If you’re looking for a bold, comfort food that’s perfect for game days, busy weeknights, and casual family dinners, consider this Frito pie walking taco casserole. This taco bake is perfect if you’re new in the kitchen or even if you’re crunched for time. This baked corn chip casserole takes everything you love about traditional Frito pie and layers it into one hearty, oven-friendly dish. Crunchy corn chips form the base of this easy bake recipe, topped with a rich, savory beef mixture, warm spices, and a generous layer of melted cheese that helps to bring it all together.
As your Frito pie bakes, the flavor meld into a satisfying combination of crunchy, crispy, cheesy, and meaty goodness. The contrast between the saucy filling and crunchy Fritos makes every bite crave-worthy and plenty of comforting. This tex mex dinner is a crowd-pleaser and can be created with the simplest of ingredients in the home.
If you’re in need of a flexible dinner, this taco bake has it all. If you want to make this dish even heartier, you can do so by adding beans. If your family loves spice, you can choose a spice level that’s aligned with your household’s. Adding your own toppings can also elevate this dish in no time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Freezer-friendly: Nervous about leftovers? Don’t fret. You’ll love how simple and easy it is to transfer this taco bake into the freezer without the hassle.
- Family-friendly: Mix and match ingredients to suit all of the taste buds in your home. Even if you have picky eaters under your roof, this recipe is sure to shine.
- Recipe staples: Most of the ingredients called for in this recipe can be found at home in your pantry or fridge.
- Versatile: Adding toppings, new spices, and ingredients makes for a truly versatile recipe with this taco bake.
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
- Ground beef: Although the ground beef is a classic staple in the recipe, it can be swapped for ground turkey or a lean ground beef if you’re watching your calories or fat intake.
- Taco seasoning: Use homemade taco seasoning for a personal touch.
- Chili Cheese Fritos: These Fritos create the crunchy layer in this bake. You can use any flavors or go with plain if you prefer a classic walking taco.
- Cheddar Cheese Soup + Milk: Substitute with nacho cheese or Velveeta if you prefer more richness.
- Mozzarella cheese: Try a Mexican cheese blend, cheddar cheese, Colby Jack, or Pepper Jack for a unique twist.
For extra flavor, you can stir in a can of drained diced tomatoes with green chiles or a spoonful of salsa before layering. You can also add sour cream later once the bake is out of the oven! Get creative in the kitchen to bring this recipe to life.
Tips for Success
- Drain excess grease before layering — keeps the bake crisp.
- Allow the corn chip casserole time to cool before serving it so all of the flavors are melded properly.
- Use flavored corn chips for an entirely different taste (such as chili cheese corn chips)
Storage & Reheating
Allow your bake to cool completely. Store your leftovers in an airtight container up to 4 days in the fridge, or freeze 3 months. Reheat in oven at 350°F or microwave portions. Chips soften slightly but flavor stays perfect.
Avoid reheating multiple times. To do so, it’s best to store single servings of this easy bake. This will make the thawing and reheating process much easier to accomplish, especially if you’re pressed for time. Always be sure to use a microwave-safe container or bowl when reheating this in the microwave. If you choose to reheat in the oven, allow it to come to 350 degrees Fahrenheit before you begin reheating it.
Serving Suggestions
You can serve this delicious bake alongside classic tacos and other well-known Mexican cuisine. If you’re curious about making your own taco sauce, you can do so before you prep this bake for a scrumptious topping or dipping sauce.
If you’re preparing all Mexican foods, consider this any Taco Bell Mexican pizza to serve alongside your bake! You can also pair this bake with delicious veggies such as corn, asparagus, and green beans, which can be served year-round.
This recipe was inspired by my family’s taco night! We enjoy switching it up with casserole bakes and at-home Mexican pizzas, too!
Frito pie casserole
Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Beef
- 1 package Taco Seasoning ⅔ Cup Water
- 1 Large bag Chili Cheese Fritos You can use plain Fritos as well
- ½ Can Campbell’s Cheddar Cheese Soup
- ¼ Cup Whole Milk
- 1 Cup Mozzarella Cheese Shredded
Instructions
- Add butter to a saucepan and brown the ground beef you’re planning to use over medium-high heat. Allowing the beef to brown will add significant flavor to this tex mex dinner later on. Drain the beef’s grease accordingly.
- Add in taco seasoning and water once the beef has been browned and the grease has been drained or soaked up with the use of a paper towel.
- Simmer on low to allow the taco seasoning to become absorbed into the meat. Carefully watch as this action takes place so you know when it’s time to move forward.
- Layer your Fritos in the bottom of an 8×8 baking dish. This will become the base of your taco bake or walking taco casserole.
- Top the Fritos (bottom layer) with the meat you’ve cooked and seasoned.
- In another saucepan, add the milk and cheddar cheese and simmer over low heat. Avoid cooking this on high heat, as the milk and cheese may not blend well together.
- Pour the soup mixture over the meat once it is blended and warmed.
- Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese on top of the mixture. You can use your preferred cheeses during this stage.
- Place into your oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 12-14 minutes, or until warmed through and until the cheese has melted.
- Remove from your oven and allow your casserole to cool. Serve and enjoy!
