Description
This Easy Frito Pie Casserole is a delicious, hearty dish perfect for a family dinner or casual get-together. Featuring a savory ground beef chili layer enhanced with spices and tomato, layered over crunchy Fritos, and topped with melted cheddar cheese, this casserole brings the classic comfort food flavors in a convenient, baked format. Served with sour cream and scallions, it’s a crowd-pleasing recipe that’s simple to prepare and full of bold, satisfying taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Spices and Seasonings
- 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
- 15 ounces tomato sauce
- ½ cup beef stock
Other Ingredients
- 9 cups lightly crushed Fritos
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream, for serving
- Sliced scallions, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the casserole.
- Cook Ground Beef and Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic. Cook until the beef is browned and onions are translucent, about 7 to 10 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Add Spices: Stir in chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, kosher salt, ground cumin, and chipotle powder to evenly coat the beef mixture with flavor. Cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes to toast the spices.
- Incorporate Tomato Paste and Sauce: Add tomato paste and tomato sauce to the skillet. Stir well to combine, then pour in the beef stock. Reduce heat to low and let the chili simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
- Prepare Casserole Base: Spread half of the crushed Fritos evenly on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Layer Beef Chili: Spoon the beef chili mixture evenly over the Fritos layer, ensuring even coverage.
- Add Cheese and Remaining Fritos: Sprinkle 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese over the chili layer. Then layer the remaining crushed Fritos on top, followed by the remaining cheddar cheese.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve individual portions topped with a dollop of sour cream and sliced scallions for a fresh flavor contrast.
Notes
- For an extra spicy kick, add more chipotle powder or a splash of hot sauce to the chili mixture.
- If you prefer a less crunchy texture, lightly crush the Fritos before layering.
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for more pronounced flavor or substitute with pepper jack for added heat.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.
- You can substitute beef stock with water or vegetable broth as needed.
- Make sure to drain excess fat from cooked ground beef to prevent greasiness in the casserole.
