Description
A cherished family tradition, this Ultimate Frito Taco Casserole is a delicious, comforting, and quick-to-prepare weeknight hero. It combines seasoned ground meat, beans, corn, and a creamy sauce, topped with crunchy Frito chips and melted cheese. Easy to make, packed with flavor for all ages, and highly customizable, it's a hearty and satisfying meal that feels like a hug in a dish.
Ingredients
1 tbsp Olive oil
1 lb Ground beef (or turkey)
1 pkg (1 oz) Taco seasoning
1 cup Water
1 (15 oz) can Black beans, rinsed and drained
1 (15 oz) can Corn, drained
1 (10.75 oz) can Cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
1/2 cup Milk
1 cup Shredded cheddar cheese, divided
2 cups Frito corn chips, crushed slightly
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef; cook until completely browned. Drain any excess fat
- Stir in the taco seasoning and water. Bring to a simmer; cook for 5 minutes, or until the liquid reduces. Remove from heat
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked beef mixture, black beans, corn, cream of mushroom soup, and milk. Stir well to combine all ingredients for your Ultimate Frito Taco Casserole Recipe
- Spread half of the Frito chips evenly in the bottom of your prepared baking dish
- Spoon the beef mixture over the Frito chips, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle with half of the shredded cheddar cheese
- Top with the remaining Frito chips, then sprinkle with the remaining cheese
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Let the Ultimate Frito Taco Casserole Recipe rest for a few minutes before serving
Notes
Do not overcrowd your skillet when browning the beef to ensure even browning.
Crush Frito chips just slightly; you want pieces, not dust, for the perfect crunch.
Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking; this helps it set, making serving easier and improving texture.
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
To reheat individual portions, warm in the microwave. For larger portions, cover with foil and reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warm (about 15-20 minutes). Fritos may lose some crispness.
Serve with a fresh green salad. Excellent toppings include sour cream, fresh cilantro, diced avocado, salsa, or pico de gallo.
To make ahead, assemble without the Frito topping, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add Fritos and cheese just before baking.
The basic recipe is mild; adjust spice level by adding cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or a spicy taco seasoning.
You can freeze the casserole before or after baking. If freezing unbaked, assemble without Fritos, wrap tightly, and freeze. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then add Fritos and bake. If freezing baked, let it cool completely, then wrap well. Reheat from frozen or thawed.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 21g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: Frito, Taco, Casserole, Beef, Weeknight, Family, Comfort Food