Description
This Easy Frito Pie Casserole is a comforting Tex-Mex-inspired dish featuring layers of seasoned ground beef, flavorful spices, crunchy Fritos corn chips, and melted cheddar cheese. Baked to perfection, it’s topped with sour cream and scallions for a deliciously satisfying meal perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Seasonings
- 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
Sauces and Liquids
- 6 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- ½ cup beef broth
Baking and Toppings
- 9 cups lightly crushed Fritos corn chips
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream, for serving
- Sliced scallions, for serving
Instructions
- Brown the Beef and Prepare Sauce: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef together with diced onions until fully cooked. Drain any excess grease. Stir in minced garlic, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, kosher salt, ground cumin, chipotle powder, and tomato paste. Cook this mixture for 2 minutes to develop flavors. Then add tomato sauce and beef broth and let it simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to combine and thicken the sauce.
- Assemble the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Begin layering the casserole by spreading half of the crushed Fritos evenly on the bottom. Next, add half of the chili beef mixture in an even layer followed by half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat these layers with the remaining Fritos, chili, and cheese, making sure everything is spread evenly.
- Bake Covered: Cover the assembled casserole tightly with aluminum foil to retain moisture. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Bake Uncovered to Crisp: Remove the foil and continue baking the casserole uncovered for an additional 10 minutes. This step crisps up the top layer of Fritos for a delicious crunchy texture.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Top with dollops of sour cream and sprinkle sliced scallions over each serving for a fresh, tangy contrast.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef to reduce fat.
- Adjust the chipotle powder to control the spice level.
- For extra cheesiness, mix some cheese into the chili mixture as well.
- Use gluten-free Fritos if you need a gluten-free version.
- Leftovers keep well covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
