Description
Frito Pie is a hearty and delicious Southwestern casserole featuring layers of crispy Fritos corn chips, seasoned ground beef, chili beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and melted cheddar cheese. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for a comforting family meal and can be customized with optional toppings like sour cream, jalapeños, and cilantro for an extra burst of flavor.
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 prepare for baking the assembled dish.
- Cook Beef and Onion: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is fully browned and the onion becomes tender. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
- Add Seasonings and Beans: Stir in the taco seasoning, chili beans, and diced tomatoes with green chilies. Allow the mixture to cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to combine flavors.
- Layer Ingredients (First Layer): In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread half of the Fritos corn chips evenly. Top this layer with half of the beef and bean mixture, then sprinkle with half of the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Layer Ingredients (Second Layer): Repeat the layering process with the remaining Fritos, beef mixture, and cheddar cheese to build the second layer.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes to heat through and melt the cheese.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
- Serve: Serve the Frito Pie hot, garnished with your choice of optional toppings such as sour cream, diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, or chopped cilantro for added flavor and freshness.
Notes
- Drain the cooked ground beef well to avoid excess grease in the final dish.
- You can substitute the canned chili beans with your favorite variety or homemade chili for a different taste.
- Adjust the amount of taco seasoning to your preferred spice level.
- For a vegetarian version, replace ground beef with a plant-based protein and use vegetarian beans.
- Add extra jalapeños or hot sauce if you like more heat.
- Let the baked Frito Pie rest for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set slightly and make it easier to cut.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Southwestern
