Frito Taco Casserole

Frito Taco Casserole is a fun and hearty dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing party meal. With layers of savory ground beef, taco seasoning, beans, corn, Fritos, and melted cheddar cheese, this casserole is a satisfying comfort food that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Plus, it’s easy to make and ready in under 30 minutes!

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 can corn
• 1 can black beans
• 1 bag Fritos
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• Optional toppings: sour cream, salsa, avocado

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
3. Add the taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, corn, and black beans to the skillet. Stir to combine and cook for a few minutes to heat through.
4. In a baking dish, spread half of the Fritos on the bottom.
5. Top the Fritos with half of the meat mixture and half of the shredded cheddar cheese.
6. Repeat the layers with the remaining Fritos, meat mixture, and cheese.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Serve with optional toppings such as sour cream, salsa, or avocado, and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Ground Turkey or Chicken: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of the casserole.
• Vegetarian Version: Skip the meat and use extra beans, corn, and vegetables for a vegetarian-friendly casserole.
• Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture for a spicy twist.
• Different Chips: If you don’t have Fritos, you can use tortilla chips or another crunchy snack for the base layer.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, place the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or microwave individual portions until heated through.

10 FAQs

1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the casserole the night before and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it.
2. Can I use fresh ingredients instead of canned? Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes, corn, and beans, but keep in mind that canned versions are quicker and more convenient for this recipe.
3. What other toppings can I use? Besides sour cream, salsa, and avocado, you could also add guacamole, chopped onions, shredded lettuce, or chopped cilantro for extra flavor and texture.
4. Can I make this casserole in a slow cooker? Yes, you can layer the ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 2-3 hours, adding the Fritos and cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
5. Can I use a different kind of cheese? Yes, you can substitute the cheddar with Monterey Jack, Mexican blend cheese, or even pepper jack for a spicier kick.
6. Is this casserole spicy? The recipe itself isn’t very spicy, but you can add jalapeños, hot sauce, or spicy salsa if you prefer a bit of heat.
7. Can I freeze leftovers? Yes, you can freeze leftovers by wrapping them in plastic wrap or placing them in an airtight container. It will last for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for 30-40 minutes.
8. How can I make this gluten-free? Use gluten-free Fritos or another gluten-free chip, and check the taco seasoning packet to ensure it’s gluten-free.
9. Can I add more vegetables to this casserole? Yes, you can add more vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or zucchini for extra flavor and nutrients.
10. Can I serve this casserole with rice? Yes, serving it with rice is a great option to make the meal even more filling and to balance out the flavors.

Conclusion

Frito Taco Casserole is an easy-to-make, family-friendly dish that combines bold flavors and satisfying textures. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner, potluck, or game day, this casserole will definitely hit the spot. With simple ingredients and endless customization options, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that everyone will love!

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