Description
Frito Pie is a comforting, layered casserole combining seasoned ground beef, chili beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, crunchy Fritos corn chips, and melted cheddar cheese. Baked to bubbly perfection and served with optional toppings like sour cream and jalapeños, it’s a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for casual meals.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
- 1 can (15 oz) chili beans
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 bag (9.25 oz) Fritos corn chips
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Optional Toppings
- Sour cream
- Diced tomatoes
- Sliced jalapeños
- Chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the optimal baking temperature as you prepare the other ingredients.
- Cook beef and onion: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef together with the diced onion. Stir occasionally until the beef is fully browned and the onion is soft and tender. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
- Add seasoning and beans: Stir in the packet of taco seasoning, chili beans, and diced tomatoes with green chilies into the cooked beef mixture. Let this simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend flavors well.
- Layer Fritos and beef: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, start by layering half of the bag of Fritos corn chips evenly on the bottom. Then spoon half of the beef and bean mixture over the chips, spreading it out evenly.
- Add cheese and repeat layers: Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the beef mixture. Repeat the layering process with the remaining Fritos, beef mixture, and cheddar cheese on top for a complete, layered casserole.
- Bake covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. This helps the ingredients cook evenly and the flavors meld together.
- Bake uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden for a delicious finish.
- Serve with toppings: Serve the Frito Pie hot, garnished with your choice of optional toppings such as sour cream, diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, and chopped cilantro for extra flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can customize the toppings based on your preference for spice and freshness.
- Make sure to drain excess fat from the beef to avoid a greasy casserole.
- If desired, substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- For added heat, try adding extra jalapeños or hot sauce to the beef mixture.
- This dish can be made ahead and reheated; just cover with foil to prevent drying out.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
