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Easy walking taco casserole in a baking dish topped with Fritos corn chips and taco toppings

Easy Walking Taco Casserole (Kid-Approved & Ready in 50 Minutes!

This Easy Walking Taco Casserole combines seasoned ground beef, pinto beans, RO*TEL tomatoes, and melted cheddar topped with crunchy Fritos.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course dinner
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 1 can 15 oz pinto beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 can 10 oz RO*TEL diced tomatoes and green chiles, undrained
  • 1 cup chunky salsa
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese divided
  • 1 bag 9.25 oz Fritos corn chips
  • Toppings: sour cream shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, jalapeños, guacamole, hot sauce

Instructions
 

  • Step 1: Preheat & Prep
  • Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.
  • Step 2: Brown the Beef
  • In a large skillet over medium-high heat cook ground beef breaking it into small pieces for 7-8 minutes until fully cooked. Drain excess fat. Add taco seasoning and 2/3 cup water. Stir and cook for 2 more minutes until the sauce thickens.
  • Step 3: Build the Casserole
  • Add pinto beans, RO*TEL tomatoes, and salsa to the skillet with the beef. Stir everything together until well combined. Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
  • Step 4: Add the Cheese
  • Sprinkle 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the beef mixture.
  • Step 5: Bake
  • Bake uncovered at 350°F for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden around the edges.
  • Step 6: Add Fritos and Serve
  • Remove from oven and immediately top with Fritos corn chips and remaining ½ cup of cheese. Add your favorite toppings — sour cream, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, jalapeños, and guacamole. Serve immediately!

Notes

  • Add the Fritos right before serving — don't put them in the oven or they'll get soggy
  • Rotisserie chicken works great as a substitute for ground beef
  • Leftovers store in the fridge for up to 3 days — store chips separately and add fresh when reheating
  • For extra heat use hot RO*TEL instead of original
  • Make it a full taco bar by setting out all the toppings and letting everyone customize their own bowl