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Easy Frito Pie Casserole Recipe

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4.3 from 6 reviews

This Easy Frito Pie Casserole is a comforting, flavorful dish layered with crispy Fritos, seasoned ground beef, tangy tomato sauce, and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner, it combines the beloved flavors of Frito chili pie into a convenient baked casserole that feeds the whole family.

  • Author: Chef
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

For the Chili Meat Mixture

  • 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
  • 6 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 15 ounces tomato sauce
  • ½ cup beef stock

For Assembly and Serving

  • 9 cups lightly crushed Fritos
  • 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • Sour cream, for serving
  • Sliced scallions, for serving

Instructions

  1. Brown the meat and cook aromatics: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown and crumble the ground beef along with the diced onion. Stir occasionally until the meat is no longer pink and the onions become translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
  2. Add spices and tomato paste: Stir in chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, kosher salt, ground cumin, chipotle powder, and tomato paste into the meat mixture. Cook for 2 minutes, mixing well to combine all the flavors.
  3. Add liquids and simmer: Pour in the tomato sauce and beef stock. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  4. Preheat oven and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread half of the lightly crushed Fritos evenly on the bottom of the dish.
  5. Layer the casserole: Evenly spoon half of the chili meat mixture over the Fritos layer. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese on top. Repeat the layering with the remaining crushed Fritos, chili, and cheese.
  6. Bake the casserole: Cover the dish with a piece of non-stick foil or spray a piece of foil with cooking spray and place it spray side down over the casserole. Bake for 20 to 30 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is melted. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes for a bubbly top.
  7. Serve: Dish out the casserole immediately and top with a dollop of sour cream and sliced scallions for a fresh finish.

Notes

  • Try using chili cheese Fritos for an extra kick of flavor.
  • This recipe can be halved and baked in a 9×9-inch dish to serve fewer people.
  • The casserole freezes well; for best results, cool completely before freezing in an airtight container.
  • If you prefer less heat, reduce or omit the chili powder and chipotle powder.
  • Add beans to the chili mixture to add texture and protein.
  • Feel free to switch up the cheeses; Monterey Jack or pepper jack are great alternatives.
  • You can swap ground beef for ground chicken, turkey, or pork to vary the flavors.

Find it online: https://cheftinaskitchen.com/easy-frito-pie-casserole-recipe/