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Walking Taco Bake with Fritos & Cheese

Walking Taco Bake with Fritos & Cheese

This Walking Taco Bake with Fritos & Cheese is a quick, crowd-pleasing casserole that combines crunchy Fritos, melted cheddar cheese, seasoned ground beef, and flavorful layers for a comforting, savory meal ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for weeknights, casual parties, and family-friendly dinners, it offers a delicious and easy twist on the classic walking taco experience.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika)
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1 to cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 to cups Fritos corn chips

Optional Ingredients

  • ½ cup refried beans
  • ¼ cup sour cream (for serving)
  • 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Beef Mixture: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess fat, then stir in the taco seasoning and a splash of water. Simmer for a few minutes until the spices are evenly mixed and fragrant.
  2. Layer the Casserole: In a greased baking dish, spread half of the cooked beef evenly on the bottom. Add a layer of refried beans if using, followed by diced tomatoes. Sprinkle a generous handful of shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
  3. Add Fritos & Cheese: Lightly crush some of the Fritos and sprinkle half over the cheese layer. Repeat with the remaining beef, more cheese, and a final layer of Fritos to give the bake that classic crunchy finish.
  4. Bake and Serve: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and edges are golden. Remove from the oven and let cool briefly before serving with sour cream, chopped green onions, or other garnishes as desired.

Notes

  • Use freshly shredded cheese for smoother melting and creamier texture.
  • Drain excess fat from the beef to prevent the casserole from becoming soggy or greasy.
  • Layer ingredients carefully to ensure balanced flavors and textures in every bite.
  • You can assemble the bake the night before and refrigerate to save time on busy days.
  • For best crunch, add extra Fritos on top immediately before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: walking taco bake, Fritos casserole, cheesy taco bake, quick taco recipe, crowd-pleasing casserole, kid-friendly dinner, gluten free taco bake