Description
Crispy Frito Taco Casserole delivers a southwestern comfort meal packed with bold flavors and cheesy goodness. Layered with seasoned ground beef, zesty salsa, and crunchy corn chips, this dish brings family-style excitement to your dinner table.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 pound (450 grams) ground beef
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 packet (1 ounce/28 grams) taco seasoning mix
- ¼ cup (60 milliliters) water
Vegetables and Canned Ingredients:
- 1 can (15 ounces/425 grams) corn, drained
- 1 can (10 ounces/300 grams) Rotel (diced tomatoes and green chilies), drained
Dairy and Cheese:
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) sour cream
- 2 cups (200 grams) shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese, divided
Crunchy Topping:
- 4 cups (120 grams) Fritos corn chips
Optional Toppings:
- diced tomatoes
- shredded lettuce
- sliced jalapenos
- green onions
- salsa
- guacamole
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium flame and crumble ground beef, cooking until thoroughly browned and no pink remains.
- Eliminate excess grease by carefully draining the meat, then incorporate taco seasoning and water, stirring consistently.
- Allow the meat mixture to simmer, reducing liquid until a thick, robust consistency develops, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F, preparing a spacious baking dish with a light coating of cooking spray.
- Layer crushed Fritos along the bottom of the dish, creating a crunchy foundation for the casserole.
- Spread the seasoned beef evenly over the Fritos, ensuring complete coverage.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese generously across the meat layer, allowing it to melt and bind the ingredients.
- Top the cheese with diced tomatoes, creating a vibrant and fresh element to the dish.
- Scatter additional crushed Fritos over the top to provide a crispy, textured finish.
- Transfer the assembled casserole to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, until cheese melts completely and edges turn golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and casserole to set.
- Garnish with optional toppings like sour cream, chopped cilantro, or sliced jalapeños for additional flavor complexity.
Notes
- Customize the heat level by choosing mild or spicy taco seasoning based on your family’s preference.
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian version of the casserole.
- For added nutrition, incorporate diced bell peppers or zucchini into the meat mixture while cooking to boost vegetable intake.
- Use reduced-sodium taco seasoning to control salt content, making the dish more heart-healthy without compromising flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 570
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 80mg