Description
This Walking Taco Casserole is a fun and delicious twist on the classic walking taco snack. Ground beef, onions, chili seasoning, kidney beans, and cheese are layered with crispy Fritos corn chips and baked until bubbly. Topped with fresh toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, jalapeños, and sour cream, this casserole makes a perfect, crowd-pleasing dinner that’s ready in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (80-90% lean)
- 1 cup chopped yellow onion
- 1 packet chili seasoning mix (about 1 oz)
- 1/2 cup beef broth (or water)
- 1 can kidney beans (drained, about 15 oz)
- 1/2 bag Fritos corn chips (about 4-5 oz)
- 3 cups shredded cheese (Mexican blend or cheddar)
Optional Toppings
- Shredded lettuce, about 1 cup
- Chopped tomatoes, 1/2 cup
- Jalapeños, sliced, 1-2 tablespoons
- Sour cream, 1/4 cup
- Green onions, chopped, 2 tablespoons
- Cilantro, chopped, 2 tablespoons
- Guacamole, 1/4 cup
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook Beef and Onions: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef along with chopped yellow onions until the beef is fully browned and onions are tender. Drain any excess fat to keep the casserole from being greasy.
- Add Seasonings and Beans: Turn off the heat. Stir in the chili seasoning mix, beef broth (or water), drained kidney beans, and 1 cup of shredded cheese into the beef mixture until well combined.
- Assemble Casserole: Spread the beef mixture evenly into a 9×9 or 9×11-inch casserole dish. Sprinkle the half bag of Fritos corn chips evenly over the top, then add the remaining 2 cups of shredded cheese on top of the chips.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Add Toppings and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and immediately top with your favorite fresh toppings such as shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, jalapeños, sour cream, green onions, cilantro, and guacamole. Serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- If you prefer a spicier casserole, add extra jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
- For a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth.
- Be sure to drain the kidney beans and excess grease to avoid a soggy casserole.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
