This Easy Taco Casserole with Fritos is a crowd-pleasing recipe that combines the bold flavors of taco-seasoned beef, melted cheese, and crunchy Fritos for a meal thatโs both comforting and quick to prepare. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Why Youโll Love This Recipe
- Combines the classic flavors of tacos in a convenient casserole form.
- Quick and simple preparation with pantry staples.
- Ideal for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week.
- Kid-friendly and endlessly customizable with your favorite toppings.
Ingredients
(Tip: Youโll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground beef
- Taco seasoning
- Diced tomatoes with green chilies
- Black beans (optional)
- Corn (optional)
- Shredded cheese
- Fritos
- Toppings: sour cream, guacamole, chopped green onions, jalapeรฑos, or fresh cilantro
Directions
- Preheat the oven:ย Set your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC).
- Cook the beef:ย In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
- Season the beef:ย Add taco seasoning and diced tomatoes with green chilies to the skillet. Simmer for a few minutes to combine flavors.
- Assemble the casserole:ย In a baking dish, layer the beef mixture, black beans (if using), and corn. Top with shredded cheese.
- Bake:ย Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Add the Fritos:ย Remove the casserole from the oven, sprinkle a generous layer of Fritos on top, and serve with your favorite toppings.
Servings and Timing
- Servings:ย This recipe serves 6-8 people.
- Prep Time:ย 10 minutes
- Cook Time:ย 20 minutes
- Total Time:ย 30 minutes
Variations
- Protein Options:ย Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives.
- Vegetarian Version:ย Skip the meat and use a combination of black beans, pinto beans, and sautรฉed veggies.
- Spicy Twist:ย Add chopped jalapeรฑos or use spicy taco seasoning.
- Healthier Option:ย Substitute Fritos with baked tortilla chips and opt for reduced-fat cheese.
- Add Rice:ย Layer cooked rice at the base for a more filling meal.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage:ย Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating:ย Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or reheat in the oven at 350ยฐF until heated through. Avoid adding Fritos until ready to serve to maintain their crunch.
FAQs
1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the casserole without the Fritos and store it in the refrigerator. Add the Fritos just before baking.
2. Can I freeze taco casserole?
Yes, freeze the casserole (without the Fritos) in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
3. What can I use instead of Fritos?
Tortilla chips, Doritos, or crushed crackers work as a great alternative.
4. How can I make this dish spicier?
Add diced jalapeรฑos, use spicy taco seasoning, or include hot sauce in the meat mixture.
5. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend all work well.
6. What toppings pair best with this casserole?
Sour cream, guacamole, salsa, diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and green onions are all great options.
7. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free taco seasoning and gluten-free chips.
8. What sides pair well with taco casserole?
Serve with a side of Mexican rice, refried beans, or a simple salad.
9. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply use a larger baking dish and double the ingredients. Adjust the baking time if needed.
10. Is it possible to use leftover taco meat?
Yes, leftover taco meat works perfectly in this recipe and cuts down on prep time.
Conclusion
This Easy Taco Casserole with Fritos is a satisfying dish that brings together all the best taco flavors in a simple and delicious way. Whether youโre serving it for a casual dinner or bringing it to a potluck, this casserole is sure to be a hit. Give it a try, and donโt forget to customize it with your favorite toppings!
Print
Easy Taco Casserole with Fritos
- Prep Time: 6 minutes
- Cook Time: 24 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This easy taco casserole combines seasoned ground beef, beans, corn, and melty cheese, topped with crunchy Fritos for a delightful Tex-Mex meal thatโs ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1 (10 oz) can Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies), undrained
- 1 (16 oz) can refried beans
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans or pinto beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup corn (frozen, canned, or fresh)
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese or cheddar cheese
- 2 cups Fritos corn chips
- Optional toppings: sour cream, sliced black olives, chopped fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, guacamole
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC). Lightly grease a 9ร13-inch casserole dish.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and the onion is softened. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the taco seasoning and Rotel. Cook for an additional minute to blend the flavors.
- Spread the refried beans evenly in the bottom of the prepared casserole dish.
- Layer the black beans and corn over the refried beans.
- Add the beef mixture on top of the bean and corn layer.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the beef mixture.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, until the casserole is heated through and the cheese is melted.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes.
- Just before serving, top with Fritos and your choice of optional toppings.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, use hot Rotel or add sliced jalapeรฑos.
- To make ahead, assemble the casserole without the Fritos, cover, and refrigerate for up to 48 hours. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, then bake as directed.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave, and add fresh Fritos before serving to maintain the crunch.
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