Description
Frito Taco Casserole is a comforting and crowd-pleasing dish perfect for family gatherings or casual get-togethers. With its combination of seasoned beef (or turkey), crunchy Fritos, zesty tomatoes, and gooey cheese, this casserole is sure to satisfy. It’s incredibly versatile—adjust the ingredients to fit your preferences, like swapping ground beef for turkey, adding black beans and corn for extra texture, or experimenting with different cheese types. Don’t forget the layering technique to achieve the perfect balance of flavors in every bite!
Ingredients
Base Ingredients:
1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning mix
1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 ounces) corn, drained (or frozen corn)
1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheeses)
Topping Ingredients:
5 cups Fritos corn chips (traditional or spicy)
1 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a healthier option)
1 cup salsa (choose mild, medium, or hot)
1 cup diced avocado (optional)
Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Additional Flavor Enhancers:
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
Jalapeños, sliced (for extra heat)
Chopped green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even cooking.
Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up into small pieces. Cook until browned (about 5-7 minutes).
Add Taco Seasoning: Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the cooked beef and mix well.
Combine Other Ingredients: Stir in the black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes. Let the mixture cook for 2-3 minutes to warm through.
Layer the Casserole: Grease a baking dish. Spread half of the Fritos in the bottom of the dish, then add the beef mixture over the Fritos. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the beef.
Add Remaining Fritos and Bake: Top the casserole with the remaining Fritos, then place it in the oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve and Garnish: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes. Serve with sour cream, salsa, diced avocado, and fresh cilantro as desired.
Notes
Substitutions: You can easily swap the ground beef for turkey, shredded chicken, or a plant-based meat substitute.
Add-Ins: For more veggies, add diced bell peppers, zucchini, or sautéed mushrooms.
Freezing: If making ahead, assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and refrigerate or freeze. When ready to bake, allow it to come to room temperature before placing it in the oven.
Serving Ideas: Pair the casserole with a side salad, guacamole, or Mexican rice for a full meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of the casserole (approximately 1 cup)
- Calories: 350-450 (depending on the meat, cheese, and toppings used)
- Sugar: 4-6 grams (mainly from the tomatoes, corn, and salsa)
- Sodium: 800-1,000 mg (from the taco seasoning, cheese, and chips)
- Fat: 20-25 grams
- Saturated Fat: 6-8 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 10-14 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 30-35 grams
- Fiber: 4-6 grams
- Protein: 20-25 grams
- Cholesterol: 45-60 mg (depending on the type of cheese and meat used)