Walking Taco Casserole

This Walking Taco Casserole turns all the fun flavors of a classic walking taco into a warm, bubbly, oven-baked dinner. It’s loaded with seasoned beef, creamy cheese, green chilis, and a crunchy corn chip topping that delivers instant comfort. Perfect for busy weeknights, game days, or potluck-style meals, this dish lets you prep ahead and bake when you’re ready. Fresh toppings like lettuce, tomato, salsa, and sour cream finish it off with that signature taco-shop flair.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lbs ground beef
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 3 oz 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 shredded lettuce
• Salsa and sour cream, for garnish

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Brown ground beef and onion in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until meat is cooked and onions are softened.
3. Stir in taco seasoning, green chilis, and cream cheese; cook until cream cheese melts and mixture is combined.
4. Sprinkle Fritos over the beef mixture, then top with shredded cheese.
5. Bake 20 minutes, until hot and bubbly.
6. Remove from oven and top with shredded lettuce and tomato.
7. Add salsa and sour cream before serving, if desired.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 420 kcal | Servings: 6

Tips

• Add chips right before baking so they stay crisp and don’t absorb too much moisture.
• Store leftovers without the fresh toppings to keep the texture better for reheating.

FAQ

Can I use Doritos instead of Fritos?
Yes—Doritos or tortilla chips work great and add extra flavor.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Assemble everything except the chips and cheese, refrigerate, then add them just before baking.

Can I use ground turkey?
Absolutely—just season well, as turkey has a milder flavor.

How do I reheat leftovers?
Warm in the oven so the topping can re-crisp slightly; microwave works but will soften the chips.