Ah, Frito Pie—a dish that’s as comforting as a warm blanket on a chilly evening, yet as thrilling as a surprise fireworks show. Remember those times when you’re craving something indulgent yet simple? This recipe delivers that perfect balance of crunchy, cheesy, and spicy goodness, wrapped in nostalgia and topped with a touch of modern flair.
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
- In a skillet, cook the ground beef with diced onions until the beef is browned. Drain the excess fat.
- Mix in taco seasoning, chili powder, and water, then bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer until it thickens.
- Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, corn, and beans to the skillet and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Spread 4 cups of corn chips evenly on the bottom of the prepared casserole dish.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese over the corn chips and spread the beef mixture on top.
- Add the remaining cheese on top of the beef mixture and bake the dish for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese melts.
- Once baked, top the casserole with the remaining corn chips and serve with your choice of toppings, such as sour cream, salsa, or guacamole.
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 packet taco seasoning or 3 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning
- ½ cup water
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes with chilies (such as Rotel), or salsa
- 1 ½ cups tomato sauce
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels, thawed
- 1 (15 ounce) can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (9.25 ounce) bag Fritos® corn chips, divided
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend, divided
- Sour cream, for serving (optional)
Nutritional Values
Calories: 3744 | Carbohydrates: 318g | Protein: 198g | Fat: 192g | Saturated Fat: 72g | Cholesterol: 522mg | Sodium: 7884mg | Potassium: 6036mg | Fiber: 66g | Sugar: 48g | Vitamin A: 9576IU | Vitamin C: 96mg | Calcium: 2196mg | Iron: 36mg
FAQ
- What is Frito Pie?
- Frito Pie is a Tex-Mex inspired casserole made with a rich, beefy base, similar to chili, topped with cheese and crunchy Fritos corn chips.
- Can I prepare Frito Pie in advance?
- Yes, you can prepare the Frito Pie up to 48 hours before baking. Store it in the refrigerator and bake it when you’re ready to serve.
- What kind of meat can be used in Frito Pie?
- While lean ground beef is commonly used, you can substitute it with any ground meat such as turkey or chicken.
- How can I make the Frito Pie spicier?
- To add more heat, consider adding diced jalapeños to the meat mixture or topping.
- What are some good topping suggestions for Frito Pie?
- You can top Frito Pie with a variety of options like salsa, sour cream, guacamole, sliced black olives, diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, jalapeños, green chiles, lime wedges, scallions, or cilantro.
Tips
- Prep in Advance: You can prepare the Frito Pie up to two days ahead of time, which makes it a convenient option for busy schedules. Simply assemble the dish and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake.
- Customize the Heat Level: If you enjoy a spicy kick, consider adding diced jalapeños to the meat mixture. This can enhance the heat and flavor of your Frito Pie.
- Versatile Meat Options: While the recipe calls for lean ground beef, you can substitute it with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option or to suit different taste preferences.
- Keep Toppings Fresh: For leftovers, refrain from adding the corn chips and other toppings until just before serving. This ensures the toppings stay crisp and fresh after reheating the dish.
Equipment
- 9 x 13-inch casserole dish
