Description
This Walking Taco Casserole is a fun and comforting dinner recipe made with seasoned beef, beans, salsa, melted cheddar, and crunchy Fritos chips—baked to golden perfection and topped with your favorite taco fixings.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef (80/20 preferred)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small white onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (15 oz) can pinto or black beans, drained and rinsed
1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade)
1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chiles (e.g., ROTEL)*
1 cup chunky salsa
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra if desired)
2 cups Fritos corn chips (plus more for topping)
Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings: sour cream, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, green onions (optional)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onions and garlic; cook until soft.
Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
Stir in taco seasoning, beans, diced tomatoes, and salsa. Simmer for 5–7 minutes.
Spread the mixture into a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
Top with shredded cheddar cheese, then Fritos.
Bake uncovered for 12–15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove from oven, let cool slightly, then top with desired garnishes.
Serve immediately while hot and crispy!
Notes
You can prepare the meat mixture up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate.
Swap ground beef for ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter version.
Add veggies like bell peppers or corn to bulk up the casserole.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Calories: 610 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 920 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: Walking Taco Casserole, taco bake, taco casserole, Frito pie, easy dinner, cheesy casserole, Tex-Mex recipe