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Easy Taco Casserole With Fritos Recipe

Easy Taco Casserole With Fritos Recipe


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4.9 from 10 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Mexican-inspired easy taco casserole with Fritos delivers hearty comfort on a plate. Layers of seasoned beef, cheese, and crunchy corn chips create a satisfying meal you will devour with delight.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 pound ground beef

Dairy:

  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup sour cream

Vegetables and Seasonings:

  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (14.5 ounces) can diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup salsa
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
  • 2 green onions, chopped (optional)

Crunchy Topping:

  • 2 cups Fritos corn chips

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F (175°C), creating an ideal baking environment.
  2. In a skillet, cook ground beef with diced onions and minced garlic, thoroughly rendering out excess fat through careful draining.
  3. Incorporate taco seasoning and salsa into the meat mixture, allowing flavors to meld and intensify during a 5-minute simmering process.
  4. Create the first foundational layer in a baking dish by spreading a generous base of crunchy Fritos.
  5. Distribute the seasoned beef mixture evenly across the Fritos, ensuring complete coverage.
  6. Sprinkle a substantial amount of shredded cheese over the meat layer, creating a rich and melty topping.
  7. Repeat the layering process with additional Fritos, meat, and a final abundant cheese layer to maximize flavor and texture.
  8. Transfer the assembled casserole to the preheated oven, baking for 20-25 minutes until the cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling surface.
  9. Once removed from the oven, optionally embellish with dollops of cool sour cream, fresh diced tomatoes, sliced black olives, and chopped green onions for added vibrancy and complexity.

Notes

  • Customize heat levels by selecting mild, medium, or spicy taco seasoning to match personal preference.
  • Replace ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian version.
  • Crush Fritos slightly before layering to help them integrate better with the meat and create a more cohesive texture.
  • Prepare casserole ahead of time and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for maximum convenience.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 540 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 16 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg