Description
Hearty Frito taco casserole delivers a flavor fiesta that brings Mexican-inspired comfort right to your dinner table. Layers of crunchy corn chips, seasoned ground beef, and melted cheese create a mouthwatering meal perfect for family gatherings or casual weeknight dinners you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
Vegetables and Beans:
- 1 can (14.5 ounces/411 grams) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15.25 ounces/432 grams) corn
- 1 can (15 ounces/425 grams) black beans
Cheese and Chips:
- 1 bag Fritos
- 2 cups (226 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
Optional Toppings:
- Sour cream
- Salsa
- Avocado
Instructions
- Arrange the oven rack in the middle position and heat to 350°F for optimal cooking environment.
- In a large skillet, brown ground beef over medium-high heat until no pink remains, approximately 7-8 minutes, then thoroughly drain excess grease.
- Incorporate taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, corn, and black beans into the beef, stirring until ingredients are evenly distributed and heated through.
- Create a foundational layer of Fritos across the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish, ensuring complete and even coverage.
- Spread half of the seasoned meat mixture directly over the Fritos, creating a uniform layer that covers the chips completely.
- Sprinkle a generous portion of shredded cheese across the meat layer, allowing for consistent cheese distribution.
- Repeat the layering process with remaining Fritos, creating a second chip layer, followed by the remaining meat mixture and a final cheese topping.
- Transfer the casserole to the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, watching for cheese to melt completely and develop a slightly golden, bubbly surface.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 3-5 minutes before serving, which allows the casserole to set and makes portioning easier.
- Garnish with optional toppings like sour cream, chopped cilantro, or sliced jalapeños for added flavor and visual appeal.
Notes
- Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and make the dish healthier.
- Swap ground beef with turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter protein alternative.
- Use low-sodium taco seasoning to control salt intake and customize flavor intensity.
- Crush Fritos slightly before layering to create a more even and integrated texture throughout the casserole.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 552 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 710 mg
- Fat: 34 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg