This Walking Taco Casserole is loaded with ground beef, taco seasoning, cream cheese, crispy Fritos, melted cheese, and topped with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and sour cream for a delicious twist on taco night!
Ever have one of those “make dinner fast but still delicious” kind of nights? That’s exactly how this Walking Taco Casserole happened in my kitchen.
It was a Friday, and we were this close to just ordering pizza. You know how it goes—long week, tired kids, and everyone kinda just waiting for the weekend. But then I spotted a half-eaten bag of Fritos in the pantry and some ground beef I’d forgotten to freeze (oops). Suddenly, taco night got an upgrade.
I browned some beef, mixed in the taco seasoning and cream cheese because, well, everything’s better with cream cheese, right? Then I dumped the Fritos right on top, smothered it in cheese, and into the oven it went.
The smell? Unreal. My husband actually peeked in the oven twice to check how long it had left (and he never does that). One bite in, and we all knew this was going on the regular dinner rotation. It’s cheesy, crunchy, a little messy—but in the best way. Plus, the toppings? You can make it as simple or loaded as you want.
Why You’ll Love This Walking Taco Casserole Recipe?
- Crazy Easy: We’re talking under 45 minutes from start to finish.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for game nights, potlucks, or just dinner when you need a win.
- Comfort Food Magic: Cheesy, crunchy, and creamy all in one bite.
- Totally Customizable: Want extra heat? More veggies? Pile on your faves.
- Minimal Cleanup: One skillet, and you’re done.
Ingredient Notes:
Let’s be real. The magic of this Walking Taco Casserole is all about the ingredients working together.
- Ground Beef: I usually grab lean ground beef, but ground turkey works too.
- Onions: Adds a sweet balance to the savory beef. Dice them fine so they cook evenly.
- Taco Seasoning: Store-bought works fine, but if you have a homemade mix, even better!
- Cream Cheese: This is where things get interesting. It melts right into the beef, making it extra creamy and luxurious.
- Green Chilis: Mild, tangy, and just enough zing. Not spicy, so the kids won’t complain!
- Fritos Corn Chips: The crunch factor! They hold up beautifully even under all that cheese.
- Taco Cheese Blend: Pre-shredded cheese keeps it easy, but a cheddar-Monterey Jack mix also rocks.
- Lettuce & Tomatoes: Adds that fresh, cool contrast after the casserole comes out of the oven.
- Salsa & Sour Cream: Because tacos need toppings.
Pro Tip: Want even more crunch? Save some extra Fritos to toss on top after baking!
How To Make Walking Taco Casserole?
Step 1. Preheat the Oven:
Heat your oven to 350°F so it’s ready to go when your casserole is prepped.
Step 2. Brown the Beef:
In a large oven-safe skillet, cook the ground beef and chopped onions over medium-high heat. Stir occasionally, breaking up the beef as it cooks. Once browned and fully cooked, drain any excess grease.
Step 3. Add the Flavor:
Lower the heat to medium. Stir in the taco seasoning, green chilis, and cream cheese. Cook until the cream cheese melts into the beef, making everything super creamy and delicious.
Step 4. Layer the Crunch:
Spread the beef mixture evenly in the skillet. Top with a generous layer of Fritos corn chips—don’t hold back! Then sprinkle that shredded taco cheese blend right on top.
Step 5. Bake Until Perfection:
Pop the skillet into your preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and melted. The house will smell amazing—just saying.
Want To Save This Recipe?
Step 6. Top It Off:
Once out of the oven, sprinkle the shredded lettuce and chopped tomatoes over the top. Want to take it over the edge? Add salsa and a big ol’ dollop of sour cream.
Storage Options:
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not ideal with the chips, but the beef mixture freezes beautifully.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 300°F to re-crisp the chips or microwave for a quicker option.
Variations and Substitutions:
Want to shake things up? Here are a few ways to make this casserole your own:
- Protein Swap: Ground turkey, shredded chicken, or even black beans for a meatless version.
- Cheese Mix: Try pepper jack for a spicy twist or Colby for a milder melt.
- Extra Heat: Toss in some diced jalapeños or use spicy taco seasoning.
- Chip Switch: No Fritos? Try Doritos, tortilla chips, or even crushed tostadas.
- Low-Carb Option: Skip the chips and bake over cauliflower rice instead.
What to Serve with Walking Taco Casserole?
This casserole totally holds its own, but if you want to round it out, try serving it with:
- Mexican Rice: A classic side for tacos.
- Guacamole & Chips: Because obviously.
- Cornbread: Sweet, crumbly, and perfect alongside all that cheesy goodness.
- Margaritas: For the grown-ups—because tacos and margaritas are a vibe.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Brown the beef, mix in the cream cheese, and store it in the fridge. Just add the Fritos and cheese when you’re ready to bake.
How do I keep the Fritos from getting soggy?
The trick? Don’t add the chips until right before baking. And save a handful for topping once it’s out of the oven for extra crunch.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Yep! Swap the beef for black beans, lentils, or even a mix of mushrooms and corn.
This Walking Taco Casserole has become one of those recipes I can count on—whether it’s for a lazy Sunday dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish when friends stop by. It’s simple, cheesy, and honestly? Just fun to eat.
So, what do you think? Planning to try it this week? Let me know in the comments how yours turned out—or if you gave it your own twist!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
Walking Taco Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds Ground beef
- 1 cup Onion chopped
- 3 ounces Cream cheese
- 1 Packet Taco seasoning
- 1 Can Green chilis
- 2-3 cups Fritos corn chips
- 1 cup Shredded taco blend cheese
- 1 Roma tomato chopped
- 1-2 cups Lettuce shredded
- Salsa and sour cream for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In a skillet that can be used in the oven cook the ground beef and onions, over medium-high heat until the meat is browned and the onions are soft.
- Next add the taco seasoning, green chilis and cream cheese to the skillet. Continue cooking until the cream cheese is completely melted and mixed in.
- Spread a layer of corn chips on top of the mixture followed by cheese.
- Place the skillet in the oven. Bake for 20 minutes.
- Once done take out the skillet from the oven. Sprinkle lettuce and tomato on top.
- If you wish you can add salsa and sour cream as garnish.
- Tip: Personalize your Walking Taco Casserole with your preferred taco toppings like sliced olives, pickled jalapeños or diced avocado.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
