This Walking Taco Bake transforms the beloved portable snack into a hearty Tex-Mex casserole, layering bold flavors and rich textures for a satisfying meal.
A quick prep and oven-baked finish make it perfect for weeknights or game day feasts with minimal effort.
What You’ll Need for Walking Taco Bake
Ground beef – Delivers savory richness and absorbs the taco seasoning beautifully for a flavorful foundation.
Taco seasoning – A bold, aromatic blend that infuses the beef with classic Tex-Mex spice.
Water – Helps dissolve and evenly distribute the taco seasoning throughout the beef.
Chili cheese Fritos – Add crunch, zest, and a smoky corn flavor that anchors the bake.
Cheddar cheese soup – Melts into a creamy, savory sauce that binds the dish with cheesy depth.
Whole milk – Loosens the soup for a pourable consistency while adding a subtle creaminess.
Shredded mozzarella cheese – Blankets the bake with gooey, golden melt-in-your-mouth indulgence.
How to Make Walking Taco Bake, Step by Step
Brown ground beef in a skillet, then mix with taco seasoning and simmer until thickened. Layer chili cheese Fritos in a baking dish and top with seasoned meat.
Pour on a warm cheddar cheese sauce made with milk, sprinkle with mozzarella, and bake until bubbly and golden.
Walking Taco Bake Tips and Variations to Try
Add a Tex-Mex twist by mixing in black beans or corn with the beef for extra texture and flavor. For heat lovers, diced jalapeños or hot sauce can elevate the spice level. Swap mozzarella with a Mexican cheese blend for a sharper, more traditional profile.
How to Store Leftover Walking Taco Bake
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat in the oven to restore crispiness to the Fritos, or microwave in short intervals if in a hurry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular Fritos instead of chili cheese?
Yes, though chili cheese Fritos add more flavor, regular Fritos still provide a great crunchy base.
What can I substitute for cheddar cheese soup?
A homemade cheese sauce or nacho cheese dip works well if cheddar cheese soup is unavailable.
Can this be made ahead of time?
You can prepare the meat and cheese sauce ahead, but assemble just before baking to keep the chips crisp.
Is there a vegetarian version?
Yes—swap ground beef for a meat substitute or seasoned black beans for a satisfying vegetarian option.
Walking Taco Bake Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2/3 cup water
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 1/2 can cheddar cheese soup
- 1 package taco seasoning
- 1 pound ground beef
- Chili cheese Fritos
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a large skillet set over medium heat, cook the ground beef for approximately 5 minutes or until browned throughout. Stir in the taco seasoning and water, allowing the mixture to simmer gently until the liquid is fully absorbed.
- Spread a generous layer of chili cheese Fritos across the bottom of a baking dish, then spoon the seasoned beef evenly over the chips. In a separate saucepan over low heat, warm the cheddar cheese soup and milk together, stirring occasionally until smooth, then pour the sauce over the meat layer.
- Scatter the shredded mozzarella cheese across the top and transfer the dish to the oven. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbling.