Description
This classic Frito Pie recipe is a comforting Tex-Mex casserole featuring a savory beef chili layered with crunchy Fritos and melted cheese, topped with sour cream, green onions, and pickled jalapeños for a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings, it’s easy to prepare and full of bold, satisfying taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Chili Mixture
- 1 can (15 ounces) chili beans in sauce
- 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chiles
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Casserole Assembly
- 4 cups Fritos corn chips
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions
- 1/4 cup pickled jalapeños
Instructions
- Cook the beef mixture: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and finely chopped onion and cook until the beef is browned and onions are softened, about 6 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Drain any excess grease if needed.
- Add the chili ingredients: Stir in the chili beans with sauce, diced tomatoes with green chiles, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Reduce heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly and for the flavors to meld.
- Preheat oven and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a 9×13-inch baking dish, start assembling the casserole by layering half of the Fritos corn chips evenly on the bottom.
- Layer the casserole: Spoon half of the warm beef chili mixture over the Fritos layer, then sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses evenly on top.
- Repeat layers: Add the remaining Fritos chips, then the remaining beef mixture, and finally top with the rest of the shredded cheese, spreading it evenly across the dish.
- Bake the casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
- Add toppings and serve: Remove from the oven and immediately top the casserole with dollops of sour cream, sliced green onions, and pickled jalapeños. Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
- For a fun twist, serve Frito pie in individual servings using small bowls or even individual Frito corn chip bags.
- Ground turkey or chicken can be used in place of ground beef for a lighter option.
- Adjust the amount of jalapeños to your preferred spice level.
- To make it vegetarian, omit the meat and add extra beans or a plant-based meat substitute.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 810mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
