Taco Casserole with Fritos

Name: Taco Casserole with Fritos
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 packet taco seasoning; 10 oz diced tomatoes with green chilies (drained); 8 oz tomato sauce; 1 cup sour cream; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 3 cups Fritos corn chips; 1/2 cup chopped green onions (optional); 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)

This Taco Casserole With Fritos is loaded with crunchy corn chips, tender ground beef, and your favorite taco toppings. It makes a great meal for picky eaters, and it’s also quick enough to make for busy weeknights.

A plate of cheesy casserole topped with corn chips, sliced black olives, and chopped green onions, with a fork on the side. A casserole dish is partially visible in the background.

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It has all the flavors of a classic taco packed into a hearty casserole form. Crunchy corn chips, seasoned taco meat, melty cheese, and fresh toppings come together for a flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or your next Taco Tuesday. Plus, it’s simple to make with just a few layers of flavorful ingredients!

This easy Frito taco casserole recipe blends the bold flavors of a taco with the cozy comfort of a hearty casserole. It’s a delicious and satisfying meal that will be on your dinner rotation in no time!

If you love Taco recipes, then next you should try this recipe for Air Fryer Tacos or Creamy Taco Soup.

Ingredients

This is an overview of the ingredients that you need to make this recipe. You can find the full list of ingredients in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Lean Ground Beef: This is the base of the casserole and can easily be substituted with ground turkey or chicken.
Taco Seasoning: Use your favorite brand, or make homemade taco seasoning using a blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and salt.
Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: Use canned tomatoes with green chilies (e.g., Rotel) for spice and tang.
Tomato Sauce: Adds a saucy consistency to bind the taco meat layers.
Sour Cream: Spread over taco meat for creaminess and tang.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts and ties everything together.
Fritos Corn Chips: The key for crunch and classic taco bake flavor.
Green Onions and Black Olives: Garnish with chopped green onions and sliced black olives for freshness and color.

Instructions

This is an overview of the steps needed to make this recipe. The full instructions are available in the recipe card.

Ground beef and tomato mixture in a skillet with a wooden spoon.

Step 1: In a skillet, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat, then stir in taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce and Simmer.

A white dish with a layer of corn chips. Surrounding bowls contain shredded cheese, sliced olives, and sour cream.

Step 2: In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread half of the Fritos in an even layer. Top with the beef mixture, then spoon sour cream over the beef.

Casserole dish with shredded cheese on top, accompanied by bowls of chopped olives and corn chips on a white surface.

Step 3: Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese and the remaining Fritos on top.

Casserole topped with Fritos, black olives, and green onions, in a white dish. Two small bowls with additional olives and onions beside it.

Step 4: In a preheated oven, Bake or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Garnish with green onions and black olives.

Storage

Storage: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing: Want to make this ahead of time? Freeze the baked casserole in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating: Pop individual portions in the microwave or reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. Add extra cheese on top before reheating for added gooeyness!

A baked dish topped with corn chips, sliced black olives, and chopped green onions on a blue checkered cloth with a spatula beside it.

Wendy’s Tips

Layer strategically: Start and finish with Fritos for the perfect crunch on top and bottom.
Don’t over-saturate: A little moisture from the tomatoes and tomato sauce is great, but avoid flooding the pan to keep the chips crunchy.
Bring ingredients to room temperature: Prepping ingredients like sour cream and shredded cheese at room temperature helps with even cooking.

What To Serve With Taco Casserole with Fritos

This family favorite pairs wonderfully with simple sides like Mexican rice, a Cucumber Carrot Salad, or taco salads. Want to round out the meal even more? Serve alongside classic fixings like walking tacos and corn ribs.

A plated serving of cheesy nacho casserole topped with black olives and green onions, with a fork beside, and a dish of the casserole in the background.

FAQs

Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or use canned beans like black beans or kidney beans for a vegetarian twist.

How do I keep the chips from getting soggy?

For super-crispy Fritos, layer them only on top after baking rather than throughout. You can also serve extra Fritos on the side for added crunch with each bite.