Description
This Easy Frito Pie Casserole Recipe combines the bold flavors of seasoned ground beef, chili beans, and zesty diced tomatoes layered over crispy Fritos and melted cheddar cheese, creating a comforting and delicious Tex-Mex main dish that’s perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Aromatics
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Chili Mixture
- 1 (15 oz) can chili beans, undrained
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Assembly
- 3 cups Fritos corn chips
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions (optional)
- Sour cream for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking once the casserole is assembled.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sauté the diced onion for 3 to 4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds to release its aroma.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once cooked, drain any excess fat.
- Add Seasonings and Beans: Stir in the chili beans (with liquid), diced tomatoes with green chilies, chili powder, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Assemble Casserole: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Start by layering half of the Fritos corn chips on the bottom. Evenly spread the beef and chili mixture over the Fritos, then sprinkle with half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Add the remaining Fritos on top, and finish with the rest of the cheese.
- Bake: Place the assembled casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with sliced green onions and serve with sour cream if desired.
Notes
- For extra heat, substitute the diced tomatoes with hot diced tomatoes with chilies or add sliced jalapeños to the beef mixture.
- Chili beans can be swapped for black beans or pinto beans depending on preference or dietary needs.
- Leftovers refrigerate well and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 530
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 820 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
