Walking Taco Casserole Recipe

Walking Taco Casserole takes the fun, crunchy joy of a classic walking taco and transforms it into a hearty, family-friendly baked dish. With layers of seasoned beef, melty cheese, and crispy Fritos, it delivers all the textures you love in a warm, scoopable format. Fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and onions add cool contrast on top, making this an easy potluck favorite or quick weeknight dinner. It’s customizable, crowd-pleasing, and ridiculously satisfying.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• One 10.5-oz can Ro-Tel diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• One 9.25-oz bag Fritos
• 2 cups shredded lettuce
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup diced onions
• Sour cream, salsa, jalapeños (for serving)

Directions

1. Brown ground beef in a large skillet until no longer pink; drain excess fat.
2. Add taco seasoning and Ro-Tel; stir and simmer 5 minutes.
3. Spread half the Fritos in the bottom of a casserole dish.
4. Layer half the beef mixture over the chips, then half the cheese.
5. Repeat with remaining Fritos, beef, and cheese.
6. Bake at 350°F for 15–20 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Top with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and any preferred toppings.

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

Tips

• Use freshly grated cheese for the best melt and texture.
• Add toppings right before serving to keep the lettuce and chips crisp.

FAQ

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes—just season well to boost flavor.

Can I make this ahead?
Assemble the beef and cheese layers ahead, but add Fritos and toppings right before baking.

Can I make it spicier?
Use hot Ro-Tel, add jalapeños, or sprinkle in extra chili powder.

Will the Fritos stay crunchy?
They stay crispest when served immediately; leftovers soften but are still tasty.