Easy Walking Taco Casserole (with Fritos!)
If you’re a fan of walking tacos, you will love this easier version of walking taco casserole that can be made ahead and feeds a crowd with ease in just one pan. Filled with slightly spiced ground beef and topped with crunchy Frito corn chips, this is the perfect 25-minute dish for a weeknight dinner.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- ½ medium yellow onion finely diced (½ cup)
- 1 pound 90% lean ground beef
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon granulated garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon mild chili powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans drained and rinsed
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese
- 2 cups grated Mexican cheese blend
- 2 cups corn chips such as Fritos
Optional Toppings
- Diced roma tomatoes, shredded iceberg lettuce, sour cream
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 375F.
- Heat a large, oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil, onion, and a pinch of salt. Cook until the onions begin to soften, about 3 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Turn the heat to medium high. Add the ground beef, sprinkle with salt, chili powder, garlic, and smoked paprika, stirring to break the meat apart. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add beans and tomato sauce, then turn the heat to medium low and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Turn off the heat, add the cream cheese and 1 cup of cheese, and stir until the cheese is melted.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese and the corn chips over the top to cover evenly.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes until bubbling and the cheese is melted.
- Allow to cool slightly, then serve with toppings of your choice.
Notes
See blog post, above, for substitution suggestions, variations, make-ahead instructions, and more.
Nutrition
Serving: 1 (of 6) | Calories: 418kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 84mg | Sodium: 542mg | Potassium: 347mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 450IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 247mg | Iron: 2mg
