This Easy Taco Casserole with Fritos is a delicious and crowd-pleasing dish that combines all your favorite taco flavors in a hearty, cheesy, and crunchy casserole. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, it’s a simple, satisfying meal that’s ready in no time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Minimal prep and cooks in under 40 minutes.
- Family-Friendly: A fun twist on tacos that kids and adults will love.
- Crunchy and Cheesy: Fritos add a satisfying crunch, while melted cheese ties everything together.
- Customizable: Add your favorite toppings or swap ingredients to suit your taste.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground beef (or ground turkey)
- Onion (diced)
- Taco seasoning
- Diced tomatoes with green chilies (canned, like Rotel)
- Black beans (optional, rinsed and drained)
- Corn (optional, canned or frozen)
- Fritos (corn chips)
- Shredded cheddar cheese (or a Mexican cheese blend)
- Sour cream (for topping)
- Lettuce, diced tomatoes, green onions, or jalapeños (optional, for garnish)
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and fully cooked. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Add Seasoning and Tomatoes: Stir in taco seasoning and diced tomatoes with green chilies (do not drain). Add black beans and corn if using. Simmer for 5 minutes to combine flavors.
- Layer the Casserole:
- Spread a layer of Fritos in the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Top with the beef mixture, spreading it evenly.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese generously over the top.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve and Garnish: Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with sour cream, lettuce, diced tomatoes, green onions, or jalapeños as desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the beef for cooked lentils, plant-based crumbles, or extra beans.
- Loaded Casserole: Add layers of refried beans or a sprinkle of olives.
- Alternative Chips: Use tortilla chips or Doritos instead of Fritos for a different flavor.
- Gluten-Free: Ensure the taco seasoning and chips are certified gluten-free.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze the casserole (without the Fritos) for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. For crispy chips, add fresh Fritos after reheating.
FAQs
1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the beef and cheese layers, refrigerate, and add the Fritos just before baking to keep them crunchy.
2. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works well as a lighter option.
3. How do I keep the chips crunchy?
Add the Fritos right before serving or as a topping after baking for maximum crunch.
4. What type of cheese is best?
Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend are excellent choices.
5. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, dice fresh tomatoes and add a small amount of green chilies or salsa for extra flavor.
6. How do I make it less spicy?
Use mild diced tomatoes and skip the green chilies. Reduce or omit any added spices.
7. What sides go well with this dish?
Serve with a simple green salad, guacamole, or rice for a complete meal.
8. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, use a larger baking dish or two separate dishes to accommodate a larger batch.
9. How do I prevent the casserole from drying out?
Make sure the beef mixture is saucy but not overly wet to maintain the perfect texture.
10. Can I add more vegetables?
Yes, sauté bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms with the beef for added nutrition.
Conclusion
Easy Taco Casserole with Fritos is a fun, flavorful, and customizable dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its crunchy Frito base, cheesy topping, and hearty filling, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Whip up this quick and satisfying recipe for your next meal or gathering!
Print
Easy Taco Casserole with Fritos Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Description
This easy taco casserole combines seasoned beef, gooey cheese, and crunchy Fritos for a fun, flavorful twist on taco night. It’s a family-friendly dinner that’s quick to make and perfect for busy weeknights!
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 packet (1 oz/28g) taco seasoning mix
- 1/4 cup (60ml) water
- 1 (15 oz/425g) can of corn, drained
- 1 (10 oz/300g) can of Rotel (diced tomatoes and green chilies), drained
- 1 cup (240ml) sour cream
- 2 cups (200g) shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese, divided
- 4 cups (120g) Fritos corn chips
- Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, sliced jalapeños, green onions, salsa, or guacamole
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch (23x33cm) baking dish.
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Drain any excess fat, then add the taco seasoning and water. Stir well and simmer for 2–3 minutes until the mixture thickens.
3. Combine the Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, mix the cooked beef, corn, Rotel, sour cream, and 1 cup of shredded cheese until well combined.
4. Assemble the Casserole:
- Spread half of the Fritos evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Pour the beef mixture over the Fritos and spread it out evenly.
- Top with the remaining Fritos and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese over the top.
5. Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Serve:
- Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes, then serve warm with your favorite taco toppings like diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, or guacamole.
Notes
- For extra spice, use hot Rotel or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Make it vegetarian by replacing the beef with black beans or pinto beans.