Growing up, I remember enjoying Frito Lay walking taco dishes during primary school. It was always a hit among all the students. As an adult, I now find myself craving recipes that spark nostalgia. This is why this cheesy chip and beef bake is perfect for anyone who reminiscences about past recipes they can’t seem to find today. Whether you love quick meals or you’re searching for a Frito casserole to remember, you’ll want to save this recipe. This recipe is not only simple, but it’s extremely versatile.
As an adult, you’re likely to be more open to adding ingredients that suit your palette and your household’s preferences. With this ground beef dinner, you can swap the meat and toppings to make this cheesy chip & beef bake truly your own. If you’re tired of just dreaming about a walking taco bake and you’re ready to make your own, follow along. This recipe can be completed even if you’re new in the kitchen. Whether you plan to make this bake as the main course for your dinner or if you’re searching for a chip casserole that stands out at the next gathering you host or attend, you’ll want to keep this cheesy chip & beef bake recipe on-hand.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Versatile: You can swap ingredients as you please with this recipe. There are no limits when you’re cooking for yourself or your family at home.
Protein: If you’re searching for a taco casserole that’s loaded with protein, look no further.
Staple ingredients: Most often, you’ll likely have the ingredients you need for this quick dinner at home in your refrigerator or pantry.
Spice: You can control the level of spice of this dish, making it even more versatile than you imagined. If you have picky eaters in the home, you can omit spiciness for a more beefy flavor.
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions:
Cheese: You can choose to use your favorite cheese and blends at home, depending on what you have available and the type of cheese your family prefers. If you want to skip using processed shredded cheese, you can do so by grating your own cheese. This simplifies the ingredients and eliminates any potential additives you may find in shredded cheese.
Beef: Whether you’re watching your weight or want to reduce the fat in this dish, you can do so with lean beef or ground turkey. Some even choose to use ground chicken. Keep in mind that with ground chicken, you may experience a bit of a different taste with the outcome.
Chips: You can use any brand of corn chips if you do not have Frito Lay corn chips available to you. Crushing the chips can also add a crunchy flavor to this casserole.
Add-ons: Adding everything from chopped green onions and shallots to freshly diced tomatoes, sour cream, and cream cheese can all be added to this recipe, making it as versatile as possible.
Tips for Success
Plan your ingredients ahead of time and gather them on your counter before you get started with this recipe. It will help streamline the cooking process.
Storage & Reheating
After your casserole has cooled off, you can place it in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to 3 days.
You can also place individual servings into airtight containers to freeze for up to 6 months. Always be sure the food is cooled before placing it into the containers you intend to use.
To reheat, preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Cover your dish with aluminum foil and bake for 10-15 minutes.
Serving Suggestions:
You can choose to make this dish whether you’re planning a holiday party or gathering or if you’re searching for a staple in your weekly menu rotation. Serve alongside a fresh cheese dip, plenty of sour cream, and even cream cheese dips that work well with corn chips. The options are endless and only limiting based on your taste preferences!
FAQs:
Can I use my own type of meat?
Yes! From 80/20 beef to 90/10 beef or ground turkey/chicken, this recipe is extremely versatile for any type of flavor you have in mind. Just remember you may experience a different taste entirely if you swap the beef for chicken or turkey.
Notes:
Try adding a variety of chilis or different seasonings to your casserole to truly elevate it and make it your own. You can also taste test mixed seasonings together before adding them into your bake. This is especially recommended if you’re making your very own taco seasoning blend to use in this ground beef dinner.
Cheesy Chip & Beef Bake
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs. Ground beef
- 1 C. Onion chopped
- 3 oz. Cream cheese
- 1 Packet Taco seasoning
- 1 Can Green chilis
- 2-3 C. Fritos corn chips
- 1 C. Shredded taco blend cheese
- 1 Roma tomato chopped
- 1-2 C. Lettuce shredded
- Salsa and sour cream for garnish
Instructions
- First, you'll want to preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Add the onion and ground beef into a skillet that's on medium-high. You'll want to ensure your onions are fully chopped to the size you desire. Allow the meat to brown and the onions to come to a more translucent color in nature before moving on to the next step.
- Add additional ingredients, including the taco seasoning (or your own homemade mixture), green chilis, and cream cheese to the skillet. Do this only once the beef has been completely browned.
- Sauté the ingredients until the cream cheese is fully combined. Mix all toppings you've added into the beef mixture.
- Add your preferred brand and type of corn chips on top of the mixture.
- Add your shredded cheese to top the corn chips.
- Place the oven-friendly skillet in your oven for 20 minutes.
- Once the cheese is melted, remove the skillet from the oven. You can then top the walking casserole with remaining ingredients, such as tomato, lettuce, more cream cheese, chilis, and jalapenos.
- Garnish with items such as sour cream and salsa, to taste.
