Description
This Walking Taco Casserole is a quick and delicious spin on a classic walking taco, combining seasoned ground beef, kidney beans, and crunchy Fritos corn chips layered with melted cheese and your favorite taco toppings. Perfect for a family dinner or casual get-together, this casserole offers all the flavors of tacos in an easy-to-make, comforting baked dish.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (80-90% lean)
- 1 cup chopped yellow onion
- 1 packet chili seasoning mix
- 1/2 cup beef broth (or water)
- 1 can kidney beans (drained)
- 1/2 bag Fritos corn chips (about 4 to 5 ounces)
- 3 cups shredded cheese (Mexican blend or cheddar)
Optional Toppings
- Shredded lettuce
- Jalapeños, sliced
- Chopped tomatoes
- Sour cream
- Green onions, chopped
- Cilantro, chopped
- Guacamole
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook the Beef and Onions: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and chopped yellow onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned thoroughly and the onions are soft and translucent. Drain any excess fat if necessary to reduce grease.
- Add Seasoning and Mix-ins: Turn off the heat and stir in the chili seasoning packet, beef broth (or water), drained kidney beans, and 1 cup of shredded cheese. Mix everything well to combine all the flavors evenly.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spread the beef mixture evenly into a 9×9-inch or 9×11-inch casserole dish. Scatter the Fritos corn chips over the top, then sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of shredded cheese evenly across the chips.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the assembled casserole in the preheated oven. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese on top has melted completely and is bubbly.
- Add Toppings and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly. Top with your favorite taco toppings such as shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, sour cream, green onions, cilantro, and guacamole before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef for a leaner option.
- If you prefer a spicier casserole, add extra jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
- For a gluten-free version, confirm that the chili seasoning packet is gluten-free and use gluten-free Fritos.
- Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat leftovers covered in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
