Walking Taco Casserole

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All the fun of walking tacos in an easy-to-serve casserole form!

Why You’ll Love This Dish

✔️ All the taco flavors you love in one pan
✔️ Crispy Fritos stay perfectly crunchy on top
✔️ Creamy, cheesy beef base
✔️ Customizable with your favorite toppings
✔️ Feeds a crowd – perfect for game day or family dinner

Ingredients

Serves 6-8

Base Layer:

  • 1½ lbs ground beef (85/15 works best)
  • 1 cup onion, chopped
  • 3 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
  • 1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles

Toppings:

  • 2-3 cups Fritos corn chips (lightly crushed)
  • 1 cup shredded taco blend cheese
  • 1 Roma tomato, diced
  • 1-2 cups shredded lettuce
  • ½ cup salsa
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • Optional: sliced jalapeños, black olives, guacamole

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Brown the Meat Mixture

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
  2. In large skillet, cook ground beef and onion over medium heat until beef is browned
  3. Drain excess grease, then return to heat
  4. Stir in cream cheese, taco seasoning, and green chiles until fully combined

2. Assemble the Casserole

  1. Spread beef mixture evenly in 9×13 inch baking dish
  2. Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top
  3. Bake uncovered for 15 minutes until cheese is melted

3. Add the Crunch

  1. Remove from oven and immediately top with Fritos chips
  2. Return to oven for 5 minutes to warm chips

4. Finish with Fresh Toppings

  1. Let cool 5 minutes before adding:
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Shredded lettuce
  • Drizzles of salsa and sour cream

Serving Suggestions

🍽️ Family Style: Serve right from the baking dish with toppings on the side
🎉 Party Perfect: Set up a toppings bar with optional additions
🥗 Lighter Option: Serve over a bed of lettuce as a taco salad
🍱 Meal Prep: Store components separately and assemble when ready

Pro Tips for Success

🔹 Chip Choice: Use original Fritos for best texture (Doritos work too!)
🔹 Make Ahead: Prepare beef mixture up to 2 days in advance
🔹 Extra Creamy: Add ¼ cup sour cream to the beef mixture
🔹 Spice Control: Use mild/hot taco seasoning to taste

Why This Beats Regular Tacos

  • No messy taco shells breaking
  • Everyone gets the perfect chip-to-filling ratio
  • All the flavor with half the assembly work
  • Perfect for when you’re feeding a crowd

The ultimate fun-to-eat casserole that brings the taco night experience to your table with minimal fuss!

Tip: For individual servings, layer ingredients in small oven-safe bowls or ramekins before baking.

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