Description
Walking taco casserole combines all the vibrant flavors of your favorite tacos into a warm, cheesy, and hearty dish. With layers of seasoned beef, beans, zesty salsa, crunchy Fritos, and gooey cheese, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or parties. It’s a one-pan wonder that’s easy to customize and sure to please the whole family.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons neutral oil (such as canola oil)
- 1 white onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 pound 80/20 ground beef
- 3 tablespoons taco seasoning (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 scallion, finely diced
- 1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (10-ounce) can RO*TEL Original Diced Tomatoes and Green Chilies
- 1 cup thick and chunky salsa
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 (9-ounce) bag Fritos Corn Chips
Optional Toppings:
-
- Sour cream
- Pickled jalapeños
- Diced scallions
- Shredded lettuce
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics:
Heat the oil in a large 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 6–8 minutes, or until softened and translucent. - Cook the Meat:
Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up into bite-sized pieces with a wooden spoon. Cook for 6–8 minutes until browned. If your taco seasoning doesn’t include salt, sprinkle a generous pinch over the beef while cooking. - Preheat the Oven:
While the beef is cooking, preheat your oven to 350°F. - Simmer the Casserole Filling:
Lower the heat to medium-low. Stir in the taco seasoning, scallion, and pinto beans. Sauté for 1–2 minutes.
Add the RO*TEL and salsa, stirring well. Simmer the mixture for 8–10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. - Assemble the Casserole:
Transfer the beef mixture to a 9×13-inch casserole dish, spreading it into an even layer. Top with shredded cheddar cheese, followed by Fritos corn chips. Add more Fritos if desired for extra crunch. - Bake:
Place the casserole dish in the oven and bake for 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling. - Add Toppings and Serve:
Remove the casserole from the oven and top with optional ingredients like sour cream, pickled jalapeños, scallions, and shredded lettuce. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Customize Your Protein: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat.
- Spice Level: Use medium or hot salsa and add fresh jalapeños for an extra kick.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the beef mixture in advance and refrigerate. Assemble and bake when ready to serve.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex