If you love the convenience and flavor-packed fun of walking tacos, then you’re going to fall head over heels for this Walking Taco Casserole! It takes all the best parts of the classic handheld snack—seasoned ground beef, crunchy Fritos, and melty cheese—and transforms them into a warm, hearty, and shareable dish. Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or game-day spreads, this casserole is as easy to make as it is to love. Walking tacos inspired this recipe, so be sure to check them out if you’re craving the original version that started it all!

Walking Taco Casserole

This casserole is loaded with bold flavors and layered textures. From the zesty seasoned beef and enchilada sauce to the crispy Fritos and gooey melted cheese, every bite is a satisfying mix of comfort and crunch. And don’t forget to pile on your favorite taco toppings—fresh lettuce, juicy tomatoes, cool sour cream, or even guacamole take this dish to the next level. It’s family-friendly, customizable, and ready in under an hour!

If you’re new to walking taco-inspired dishes, this recipe is the perfect introduction. It’s easy to throw together with pantry staples, and the final result is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s a great way to switch up your taco night routine. Trust us—once you try this Walking Taco Casserole, it’ll become a regular on your dinner rotation!

Handy tip: Prepare Ahead!

Easy and Quick: This recipe comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Family-Friendly: It’s a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults! Let everyone customize their toppings for a fun, interactive meal.

Inspired by a Classic: This dish is a creative twist on walking tacos, combining those familiar flavors in a hearty casserole format.

Budget-Friendly: Made with pantry staples and an affordable ingredient list, it’s delicious without breaking the bank.

Ingredients:

1 pound ground beef
1 onion, diced
1 package taco seasoning mix
2/3 cup water
1 can (15 oz.) enchilada sauce
1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drain and rinse
1 bag (9.25 ounce) Fritos corn chips
2 cups shredded cheese
1 green onion chopped
Optional Garnish: lettuce, tomato, sour cream, guacamole

How to Make Walking Taco Casserole

Prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish by spraying it with oil or a non-stick cooking spray. Preheat the oven to 350ºF.
In a large skillet, add the ground beef and onions. Cook over medium heat, stirring often until meat is brown and onions have softened.

Once meat and onions are fully browned, drain off excess fat. Add in water and taco seasoning, stir and simmer for 3-4 minutes.
Add the enchilada sauce and beans to the skillet and stir to fully combine.

Sprinkle about 4 cups of Fritos onto the bottom of your baking dish, then top the Fritos with 1 cup of cheddar cheese. Spread the meat mixture on top of that for the next layer then top with remaining cheese.

Bake at 350ºF for about 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Your casserole is out of the oven, topped with the remaining Fritos.

Allow to cool slightly, then serve with optional topping such as lettuce, tomato, green onions, sour cream, or guacamole.

Enjoy!

Tips & Tricks

Drain the beef well: After browning, be sure to drain excess grease to keep the casserole from getting too oily.
Layer Fritos strategically: Add a layer at the bottom for crunch, then save some for topping after baking to keep them crispy.
Switch up the beans: Pinto beans are great, but black beans or kidney beans work just as well if you have them on hand.
Cheese matters: A mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack adds extra flavor and creaminess.
Customize toppings: Set up a taco bar with a variety of toppings so everyone can make their perfect plate.

FAQs

Yes! You can prepare the meat mixture and assemble the casserole (except for the Fritos) up to a day in advance. Add the chips and bake just before serving for the best texture.

Absolutely! Doritos or tortilla chips are excellent substitutes if you prefer a different crunch or flavor.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave, and consider adding fresh chips for crunch.

What toppings can I add to the top of Walking Taco casserole?

There are so many delicious toppings you can add! Feel free to add your favorites!

Shredded lettuce
Tomato
Green onions
Sour Cream
Guacamole
Salsa
Slice Avocado
Sliced jalapeno
Sliced black olives
Cilantro
Salsa

Walking Taco Casserole

Walking Taco Casserole is the perfect weeknight meal when you are in a hurry. It is loaded with all the delicious taco flavors that we love that are then topped with Frito corn chips. This will be a family favorite in no time.

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
1 onion, diced
1 package taco seasoning mix
2/3 cup water
1 can (15 oz.) enchilada sauce
1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drain and rinse
1 bag (9.25 ounce) Fritos corn chips
2 cups shredded cheese
1 green onion chopped
Optional Garnish: lettuce, tomato, sour cream, guacamole

Instructions

Prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish by spraying it with oil or a non-stick cooking spray. Preheat the oven to 350ºF.
In a large skillet, add the ground beef and onions. Cook over medium heat, stirring often until meat is brown and onions have softened.
Once meat and onions are fully browned, drain off excess fat. Add in water and taco seasoning, stir and simmer for 3-4 minutes.
Add the enchilada sauce and beans to the skillet and stir to fully combine.
Sprinkle about 4 cups of Fritos onto the bottom of your baking dish, then top the Fritos with 1 cup of cheddar cheese. Spread the meat mixture on top of that for the next layer then top with remaining cheese.
Bake at 350ºF for about 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Your casserole is out of the oven, topped with the remaining Fritos.
Allow to cool slightly, then serve with optional topping such as lettuce, tomato, green onions, sour cream, or guacamole.
Enjoy!

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 347Total Fat: 22gSaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 506mgCarbohydrates: 14gFiber: 3gSugar: 5gProtein: 24g

Melissa

I’m Melissa, the imaginative force behind Sparkles to Sprinkles, where creativity comes to life, and sprinkles of joy are scattered generously. Melissa is a proud Jersey girl who found love with a New York boy. As a mom to four wonderful boys and a few fur babies, her journey into the world of blogging began after making the life-changing decision to stay home and raise her children. Previously a dedicated workaholic, Melissa’s blog became her creative outlet and passion project. Inspired by her mother-in-law, a masterful cook renowned for her delicious home-cooked meals and legendary holiday feasts (think mouthwatering sausage stuffing), Melissa honed her culinary skills through a combination of family recipes and countless cooking classes. She often attended these classes with her son Michael, who shared her enthusiasm for cooking from a young age. Melissa’s love for learning extends beyond familiar cuisines, as she enjoys exploring international recipes in hands-on cooking classes. Her blog features a diverse array of recipes, showcasing her expertise with various kitchen appliances such as the Instant Pot, air fryer, Slow Cooker, Ninja Foodi, Instant Vortex Plus, and more. Join Melissa on her culinary adventures as she shares tried-and-true family favorites alongside exciting new discoveries!

Walking Taco Casserole