Walking Taco Bake (aka Frito Pie) Recipe

I recently prepared an easy casserole recipe featuring ground beef, chopped onions, and a blend of taco seasoning with enchilada sauce. Layered with crunchy Fritos and melted cheddar cheese, this beef dinner promises hearty flavors and satisfying textures. I truly appreciate a quick, satisfying dish that embodies Easy Casserole Recipes.

I’m super excited to share my take on the Walking Taco Bake, a dish that easily became one of my go-to ideas for a quick dinner. This recipe is all about layering simple ingredients in a creative way for a meal that’s both fun and filling.

I start off by browning 1 lb of ground beef with a chopped medium onion and mixing in a packet of taco seasoning and a can of enchilada sauce. Once the beef is all mixed up, I spread it over a large bag of Fritos and top it off with 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese.

If you’re into recipes like Dorito casseroles or beef dinner ideas that offer that quick and cheap dinner vibe, this one’s definitely worth a try. It might sound simple, but that mix of ingredients creates a hearty dish that’s anything but ordinary.

Trust me, it’s a dinner idea you’ll want to add to your rotation.

Why I Like this Recipe

I really like this recipe for several reasons:

1. I love how quick and easy it is to put together – its perfect when I need a fast dinner without too much fuss.
2. The mix of ground beef, onions, and taco seasoning really hits the spot for me and gives it a homey flavor that reminds me of my childhood.
3. I enjoy the crunch from the Fritos combined with the melted cheddar cheese – it gives me that satisfying texture contrast that makes every bite interesting.
4. It’s a total crowd-pleaser at home – my family and friends never get tired of it and it always seems to bring people together, even on a busy weeknight.

Ingredients

• Ground beef is protein-packed and hearty although sometimes a bit fatty for the taste.
• Onions provide natural sweetness and essential vitamins while boosting fiber and overall flavor.
• Taco seasoning adds a bold, spicy kick with earthy cumin and fiery chili notes.
• Enchilada sauce gives a tangy, savory zest that perfectly binds the ingredients together.
• Fritos contribute a crunchy texture with salty carbohydrates, making each bite satisfyingly crisp.
• Cheddar cheese delivers creamy, melty richness that unites all outstanding flavors together.
• Salt and pepper subtly enhance the dish by balancing and brightening every bold flavor.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce
• 1 large bag of Fritos (approx 9.25 oz)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make this

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F

2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s browned, breaking it up as you go. When it’s almost done, add the chopped onion and cook until softened

3. Drain any extra grease then stir in the taco seasoning along with a splash of water (about 1/4 cup) to help the seasoning coat the meat well

4. Pour in the enchilada sauce and mix everything together. Let it simmer for about 3 minutes so the flavors get to know each other. Season with salt and pepper to taste

5. Spread the entire bag of Fritos evenly in a 9×9 or similar sized baking dish

6. Spoon the beef and onion mixture over the Fritos making sure to cover them all nicely

7. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top

8. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes until the cheese gets all melty and bubbling

9. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving so you dont burn your tongue

10. Enjoy your easy and yummy walking taco bake with your family!

Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. 9×9 baking dish (or similar sized oven-safe dish)
3. Large skillet
4. Cutting board
5. Knife
6. Measuring cup
7. Wooden spoon or spatula
8. Colander (for draining grease, if needed)

FAQ

Walking Taco Bake (aka Frito Pie) Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Ground beef: You can swap ground beef with ground turkey or even ground chicken if you want a lighter version
• Taco seasoning: Try making your own blend using chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika as an alternative
• Enchilada sauce: You could use a mix of tomato sauce with a splash of lime and chili powder to give it a similar flavor
• Fritos: If you cant find Fritos, regular tortilla chips or even corn chips work just as well
• Cheddar cheese: Experiment with Pepper Jack for a spicier twist or use a Mexican blend to add some extra flavor

Pro Tips

1. When you brown the beef, toss in a pinch of garlic powder or cumin along with the taco seasoning for an extra depth of flavor – it makes the dish more interesting.
2. Instead of just dumping the enchilada sauce, try letting the beef and onions simmer together a little longer so the flavors really blend well, even if it means keeping an eye on it for a minute more.
3. Before layering on the beef mixture, consider giving the Fritos a quick warm-up in the oven for a few minutes so they stay extra crisp once the other ingredients are added.
4. Always let the dish cool down for a few minutes after baking, this not only helps the flavors settle but also keeps you safe from burning your tongue.