Description
This Fritos Chili Cheese Salad is a hearty and flavorful dish combining seasoned ground beef chili with crispy Fritos, fresh vegetables, and a cheesy topping. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a satisfying lunch or casual dinner, offering a comforting blend of textures and flavors all in one bowl.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 bag of Fritos (about 9 oz)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can chili (15 oz)
- 1 packet chili seasoning mix
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/4 cup diced red onions
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon chopped green onions
Instructions
- Cook the ground beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat from the skillet to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
- Add seasoning and chili: Stir in the chili seasoning mix into the cooked beef. Then add the canned chili and mix well. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Prepare the salad base: In a large serving bowl, create a layer of shredded lettuce, followed by evenly spreading diced tomatoes and diced red onions over the top. Add the Fritos as the crunchy base element of the salad.
- Add the chili mixture: Spoon the warm chili mixture evenly over the layered salad ingredients and Fritos, ensuring each serving will have a good amount of chili.
- Top with cheese and sour cream: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the chili layer and add a generous dollop of sour cream on top for creaminess and flavor balance.
- Garnish and serve: Finish the salad by garnishing with chopped green onions. Serve immediately to maintain the Fritos’ crunch and enjoy a delightful combination of textures and tastes.
Notes
- For extra heat, add chopped jalapeños or hot sauce to the chili mixture.
- Use reduced-fat or light sour cream for a lighter version of the salad.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner meat option.
- This salad is best served immediately to keep the Fritos crispy.
- Leftovers can be stored separately without Fritos to maintain texture, then assemble fresh when ready to eat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
