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Walking Taco Bake with Fritos & Cheese

Walking Taco Bake with Fritos & Cheese

Enjoy a delightful, crunchy, and cheesy meal with this Easy Walking Taco Bake with Fritos & Cheese. This casserole features layers of seasoned ground beef, crunchy Fritos corn chips, melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, and zesty salsa for a perfect blend of flavors and textures. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s ideal for busy weeknights, casual get-togethers, or game day snacks, providing a one-dish comfort food that is versatile, family-friendly, and guaranteed to please any crowd.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb Ground Beef
  • 1 packet Taco Seasoning (about 1 oz)
  • 1 cup Fritos Corn Chips
  • 2 cups Shredded Cheese (blend of Cheddar and Monterey Jack)
  • 1/2 cup Salsa

Optional Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup Refried Beans
  • 2 Green Onions, sliced
  • 1/4 cup Sliced Olives or Diced Jalapeños

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat, then stir in the taco seasoning and a splash of water. Let it simmer for a few minutes until fragrant and well combined.
  2. Layer the Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a baking dish, spread half of the cooked beef evenly. If using refried beans, spread them evenly over the beef. Next, sprinkle a layer of Fritos followed by half of the shredded cheese. Repeat the layering starting with the remaining beef, then Fritos, and cheese.
  3. Bake Until Melty: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden, allowing all flavors to meld and the cheese to melt perfectly.
  4. Garnish and Serve: Remove the bake from the oven and top with freshly sliced green onions, dollops of salsa, and optional olives or jalapeños for extra flavor. Serve hot and enjoy this walking taco-inspired casserole.

Notes

  • Use fresh Fritos added just before baking to keep their crunchiness and avoid sogginess.
  • Season the beef well with taco seasoning to ensure a flavorful dish.
  • Alternate layers of crunchy and creamy ingredients for the best texture contrast.
  • Customize the cheese blend to enhance gooeyness or to suit your taste preference.
  • Watch the bake closely near the end of cooking to avoid drying it out.

Nutrition

Keywords: walking taco bake, Fritos casserole, cheesy taco bake, easy weeknight dinner, gluten free taco dish, family-friendly casserole, Mexican comfort food