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
Instructions
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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.
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Sauté the Onion: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until softened.
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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.
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Add the Beans: Stir in the drained kidney beans and cook for another 2-3 minutes, ensuring everything is well combined and heated through.
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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.
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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.
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Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
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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
