Description
This Easy Frito Pie Casserole is a hearty and flavorful dish combining seasoned ground beef, a rich tomato sauce, and crunchy Fritos layered with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, this casserole offers the classic taste of a Frito pie in an easy-to-make baked format, topped with creamy sour cream and fresh scallions for extra texture and flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Aromatics
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons onion powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ¾ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon chipotle powder
Tomato Base
- 6 tablespoons tomato paste
- 15 ounces tomato sauce
- ½ cup beef stock
Other Ingredients
- 9 cups lightly crushed Fritos
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream, for serving
- Sliced scallions, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef Mixture: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it begins to brown. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté until the onion becomes translucent and the beef is fully cooked through.
- Season the Beef: Stir in chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, kosher salt, ground cumin, and chipotle powder. Mix well to evenly coat the beef and onions with the spices.
- Add Tomato Ingredients: Mix in the tomato paste, tomato sauce, and beef stock. Stir thoroughly to combine and allow the mixture to simmer on low heat for about 10-15 minutes, letting the sauce thicken and flavors meld together.
- Preheat the Oven: While the beef mixture simmers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Assemble the Casserole: In a large casserole dish, spread half of the lightly crushed Fritos evenly as the base layer. Spoon half of the beef and tomato mixture over the Fritos, then sprinkle 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese on top. Repeat the layers with the remaining Fritos, beef mixture, and cheddar cheese.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the assembled casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve warm topped with a dollop of sour cream and sliced scallions for garnish.
Notes
- You can adjust the chili and chipotle powder amounts to control the spiciness.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with plant-based meat or cooked lentils.
- Adding jalapeños or hot sauce can add an extra kick.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Use low-fat cheese and lean ground beef to make a lighter version.
