Walking taco casserole

Ingredients

1° 12 lbs ground beef

1/3 large onion, chopped

° 1 can of green chili peppers, small tin

1 can of enchilada sauce

2 ounces of cream cheese

1 bag of Fritos chips

1 bag of grated cheese

° 3⁄4 cup shredded lettuce

12 cups fresh tomatoes, diced

° 16 ounces of sauce 8 ounces of sour cream

Preparation

Browning the minced meat with onions.

Add green peppers, enchilada sauce, and cream cheese.

In a 9″ x 13″ pan, repeat the layers as follows: Fritos chips, meat mixture and grated cheese.

Baking 350 for 15-20 minutes or bubbly cheese.

Garnish individual servings with lettuce, tomato, salsa, and sour cream, to taste.

Variations

Protein Options

1. Chicken Frito Pie:
   • Swap ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken or cooked ground chicken for a lighter option.
2. Vegetarian Version:
   • Replace ground beef with black beans, pinto beans, or a plant-based meat alternative for a meat-free version.
3. Turkey Frito Pie:
   • Use ground turkey as a leaner alternative to beef.

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Flavor Enhancements

1. Spices:
   • Add taco seasoning, cumin, smoked paprika, or chili powder to the beef for an extra kick of flavor.
2. Salsa Upgrade:
   • Use fresh pico de gallo or a chunky salsa instead of canned sauce for a fresher taste.
3. Heat Level:
   • Opt for spicy enchilada sauce or add diced jalapeños for more heat.

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Toppings and Garnishes

1. Customizable Toppings:
   • Include options like guacamole, pickled jalapeños, black olives, or chopped cilantro for variety.
2. Cheese Variations:
   • Mix it up with pepper jack, Colby, or Monterey Jack cheese instead of just shredded cheddar.

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Serving Styles

1. Layered Casserole:
   • Layer the ingredients in a baking dish and bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly for a more cohesive dish.
2. Individual Servings:
   • Assemble in personal bowls with each guest adding their preferred toppings.

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Tips

1. Drain Excess Fat:
   • If using ground beef, ensure you drain the excess fat after cooking to prevent the dish from becoming too greasy.
2. Chips Stay Crisp:
   • Add the Fritos just before serving to keep them crispy. For reheating leftovers, serve with fresh Fritos on the side.
3. Creamy Texture:
   • Stir the cream cheese into the warm beef mixture until fully melted for a richer consistency.
4. Prep Ahead:
   • Cook the ground beef and prepare the toppings in advance for quick assembly when you’re ready to serve.
5. Customize Spiciness:
   • Offer mild, medium, and hot sauces on the side to cater to different spice preferences.
6. Leftovers:
   • Store the meat mixture and toppings separately in airtight containers for easier reheating and to keep ingredients fresh.

These variations and tips will make your Frito Pie versatile and crowd-pleasing for any occasion!

Enjoy!