutrition.

Spicy Version: Add chopped jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the beef mixture for a spicy kick.

Ground Turkey Option: Use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner alternative to ground beef.

Cheese Variation: Use Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a blend of cheeses to change up the flavor.

Make It Vegan: Use plant-based ground meat and swap out the cheese for a dairy-free option.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Mexican-American