This Frito Taco Bake is a quick and easy meal that is packed with flavor! Taco seasoned ground beef combined with a cheesy sauce and Fritos; this walking taco casserole is comfort food at its finest. Perfect for busy weeknights and lazy weekend meals!
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If you love tacos, enchiladas, and good ol’ Tex Mex, you have come to the right place! This recipe is very similar to walking tacos, only in casserole form. With so many topping options, this Frito Taco Casserole is fully customizable!
Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love this Fritos Taco Bake
- What is the difference between a Walking Taco and a Frito Pie Bake
- Ingredients for easy Frito Taco Bake
- How to make this Taco Bake Recipe with Fritos
- Topping Options for this Frito Taco Bake with Ground Beef
- Pro Tips and Substitutions
- What to serve with easy Taco Bake with Fritos
- Storage and Freezing Instructions
- FAQ’s
- More Casserole Recipes to try
- Frito Taco Bake Recipe
Why You’ll Love this Fritos Taco Bake
- Incredibly easy to make– using simple ingredients, this taco bake casserole is quick to prepare, fool proof, and family approved.
- Fully Customizable– with so many tasty topping options to choose from, this can be made to fit each and everyone’s tastes.
- Great for potlucks and large gatherings– if you are feeding large crowds, simply double this recipe! Great for game day, football season, and more!
- Only 7 ingredients needed– a lot of the ingredients needed to make this cheesy casserole; you may already have on hand!
- Packed with flavor– if you love salty and savory meals with a Tex Mex flair throughout, this dish is for you!
What is the difference between a Walking Taco and a Frito Pie Bake
Although both recipes are quite similar, there are several differences that set this Frito Bake apart!
- Walking Tacos usually consists of seasoned taco meat, traditional taco toppings, and Fritos combined in individual bags of corn chips or Doritos. This recipe is more of a casserole style where things are layered and spooned onto plates.
- Frito Taco Bake has a cheese sauce layered over the corn chips and seasoned meat. Walking Tacos typically use shredded cheese rather than a cheese sauce.
- This recipe cooks together in the recipe whereas Walking Taco is made on the stovetop in a skillet.
- You may hear this Frito Taco Bake also called Walking Taco Bake with Fritos, Taco Pie with Fritos, or Frito Casserole! Different names, but same great flavor!
Ingredients for easy Frito Taco Bake
See printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for exact ingredient amounts and directions.
- Beef– I use ground beef, however, ground turkey works great too. This provides the protein to your meal.
- Taco Seasoning– I love using homemade taco seasoning in my recipes to control the amounts.
- Water– this combines with the taco seasoning to fully coat the meat.
- Fritos– you can use Original, however, using chili cheese Fritos corn chips adds a great addition of flavor.
- Cheddar Cheese Soup– typically you can find this by the other canned goods, I use Campbell’s brand.
- Milk– any type works, you will combine this with the cheese soup to make the cheesy layer.
- Mozzarella Cheese– freshly shredded is best. You can also use Pepperjack, Colby Jack, or Mexican blend cheese.
How to make this Taco Bake Recipe with Fritos
- Brown beef or turkey in a large skillet over medium-high heat until no longer pink. Drain excess grease and stir in the taco seasoning and water.
- Simmer on low heat for about 5 minutes, or until liquid is absorbed and meat is thoroughly coated in seasoning.
- Layer chili cheese Fritos on the bottom of and 8 x 8 baking dish. Place seasoned ground beef mixture over Fritos.
- In a saucepan, heat cheddar cheese soup and milk over low heat. Once warm, pour cheese mixture on top of meat.
- Sprinkle mozzarella evenly over cheese and place pan in preheated oven, 350, for about 12-14 minutes.
- Remove casserole dish from oven and scoop desired amount onto plate. Top with favorite toppings!
Topping Options for this Frito Taco Bake with Ground Beef
With so many fun options to choose from, you can’t go wrong. Make this your own! Here are just a few of our favorite taco toppings:
- Sour Cream
- Salsa
- Sliced Black Olives
- Tomatoes
- Avocado
- Guacamole
- Diced Red Onions
- Jalapenos or Green Chiles
- Pico de Gallo
- Cilantro
- Chopped Green Onions
- Shredded Lettuce
Pro Tips and Substitutions
- If you aren’t a fan of Fritos corn chips, you can also use tortilla chips or any flavor of Doritos.
- Ground chicken can be used in place of the beef or turkey.
- To add more flavor to your meat mixture, you can use additional chili powder or garlic powder.
- Freshly grated cheese is best as compared to packaged pre-shredded cheeses. An anti-clumping additive is placed on pre-shredded bagged cheese to prevent clumping, and this causes the cheese not to melt evenly.
- For an added protein boost, black beans or Pinto beans are a great addition to the meat mixture.
What to serve with easy Taco Bake with Fritos
Once you add all of your yummy toppings, this recipe can actually be a full meal in itself with no need to add anything else. If you are like my family and prefer options however, here are so of our favorites:
Storage and Freezing Instructions
- Refrigerator: once leftovers are fully cooled, place in an airtight container in your fridge up to 3 days. The corn chips may get a little soggy, but the flavors will still be great. Reheat in the microwave.
