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Walking Taco Bake with Fritos & Cheese

Walking Taco Bake with Fritos & Cheese
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Easy Walking Taco Bake with Fritos & Cheese is a quick, cheesy, and crunchy casserole combining savory ground beef seasoned with zesty taco spices, melty shredded cheese, and the unique crunch of Fritos corn chips. Perfect for busy weeknights and family dinners, this one-dish meal offers all the classic walking taco flavors with minimal prep and maximum comfort.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat Mixture

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp taco seasoning (blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano)
  • 1 cup tomato sauce or salsa

Layers & Toppings

  • 3 cups Fritos corn chips
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese or Mexican cheese blend
  • Optional garnishes: sour cream, diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, chopped green onions

Instructions

  1. Cook the ground beef mixture: Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. When nearly cooked, add diced onions and minced garlic and cook until fragrant and translucent. Stir in taco seasoning and tomato sauce or salsa, then simmer for a few minutes to blend the flavors.
  2. Prepare the baking dish: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a casserole dish. Layer half of the cooked beef mixture evenly at the bottom of the dish.
  3. Add the first layer of Fritos and cheese: Sprinkle a generous layer of Fritos over the beef, followed by a hearty handful of shredded cheese to ensure every bite has a good balance of savory and crunch.
  4. Repeat layers and finish: Add the remaining ground beef mixture, another layer of Fritos, and a final cheese topping. Cover the dish with foil and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  5. Garnish and serve: After baking, allow the casserole to cool slightly. Garnish with optional toppings such as sour cream, diced tomatoes, jalapeños, or green onions before serving for extra zest and freshness.

Notes

  • Cook beef thoroughly to develop rich flavor before adding seasonings.
  • Evenly distribute Fritos and cheese for a crunchy texture with melty flavor pockets.
  • Do not overbake; bake only until cheese melts to keep Fritos crispy.
  • Use freshly shredded cheese for best melting quality; avoid pre-shredded with anti-caking agents.
  • Customize toppings with fresh garnishes for color and contrast.

Nutrition

Keywords: walking taco bake, Fritos casserole, cheesy taco bake, easy taco recipe, family dinner, quick casserole, Fritos and cheese bake

Find it online: https://recipesbykaeli.com/walking-taco-bake-with-fritos-cheese/