Walking Taco Bake with Fritos & Cheese
Easy Walking Taco Bake with Fritos & Cheese combines crunchy Fritos, seasoned ground beef, melted cheddar cheese, and zesty diced tomatoes with green chilies into a comforting, crowd-pleasing casserole perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 2 cups Fritos corn chips, divided
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Optional Toppings
- Sliced jalapeños
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Avocado slices
- Lime wedges
- Brown the Meat: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef with diced onions and minced garlic until fully browned and fragrant. Drain any excess fat.
- Season the Beef: Add the taco seasoning along with a splash of water to the browned beef. Stir well and let simmer to infuse the spices fully.
- Layer the Ingredients: In a baking dish, spread half of the Fritos in an even layer. Top with the seasoned beef, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat the layers ending with cheese on top.
- Bake to Perfection: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the casserole for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Add Finishing Touches: Remove from the oven and dollop sour cream on top. Sprinkle with optional fresh toppings like chopped cilantro or sliced jalapeños for extra brightness and texture.
Notes
- Don’t crush the Fritos; keep them chunky to preserve their crunch.
- Drain excess fat from the cooked ground beef for a less greasy casserole.
- Use sharp cheddar for a pronounced cheese flavor or a cheese blend for creaminess.
- Layer ingredients evenly to ensure balanced flavors in every bite.
- Add fresh toppings after baking to maintain their texture and vibrant color.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Walking taco bake, Fritos casserole, cheesy taco bake, easy weeknight dinner, Tex-Mex casserole, family dinner