Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy – Ready in just 40 minutes with minimal prep.
- Versatile – Use ground chicken, beef, or turkey to suit your preference.
- Crowd-Pleaser – Perfect for potlucks, parties, or a fun family dinner.
- Great Texture – A mix of crispy chips, creamy cheese, and hearty beans.
- Customizable – Easily adapt with different toppings or add-ins.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 lb ground chicken, beef, or turkey
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 1/2 can Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies)
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 bag Frito corn chips
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce
- 2 oz cream cheese
- 2 cups shredded cheese
Directions
- Preheat the Oven – Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Cook the Meat Mixture – In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground meat with the sliced onion until fully cooked. Add the Rotel and taco seasoning, then simmer until the liquid evaporates.
- Combine Ingredients – Stir in the black beans and cream cheese, cooking until the cream cheese melts and everything is well combined. Pour in the enchilada sauce and stir until evenly mixed.
- Layer the Casserole – Spread half of the Frito corn chips evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Top with half of the meat mixture, followed by half of the shredded cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining Fritos, meat mixture, and shredded cheese.
- Bake – Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the casserole is heated through.
- Serve – Enjoy this comforting and flavorful Frito Taco Casserole straight from the oven!
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 6-8
Variations
- Spicy Kick – Add jalapeños, hot sauce, or extra green chilies for more heat.
- Protein Options – Swap out ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles.
- Different Chips – Try using tortilla chips or Doritos instead of Fritos.
- Extra Toppings – Garnish with sour cream, guacamole, chopped cilantro, or diced tomatoes.
- Low-Carb Option – Skip the Fritos and use cauliflower rice or low-carb tortillas.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in a tightly sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 300°F until heated through, or microwave in 30-second intervals until warm.
FAQs
How do I keep the Fritos from getting soggy?
To maintain crunchiness, add an extra handful of Fritos on top just before serving.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
What can I use instead of enchilada sauce?
You can substitute salsa, taco sauce, or a combination of tomato sauce with taco seasoning.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! Bell peppers, corn, or zucchini make great additions.
What type of cheese works best?
Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend melt well and add great flavor.
Is this dish spicy?
It has a mild kick from the Rotel and taco seasoning, but you can adjust the spice level to your taste.
Can I use homemade taco seasoning?
Yes! A mix of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and oregano works well.
How do I make this dish vegetarian?
Replace the meat with extra beans, lentils, or a plant-based ground meat substitute.
Can I cook this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Layer the ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours or until heated through.
What sides go well with Frito Taco Casserole?
Serve with a side salad, Mexican rice, refried beans, or fresh guacamole.
Conclusion
Frito Taco Casserole is the perfect blend of crunchy, cheesy, and savory flavors, making it a go-to dish for busy weeknights and gatherings. Easy to customize and quick to prepare, this casserole is a guaranteed hit with family and friends. Give it a try and enjoy a comforting, Tex-Mex-inspired meal!
Print
Frito Taco Casserole
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Frito Taco Casserole is a delicious and easy-to-make Tex-Mex-inspired dish packed with bold flavors. This comforting casserole layers crispy Frito corn chips, seasoned ground meat, black beans, enchilada sauce, and melted cheese for a crowd-pleasing meal. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or game nights, this dish is customizable and can be made with beef, chicken, or turkey.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken, beef, or turkey
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 1/2 can Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies)
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 bag Frito corn chips
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce
- 2 oz cream cheese
- 2 cups shredded cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven – Preheat to 325°F (165°C) and lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the Meat Mixture – Brown the ground meat with onions in a skillet. Add Rotel and taco seasoning, then simmer.
- Combine Ingredients – Stir in black beans and cream cheese until melted. Mix in enchilada sauce.
- Layer the Casserole – In the baking dish, layer half of the Fritos, half of the meat mixture, and half of the shredded cheese. Repeat.
- Bake – Bake for 20 minutes until cheese is melted and casserole is heated through.
- Serve – Enjoy hot, optionally garnished with sour cream, guacamole, or fresh cilantro.
Notes
- Storage: Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 300°F or microwave in short intervals.
- Customization: Add jalapeños, swap Fritos for tortilla chips, or make it vegetarian with beans or lentils.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Casserole, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex, Mexican-Inspired