- Freezer: unfortunately, I do not recommend freezing this meal as the chips will get soggy and mushy. You can freeze the meat mixture and thaw once ready to use in this taco casserole recipe.
FAQ’s
How do I avoid the Frito chips from getting soggy?
The Fritos do get soft in this bake because of all the ingredients added on top. However, you can always add additional chips to the top just before serving for an added crunchy texture.
How do I make this spicy?
You can add hot sauce and jalapenos to the bake or as a topping. You can also add Chipotle pepper or red pepper flakes when seasoning the ground beef.
Is this Taco Bake gluten free?
Yes, since I use homemade taco seasoning, I am able to control each, and every ingredient added to ensure its gluten free for those needed. If using packaged seasoning, just be sure to read the ingredients as some aren’t naturally gluten free.
Can I make this bake vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the meat and follow the rest of the recipe or use your favorite meat alternative. Some people have used tofu in the past and said it works great!
More Casserole Recipes to try
Frito Taco Pie with Crescents– a classic casserole-style dish that combines taco meat, cheese, and sour cream nestled between layers of fluffy crescent rolls and topped with crunchy corn Fritos.
Frito Chili Pie Casserole– easy to make and a terrific weeknight meal! A classic Tex Mex dish made with ground beef, taco or chili seasonings, cheese, and Fritos that’s perfect for a quick dinner option any night of the week!
Chicken Taco Casserole– combines all the flavors of classic chicken tacos, only made into a flavor packed casserole! The perfect Tex Mex meal for any occasion!
King Ranch Chicken Casserole– an old-fashioned, easy dinner recipe packed with flavor! Layers of tortillas, creamy chicken, cheese, and more…this recipe is comfort food at its finest!
California Taco– is a dish that includes layers of Fritos, meat, cheese, and any topping desired! Flavorful and budget friendly!
Cowboy Cornbread Casserole– comfort food at its finest! Perfect for busy weeknights, this cowboy casserole includes seasoned ground beef, corn, beans, and a fluffy cornbread topping!
Taco Cornbread Casserole– made using taco seasoned ground beef, chili beans, and cheese, all under a layer of Jiffy cornbread!
This Taco Bake with Fritos is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is sure to satisfy your cravings for Mexican flavors. With layers of seasoned ground beef, cheese, salsa, and crunchy Fritos chips, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser that will quickly become a family favorite. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to bring to a potluck, this chili cheese Frito casserole recipe is a tasty option that everyone will enjoy. Give it a try and see for yourself just how delicious this simple yet satisfying meal can be!
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Frito Taco Bake Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef of turkey
- 1 package taco seasoning or 3 tablespoon homemade taco seasoning
- ⅔ cup water
- chili cheese fritos
- ½ can cheddar cheese soup
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Toppings desired: salsa, sour cream, onion, tomato, avocado, etc
Instructions
- Brown beef or turkey over medium high heat until no longer pink.
- Drain fat and add in the taco seasoning and water.
- Simmer on low heat for about 5 minutes, or until liquid is absorbed and meat is thoroughly coated in seasoning.
- Layer chili cheese Fritos on the bottom of and 8 x 8 baking dish.
- Place seasoned meat on top of Fritos.
- In a saucepan, heat cheddar cheese soup and milk over low heat.
- Once warm, pour cheese mixture on top of meat.
- Sprinkle mozzarella evenly over cheese and place pan in preheated oven, 350, for about 12-14 minutes.
- Remove pan from oven and scoop desired amount onto plate. Top with favorite toppings!
Nutrition
Sara says
I have not made this recipe yet. However for the cheese sauce, could I use a velveta cheese block melted with the milk as a substitute for the cheese soup?
Kristin says
I haven’t tried that personally, but that should work as a great substitute! Enjoy and keep me posted!
PATSY SANDRIDGE says
CAN YOU USE PLAIN FRITOS
Kristin says
Yes, that works great too! Enjoy!
Wanda Light says
Just tried your recipe for the Taco Bake. I used a whole bag of corn chips on the bottom and the whole can of soup.it was divine. My husband said he liked it better than regular tacos. This will be a regular on the menu from now on, THANKS FOR SHARING.
Kristin says
Yay!! So glad to hear you all both enjoyed! It’s one of my fav dishes!!
rmm64 says
Haven’t tried this yet, but I AM looking forward to it now. I think the only change I’ll make, is instead of using regular Fritos, I’ll use Chili Cheese Fritos. I’m betting the seasoning will give it a nice added flavor (and the chili cheese are my fave, lol)
Kristin says
Agreed! Both versions work great! I typically switch between the two based on what I have on hand! Hope you enjoy!
Laurie Unger says
Used regular frito’s and queso cheese soup and it was gone in record time!
Kristin says
Yea!! Glad to hear it was a hit!!
Sydney says
We liked this alot! Will definitely make again, I might add more of the cheese soup to soften up the fritos a little next time. Quick and easy and very kid friendly. Thanks for the great idea!!
Kristin says
So glad you all enjoyed it!!!
Charlene says
Curious as to why you chose mozzarella cheese instead of cheddar?
Kristin says
I was adding additional flavor because the cheddar is already in it from the cheddar soup. You can also use Cotija cheese to add an added flavor!!