Walking Taco Bake (Simple Frito Pie)

Walking Taco Bake, also known as Frito Pie, is a simple yet delicious casserole that brings the flavors of tacos in an easy-to-make, hearty dish. Featuring seasoned ground beef, black beans, diced tomatoes, and plenty of melted cheese, all layered with crispy Fritos, this meal is a family favorite and perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 bag Fritos corn chips
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• Optional toppings: sour cream, salsa, guacamole

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a skillet, cook the ground beef and onion over medium heat until the beef is no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
3. Stir in the taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, and black beans. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes.
4. In a 9×13 inch baking dish, layer half of the Fritos, half of the beef mixture, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat the layers.
5. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Serve the Walking Taco Bake with your choice of optional toppings like sour cream, salsa, or guacamole. Enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Add Vegetables: Add diced bell peppers, corn, or jalapeños for extra flavor and texture.
• Spicy Version: Include some diced green chilies or a few dashes of hot sauce in the beef mixture to give it a spicy kick.
• Ground Turkey: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey for a lighter version of this dish.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free corn chips for those with gluten sensitivities.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, until heated through.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use a different kind of chips? Yes, you can use any type of chips, such as tortilla chips or nacho cheese chips, but Fritos give it a signature crunch and flavor.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dish up to the point of baking, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
3. Can I use lean ground beef? Yes, lean ground beef can be used as a healthier alternative.
4. Can I freeze Walking Taco Bake? Yes, you can freeze the dish before or after baking. If freezing before, cover it tightly and bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes.
5. Can I use fresh beans instead of canned? Yes, you can use cooked fresh black beans if preferred. Just make sure they are properly drained.
6. What can I serve with Walking Taco Bake? You can serve it with a simple side salad, Mexican rice, or additional toppings like sliced olives or chopped onions.
7. Can I use a different cheese? Yes, you can use any type of cheese you like. Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend would all work great.
8. How do I prevent the Fritos from getting soggy? Make sure not to add too much liquid to the beef mixture and serve immediately after baking to keep the Fritos crispy.
9. Is this recipe spicy? It’s mildly spicy due to the taco seasoning, but you can adjust the spice level by adding jalapeños or chili powder if you prefer more heat.
10. Can I make this vegetarian? Yes, you can replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat substitute or add extra beans and vegetables for a vegetarian version.

Conclusion

Walking Taco Bake is an easy, flavorful dish that combines the delicious elements of tacos in a casserole form. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner that is quick to prepare and sure to satisfy everyone at the table. With plenty of cheese, seasoned beef, and crispy Fritos, this dish is a comforting crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s versatile, allowing for many variations to suit your tastes.

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