The Walking Taco Bake, also known as Simple Frito Pie, is a fun and easy twist on the classic taco. With layers of seasoned ground beef, black beans, cheese, and crispy Fritos corn chips, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. It’s quick to make and offers all the flavors of tacos in a delicious baked form.
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
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and chopped onion over medium heat until the beef is no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, and black beans. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to combine.
- In a 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half of the Fritos, followed by half of the beef mixture and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat the layers.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven, serve with optional toppings like sour cream, salsa, or guacamole, and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Replace the ground beef with a meat substitute such as crumbled tofu, lentils, or a plant-based ground meat alternative.
- Spicy Kick: Add some diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the meat mixture for extra heat.
- Different Chips: Swap out Fritos for other crunchy snacks like Doritos or tortilla chips for a slightly different texture and flavor.
- Extra Veggies: Add bell peppers, corn, or zucchini to the beef mixture for added nutrition and flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
10 FAQs
- Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the layers ahead of time and refrigerate it. Just bake it before serving.
- Can I use a different type of meat? Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based alternative for a lighter or vegetarian version.
- Is this recipe gluten-free? While Fritos corn chips are generally gluten-free, it’s always best to check the packaging for any specific information. You can also use gluten-free chips if preferred.
- Can I make this dish spicier? Yes, adding chili powder, jalapeños, or hot sauce to the beef mixture will increase the heat.
- How do I serve this dish? This dish can be served as a main course with optional toppings like sour cream, salsa, guacamole, and shredded lettuce.
- Can I freeze leftovers? Yes, you can freeze the leftovers for up to 2-3 months. Be sure to wrap it tightly to prevent freezer burn.
- What can I use instead of black beans? If you don’t like black beans, you can substitute them with pinto beans, kidney beans, or refried beans.
- Can I use shredded mozzarella cheese instead of cheddar? Yes, mozzarella cheese will work, but it will provide a different texture and flavor. Cheddar gives a sharper taste that complements the taco seasoning well.
- What kind of tomatoes should I use? Canned diced tomatoes are best, but you can also use fresh tomatoes if you prefer. Just make sure to chop them up finely.
- Can I make this dish in a smaller or larger pan? Yes, you can adjust the size of the baking dish depending on the number of servings. Just ensure the layers are evenly distributed.
Conclusion
Walking Taco Bake is a quick, hearty dish that combines the classic flavors of tacos with the comforting, cheesy goodness of a baked casserole. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a weeknight meal, this dish is sure to be a hit. With minimal ingredients and simple steps, it’s easy to customize and perfect for any occasion.
PrintWalking Taco Bake (Simple Frito Pie)
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Walking Taco Bake is an easy and delicious twist on a classic Frito Pie! Ground beef, black beans, taco seasoning, and layers of crispy Fritos and melted cheddar cheese make this a crowd-pleasing dish. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a fun party dish!
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
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, cook ground beef and onion until beef is no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, and black beans. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a 9×13 inch baking dish, layer half of the Fritos, half of the meat mixture, and half of the cheese. Repeat layers.
- Bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until cheese is melted.
- Serve with optional toppings and enjoy!
Notes
- You can use ground turkey or chicken as a lighter alternative to ground beef.
- For extra flavor, add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
- Feel free to substitute the Fritos with tortilla chips or your favorite corn chips.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes