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Walking Taco Casserole in a rectangular white ceramic dish showing the thick beef layer and melted cheddar cheese.

Walking Taco Casserole: The Ultimate Crunchy & Cheesy Family Bake

This Walking Taco Casserole features crunchy Frito corn chips, seasoned ground beef, and melted sharp cheddar cheese topped with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and sour cream. A fast, 35-minute weeknight dinner the whole family will love.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex
Calories: 485
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 lb Ground Beef 450g, lean preferred
  • 1 packet Taco Seasoning 28g
  • 1/2 cup Water 120ml
  • 9.25 oz Fritos Corn Chips 262g
  • 2 cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese 226g, freshly shredded
  • 2 cups Iceberg Lettuce 150g, shredded
  • 1 cup Red Tomatoes 150g, diced
  • 1/2 cup Black Olives 75g, sliced
  • 3 Green Onions chopped
  • 1/2 cup Sour Cream 120ml, for dolloping

Equipment

  • 1 Rectangular white ceramic baking dish 9x13 inch preferred
  • 1 Large Skillet

Method
 

Cook the Beef
  1. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef (450g) over medium-high heat until no pink remains. Drain excess fat.
  2. Add taco seasoning and 120ml water. Simmer for 5 minutes until a dark red sauce forms and coats the beef.
Assemble and Bake
  1. Spread most of the Fritos into a rectangular white ceramic baking dish. Spoon the saucy beef mixture over the chips.
  2. Top with shredded sharp cheddar. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly with visible oil droplets.
Garnish
  1. Remove from oven and top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced olives, and chopped green onions. Finish with a large dollop of sour cream in the center.

Notes

Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melt and oil droplets.
Don't add the lettuce until just before serving to maintain the 'cold' texture.