Description
This Easy Frito Pie Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for family dinners or game day gatherings. Featuring layers of seasoned ground beef chili, crunchy Fritos corn chips, and melted cheddar cheese, this casserole combines bold southwestern flavors with simple, accessible ingredients. Topped with sour cream and sliced scallions, it delivers a satisfying mix of textures and tastes in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Chili Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 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
- 6 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- ½ cup beef broth
Casserole Assembly
- 9 cups lightly crushed Fritos corn chips
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
For Serving
- Sour cream, for serving
- Sliced scallions, for serving
Instructions
- Make Chili: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef with diced onions until the beef is fully cooked and the onions are softened. Drain excess grease from the pan. Add minced garlic, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, kosher salt, ground cumin, chipotle powder, and tomato paste to the meat mixture. Cook this mixture while stirring for about 2 minutes to toast the spices. Then, stir in the tomato sauce and beef broth. Reduce heat and let the chili simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend flavors.
- Assemble Casserole: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Begin layering the casserole by placing half of the lightly crushed Fritos evenly at the bottom of the dish. Spoon half of the prepared chili over the Fritos layer, then sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese on top. Repeat these layers once more, ending with cheese on top.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture. Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the cheese has melted. After this, remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for an additional 10 minutes. This step crisps the top layer of the casserole, adding a pleasant texture contrast.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Serve hot, topped with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of sliced scallions for fresh flavor and garnish.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Adjust the amount of chili powder and chipotle powder to suit your heat preference.
- For a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with cooked lentils or a meat substitute.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Adding jalapeños or hot sauce can add extra spice if desired.
