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Brown the Beef & Onion: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large, oven-safe skillet, cook the ground beef and onion over medium-high heat, breaking up the meat, until the beef is browned and the onion is tender. Drain off any excess grease.
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Create the Creamy Base: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the taco seasoning and the entire can of green chiles (undrained). Add the softened cream cheese cubes and stir continuously until the cheese has melted and the mixture is smooth and well-combined.
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Assemble the Casserole: Turn off the heat. Evenly sprinkle the Fritos over the beef mixture, gently pressing them down slightly. Top the Fritos with the shredded taco cheese, covering the surface evenly.
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Bake to Bubbly Perfection: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and the edges are bubbly.
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Add Fresh Toppings & Serve: Carefully remove the skillet from the oven. Immediately top with a generous layer of shredded lettuce and diced tomato. Serve hot, offering salsa and sour cream on the side for everyone to add as they please.
Chef’s Tips for the Best Casserole
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Cream Cheese is Key: Letting the cream cheese soften on the counter for 15-20 minutes before starting ensures it melts smoothly into the beef without any lumps.
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Chip Crunch: Adding the Fritos just before baking ensures they stay wonderfully crispy and don’t become soggy.
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Customize It: Feel free to get creative! Swap the ground beef for ground turkey, use a different type of chip (like Doritos), or add a can of drained black beans or corn to the beef mixture in Step 2.
A Final Note
This casserole is the perfect solution for a busy weeknight when you’re craving something hearty and satisfying. The combination of the spicy, creamy beef, the crunchy Fritos, and the cool, fresh toppings is absolutely irresistible. For best results, serve it immediately!
