Get ready for a fun, flavorful, and incredibly easy meal that brings all the excitement of a walking taco into a comforting casserole! This Walking Taco Casserole features savory ground beef infused with zesty green chilies and creamy enchilada sauce, layered over crunchy Fritos, and topped with melted cheese. It’s the ultimate fuss-free dinner solution, perfect for busy weeknights, game days, or casual gatherings.
Why I Love This Recipe
This Walking Taco Casserole is a true gem in my kitchen, and I absolutely adore it for its unbeatable convenience and incredible crowd-pleasing power! What I love most is how it takes all the best elements of a “walking taco” (the Fritos, the seasoned beef, the fresh toppings) and transforms them into a hearty, baked dish that’s so easy to serve. The combination of savory ground beef, a hint of spice from the green chilies, and the richness of enchilada sauce and cream cheese creates an irresistibly flavorful meat layer. And layering it over crunchy Fritos before baking ensures every bite has that satisfying crunch. It’s quick to assemble, bakes beautifully, and allows everyone to customize their own serving with fresh toppings. It’s pure comfort and fun in a pan!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious Walking Taco Casserole:
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef (lean recommended)
- 1/3 large onion, chopped (about 1/2 cup finely chopped)
- 1 can (4.5 oz) green chilies, diced (small can), undrained
- 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce (red or green)
- 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 bag (9.25 oz or 10 oz) Fritos corn chips (original or chili cheese flavored)
- 1 bag (8 oz / 2 cups) shredded cheese (Mexican blend or cheddar recommended)
- For Toppings (Optional, for individual servings):
- 3/4 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup fresh diced tomatoes
- 16 ounces salsa (your favorite kind)
- 8 ounces sour cream
Swaps and Notes
- Ground Beef: Lean ground beef is recommended to prevent excess grease. Ground turkey or a mix of beef and pork can also be used.
- Onion: Finely chopped yellow or white onion works well.
- Green Chilies: A small can of diced green chilies adds a mild, zesty flavor. Use hot diced green chilies for more heat.
- Enchilada Sauce: Red enchilada sauce is traditional, but green enchilada sauce can also be used for a different flavor profile.
- Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese adds a wonderful creaminess and richness to the meat mixture.
- Fritos Corn Chips: Original Fritos are classic for their salty crunch. Chili cheese Fritos can add an extra layer of flavor.
- Shredded Cheese: A Mexican cheese blend (cheddar, Monterey Jack, etc.) or sharp cheddar works great for melting.
- Toppings: The joy of walking tacos is the customization! Set out a variety of fresh toppings for everyone to build their own perfect plate.
Instructions
Let’s get this delicious Walking Taco Casserole baking!
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Brown Beef & Onion: In a large skillet, brown the 1 1/2 pounds ground beef with the 1/3 large chopped onion over medium-high heat, breaking up the meat into crumbles as it cooks. Cook until no pink remains and the onion is softened. Drain any excess grease thoroughly from the skillet.
- Make Meat Mixture: Return the drained beef and onion to the skillet. Add the 1 can (undrained) green chilies, 1 can enchilada sauce, and 2 ounces softened cream cheese. Stir well until all ingredients are combined and the cream cheese has melted into the meat mixture, creating a creamy sauce. Remove from heat.
- Layer Casserole: In a 9×13-inch baking pan, create the layers:
- First, spread the entire bag of Fritos corn chips evenly across the bottom of the pan.
- Next, spoon the prepared meat mixture evenly over the Fritos chips.
- Finally, sprinkle the entire bag (8 oz / 2 cups) of shredded cheese evenly over the meat mixture.
- Bake: Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly around the edges.
- Rest & Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven. Let it stand for about 5 minutes to allow the layers to set slightly. Top individual servings with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, salsa, and sour cream as desired. Serve hot.
Tips for Success
- Drain Beef Well: This is crucial for preventing a greasy casserole.
- Softened Cream Cheese: Ensure cream cheese is softened for a smooth, lump-free addition to the meat mixture.
- Even Layers: Spread the Fritos, meat, and cheese evenly to ensure every serving gets a good mix of all components.
- Don’t Cover: Baking uncovered helps the Fritos maintain some crispness (though they will soften slightly from the meat mixture).
- Hot & Bubbly Cheese: Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbling, ensuring it’s thoroughly heated through.
- Toppings on the Side: Offer toppings separately so everyone can customize their own. This also keeps the fresh toppings crisp.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This Walking Taco Casserole is a complete and incredibly satisfying meal on its own, perfect for:
- Game Day Food: A guaranteed hit for any sports viewing party.
- Family Dinner: A fun and easy meal that appeals to all ages.
- Potlucks & Casual Gatherings: Easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.
- Customization Bar: Set out a variety of toppings (shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, salsa, sour cream, black olives, extra jalapeños, hot sauce) to let everyone build their own perfect “walking taco” experience.
- For other incredibly popular, crowd-pleasing meals, consider our This Mexican Chicken And Rice Casserole Is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always A Hit or our These Sheet Pan Quesadillas Are My Favorite Way To Feed A Crowd Fast.
Storage and Leftover Tips
This casserole makes fantastic leftovers, though the Fritos will soften.
- Refrigeration: Store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The Fritos will become softer as they absorb the moisture from the meat mixture.
- Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through, or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until bubbly and hot.
- Freezing: Freezing is not generally recommended for this casserole due to the Fritos, which will become mushy upon thawing and reheating.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you loved the cheesy, comforting, and easy nature of this casserole, you’ll definitely want to explore some of our other fantastic, fuss-free recipes that are perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings:
- For another fantastic cheesy dip that’s always a hit, check out our This Crockpot Nacho Dip Is The Reason I Never Have Leftovers.
- If you’re a fan of simple, flavorful casseroles, our This Dorito Casserole Is My Favorite Weeknight Dinner Shortcutis a fun option.
- And for a fresh, interactive way to serve a crowd, our This Walking Taco Bar Is My Favorite No-Fuss Way To Feed A Crowd is always a hit!
Final Thoughts
This Walking Taco Casserole recipe is a brilliant solution for bringing a truly comforting, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying meal to your table with ease. It’s perfect for a fun family dinner, promising a pan full of cheesy, savory, and crunchy goodness that will make everyone happy!
Give this recipe a try and let the delicious aromas fill your kitchen! What’s your favorite way to enjoy taco night? Share your ideas and feedback in the comments below!
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