Walking Taco Lasagna

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The Recipe: Walking Taco Lasagna

  • Prep time: 15 minutes

  • Cook time: 25 minutes

  • Servings: 8 people

Ingredients

  • The Base: 2 bags (9 oz each) Fritos or sturdy corn chips.

  • The Meat: 2 lbs Ground Beef (or ground turkey).

  • The Seasoning: 2 packets Taco Seasoning + 1/2 cup water.

  • The Creamy Layer: 1 can (15 oz) Refried Beans + 8 oz Cream Cheese (softened).

  • The Cheese: 3 cups Shredded Mexican Blend or Sharp Cheddar.

  • The Fresh Toppings: Shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, pickled jalapeños, and sour cream.

Instructions

  1. Preheat & Prep: Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.

  2. Brown the Meat: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef until cooked through. Drain the excess grease. Stir in the taco seasoning and water; simmer for 5 minutes.

  3. The “Glue”: In a small bowl, microwave the refried beans for 1 minute to soften them, then stir in the softened cream cheese until smooth.

  4. Layering (The Lasagna Part):

    • Layer 1: Spread half of the corn chips at the bottom of the dish.

    • Layer 2: Spread the bean/cream cheese mixture over the chips.

    • Layer 3: Top with the seasoned ground beef.

    • Layer 4: Sprinkle with half of the shredded cheese.

    • Layer 5: Add the remaining chips and the rest of the cheese.

  5. Bake: Place in the oven for 15–20 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and starting to gold on the edges.

  6. Finish: Top with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and sour cream right before serving.

Pro-Tips & Notes

  • The Crunch Factor: If you hate soggy chips, reserve the second bag of Fritos and sprinkle them on for only the last 5 minutes of baking.

  • Level Up the Beans: Mix a small can of diced green chiles into the refried beans for an extra kick.

  • Resting Period: Let the lasagna sit for 5 minutes after pulling it out of the oven. This helps the layers set so it doesn’t fall apart when you scoop it.

Nutritional Info & Benefits

Per Serving (Approximate)

Nutrient Amount
Calories 580 kcal
Protein 32g
Carbs 38g
Fat 36g
Fiber 5g

The Benefits

  • High Protein: Thanks to the beef and beans, this is a very satiating meal.

  • Crowd Pleaser: It’s one of those rare “guaranteed win” dishes for picky eaters or kids.

  • Customizable: It’s an easy “fridge-clearing” meal where you can add peppers, onions, or different cheeses.

Q&A

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?A: You can prep the meat and bean mixture up to 2 days in advance. However, don’t assemble the layers until you are ready to bake, or the chips will absorb moisture and lose their crunch.

Q: Can I use Doritos instead of Fritos?A: Absolutely. Cool Ranch or Nacho Cheese Doritos work great, but they tend to soften faster than Fritos, so keep the baking time on the shorter side.

Q: Is there a vegetarian version?A: Yes! Swap the ground beef for a plant-based crumble or double up on the beans (add a layer of black beans and corn).

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