Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Both make tasty, leaner alternatives to ground beef and work perfectly in this casserole. Just keep an eye on seasoning level, as turkey and chicken may need a touch more spice to really shine.

What can I use if I don’t have Fritos?

No Fritos? No problem! Tortilla chips (even crushed Doritos) make excellent substitutions. Each chip will bring its own signature crunch and flavor to the casserole.

Do I need a special skillet for this recipe?

Any oven-safe skillet is ideal for a seamless cooking-to-baking process, but if you don’t have one, simply transfer the beef mixture to a baking dish after stovetop cooking before adding chips and cheese.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the beef filling ahead and store it separately, then layer with chips and cheese just before baking. This keeps the chips crunchy and the flavors fresh.

Walking Taco Casserole Recipe

Name: Walking Taco Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mexican-American
Ingredients: 1 ½ lbs. ground beef; 1 cup onion, chopped; 3 oz. cream cheese; 1 packet taco seasoning; 1 can green chilis; 2-3 cups Fritos corn chips; 1 cup shredded taco blend cheese; 1 Roma tomato, chopped; 1-2 cups lettuce, shredded; Salsa; Sour cream

Description

This Walking Taco Casserole is a quick and delicious twist on classic tacos, layering ground beef, creamy cheese, and crunchy Fritos for a satisfying family-style dish. Ready in just 45 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights and crowd-pleasing dinners. Top with fresh veggies and your favorite garnishes for a flavorful, customizable meal.

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Casserole Base

1 1/2 lbs. ground beef
1 cup onion, chopped
3 oz. cream cheese
1 packet taco seasoning
1 can green chilis

For Topping

2-3 cups Fritos corn chips
1 cup shredded taco blend cheese
1 Roma tomato, chopped
1-2 cups lettuce, shredded

For Garnish (Optional)

Salsa
Sour cream

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven:
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the casserole.
Brown the Beef and Onions:
In an oven-safe skillet, add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fully browned and the onions are tender, about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess grease if needed.
Add Cream Cheese, Seasoning, and Chilis:
Stir in the taco seasoning, green chilis, and cream cheese. Cook, stirring frequently, until the cream cheese is completely melted and all ingredients are evenly mixed.
Layer with Chips and Cheese:
Spread the Fritos corn chips evenly over the beef mixture, then sprinkle the shredded taco blend cheese on top.
Bake the Casserole:
Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbling.
Add Fresh Toppings:
Remove the skillet from the oven. Scatter the shredded lettuce and chopped Roma tomato over the hot casserole.
Garnish and Serve:
Finish with spoonfuls of salsa and dollops of sour cream, if desired. Serve hot straight from the skillet.

Notes

You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef for a lighter version.
For extra flavor, add jalapeños or black olives to the topping.
If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, transfer the mixture to a baking dish before baking.
The recipe is easily doubled for larger crowds.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
Calories: 490
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 980mg
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 1g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 92mg