This Easy Walking Taco Casserole Is a Dinner Worth Sitting Down For

By
Karishma Pradhan
Karishma Pradhan
Karishma Pradhan
Karishma is the founder of Home Cooking Collective (HCC) as well as a freelance food writer, recipe developer, and photographer.
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Published October 11, 2023
Karishma Pradhan
Walking taco casserole with dollops of sour cream in a casserole dish with a serving spoon (casserole dish missing some casserole)

Simply Recipes / Karishma Pradhan

Have you ever tried Frito pie or walking tacos? Some summers ago, my Texan friend asked me if I wanted to try a pop-up in Brooklyn, where we both lived. Growing up in the Northeast, I had never heard of, let alone tried, Frito pie. 

I was utterly surprised and delighted when I received a bag of Fritos stuffed with chili, sour cream, corn chips, and cheese. On a hot and humid day, we sat on a grassy stretch of a park, catching up and enjoying the comforting amalgam of savory textures and flavors. 

Nowadays, when I crave those familiar flavors, I reach for my trusted skillet to prepare an at-home version, walking taco casserole. Walking taco casserole has all the components of a walking taco from the bag served in a casserole dish for convenience. It's easily adaptable so you can enjoy it with your favorite toppings. 

Origins

According to Eater and Heavy Table, there is no singular, agreed-upon origin of Frito pie. However, it presumably began in Texas and later spread to other parts of the US, especially the Midwest. 

Frito pie is often served as a staple concession at school events like sports games or community field days. My friend Joseph, who first introduced me to this delectable treat, recalled it being offered at school lunches, often made with Hormel canned chili and topped with sour cream, shredded cheese, and chives. 

Walking taco casserole in a casserole dish with a spoon (casserole dish missing some casserole / some of the casserole was already served)

Simply Recipes / Karishma Pradhan

Swaps and Substitutions

  • Pinto beans can be substituted with black beans if you prefer them!
  • For a milder version, replace the Rotel with plain canned diced tomatoes (without chiles). 
  •  You can absolutely substitute the ground beef for a plant-based version; just note that you may need more oil to replace the fat. 

Make-Ahead Instructions

You can easily prepare this casserole ahead of time with a few simple tricks. Prepare the meat and bean filling (without the toppings) up to 2 days ahead and store in the refrigerator in an airtight container. 

Just before serving, preheat the oven to 350°F. Transfer the filling to a casserole dish and top with cheese and Fritos. Bake as directed, adding 5-10 minutes extra time to warm up the casserole. 

Walking taco casserole in a casserole dish

Simply Recipes / Karishma Pradhan

More Beefy and Cheesy Casseroles

Walking Taco Casserole

Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 25 mins
Total Time 40 mins
Servings 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons neutral oil, such as Canola oil

  • 1 white onion, diced

  • 4 cloves garlic, finely minced

  • 1 pound 80/20 ground beef

  • 3 tablespoons taco seasoning (homemade or store-bought)

  • 1 scallion, finely diced

  • 1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans

  • 1 (10-ounce) can RO*TEL Original Diced Tomatoes and Green Chilies

  • 1 cup thick and chunky salsa

  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

  • 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, plus more if needed

  • 1 (9-ounce) bag Fritos Corn Chips

For serving (optional)

  • Sour cream

  • Pickled jalapenos

  • Diced scallions

  • Shredded lettuce

Method

  1. Saute the aromatics:

    Set a large 12-inch skillet over medium heat and add the oil. Saute the garlic and onion for 6-8 minutes until soft and translucent.

    Sauteed onions in a cast iron skillet for walking taco casserole

    Simply Recipes / Karishma Pradhan
  2. Cook the meat:

    Add the beef and break it into bite-sized pieces with a wooden spoon. Saute for 6-8 minutes until nicely browned. 

    Note: If your taco seasoning does not have added salt, add a generous pinch of salt to the meat.

    Ground beef cooking with the onions in a cast iron skillet

    Simply Recipes / Karishma Pradhan
  3. Preheat the oven:

    While the meat cooks, preheat the oven to 350°F.

  4. Simmer the casserole:

    Reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in the taco seasoning, scallions, and pinto beans. Saute for 1-2 minutes until well incorporated. 

    Add the Rotel and salsa, and simmer for 8-10 minutes, or until the flavors have melded nicely and the meat is well-seasoned. If needed, stir in additional salt and pepper to taste.

    Walking taco casserole filling (ground beef, beans, salsa, etc) cooking together in a cast iron skillet

    Simply Recipes / Karishma Pradhan
    Walking taco casserole filling in a cast iron skillet

    Simply Recipes / Karishma Pradhan
  5. Add the toppings:

    Immediately transfer the mixture to a 9x13-inch casserole dish and spread it in an even layer. Top with cheddar cheese and 2 cups of Fritos chips, plus more if desired. 

    Bake for 10 minutes, or until the cheese is nicely melted.

    Walking taco casserole filling in a casserole dish and topped with shredded cheese

    Simply Recipes / Karishma Pradhan
    Walking taco casserole topped with Fritos chips (casserole uncooked)

    Simply Recipes / Karishma Pradhan
  6. Serve

    Top casserole dish with optional dollops of sour cream, pickled jalapenos, scallions, and shredded lettuce. Divide amongst serving plates and enjoy!

    Love the recipe? Leave us stars and a review below!

    Baked walking taco casserole topped with Fritos chips

    Simply Recipes / Karishma Pradhan
    Walking taco casserole with dollops of sour cream in a casserole dish with a serving spoon (casserole dish missing some casserole)

    Simply Recipes / Karishma Pradhan
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
629 Calories
39g Fat
42g Carbs
29g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6
Amount per serving
Calories 629
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 39g 50%
Saturated Fat 12g 59%
Cholesterol 81mg 27%
Sodium 1303mg 57%
Total Carbohydrate 42g 15%
Dietary Fiber 6g 23%
Total Sugars 5g
Protein 29g
Vitamin C 27mg 136%
Calcium 351mg 27%
Iron 4mg 21%
Potassium 736mg 16%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. In cases where multiple ingredient alternatives are given, the first listed is calculated for nutrition. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included.