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Quick & Easy Walking Taco Casserole – Best Comfort Food Recipe

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.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients Method Notes

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

Method
 

Sauté the Aromatics:
  1. 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:
  1. 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:
  1. While the beef is cooking, preheat your oven to 350°F.
Simmer the Casserole Filling:
  1. Lower the heat to medium-low. Stir in the taco seasoning, scallion, and pinto beans. Sauté for 1–2 minutes.
  2. 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:
  1. Transfer the beef mixture to a 9x13-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:
  1. Place the casserole dish in the oven and bake for 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
Add Toppings and Serve:
  1. 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.

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