Walking Taco Casserole

5 from 2 votes

Walking Taco Casserole has all the cheesy flavor of a walking taco, but it's made in a cast iron skillet in just 30 minutes!

Prep Time5

Cook Time25

Total Time30

Course: Main Course, Skillet Meals

Cuisine: American, Mexican, Tex-Mex

Servings:

Calories: 620kcal

1 pound lean ground beef
1 packet taco seasoning
⅓ cup water
15 ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup salsa
4 ounce can diced green chilies
½ teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
2 cups Fritos corn chips
2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese
Optional Toppings: Chopped lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, and additional Fritos.

Preheat oven to 350°F.
In a 10-inch cast iron skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Add taco seasoning and water to the beef. Simmer for 5 minutes until water is mostly absorbed.
Stir in black beans, salsa, diced green chilies, cumin, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Simmer for 5 minutes.
Spread the beef mixture evenly in the skillet.
Top with Fritos, then sprinkle cheese evenly over the top.
Bake for 15 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove from oven and top with your choice of toppings.

Mix & Match Chips: Don’t be afraid to mix up the chips! A combo of Fritos and Doritos can add extra flavor and texture. Plus, it’s a great way to use up any half-empty bags hanging around.
Prep Ahead: If you’re short on time, prep the casserole the night before. Just assemble everything except the top layer of chips, cover it, and pop it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, add the chips and cheese, and dinner’s ready in a flash!
Leftovers: Store components of this casserole in separate containers in the refrigerator if you are saving leftovers. They can stay in the fridge for up to 3 days.