Frito Pie Casserole Recipe

Delicious Frito Pie mouthwatering Casserole

Indulge in the savory delight of Frito Pie Casserole, a Tex-Mex classic that tantalizes taste buds with layers of bold flavors and satisfying crunch.

This easy-to-make dish features a hearty blend of seasoned ground beef, chili, and black beans, harmoniously layered with gooey melted cheddar and the iconic crunch of Fritos corn chips. Baked to perfection, each bite unveils a symphony of textures and tastes, making it a surefire hit for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Discover the joy of comfort food elevated to new heights as this Frito Pie Casserole brings warmth, simplicity, and a fiesta of flavors to your dining table.

Recipe for Frito Pie Casserole

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 1 can (15 oz) chili
  • 1 can (15 oz) of drained and rinsed black beans
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 cups Fritos corn chips
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven:  Start by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Cook the Ground Beef:  Cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until browned. Add diced onions and bell peppers, cooking until vegetables are softened.
  3. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked beef mixture, canned chili, black beans, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
  4. Layer the Casserole: In a greased baking dish, create layers by starting with half of the Fritos at the bottom. Add the beef mixture on top, followed by a layer of shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat the layers, finishing with a final layer of cheese.
  5. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  6. Serve: Once out of the oven, let it cool slightly. Serve with dollops of sour cream, additional Fritos for crunch, and garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.

Recipe Tips

  • Crunchy Fritos Layer: Maintain the crunchiness of the Fritos by adding a layer just before serving. This ensures that the chips retain their texture and don’t become soggy during baking.
  • Customize Your Toppings: Encourage creativity by setting up a toppings bar. Offer options like diced tomatoes, green onions, jalapeños, and extra cheese, allowing everyone to personalize their serving.
  • Leftover Transformation: Transform leftovers into Frito Pie Casserole nachos. Simply layer the remaining casserole over tortilla chips, add more cheese, and bake until bubbly.

Recipe Variations

  1. Vegetarian Twist: Replace ground beef with plant-based alternatives like lentils or black beans for a delicious vegetarian version.
  2. Spicy Tex-Mex Flavor: Amp up the heat by adding diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture.
  3. Breakfast Frito Pie: Serve Frito Pie Casserole for breakfast by topping it with fried or poached eggs for a unique morning twist.
  4. Cheesy Chicken Frito Pie: Substitute ground beef with shredded chicken and add layers of your favorite melted cheeses for a cheesy chicken variation.

What To Serve With Frito Pie Casserole

  1. Guacamole and Salsa: Serve your Frito Pie Casserole with a side of fresh guacamole and zesty salsa. The creaminess of guacamole and the tangy kick of salsa complements the rich flavors of the casserole.
  2. Mexican Rice: Enhance your Tex-Mex feast by pairing Frito Pie Casserole with a side of flavorful Mexican rice. The combination of the casserole and the seasoned rice is a match made in culinary heaven.
  3. Cornbread: The sweetness and crumbly texture of cornbread make it an excellent companion to the savory Frito Pie Casserole. Consider adding a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey for an extra touch.
  4. Avocado Salad: Create a refreshing contrast by serving a light avocado salad on the side. The coolness of the salad balances the warmth and heartiness of the casserole.
  5. Jalapeño Poppers: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, jalapeño poppers are a fantastic choice. The spiciness complements the flavors in the casserole, providing a delightful kick.
  6. Coleslaw: A crisp and tangy coleslaw can add a refreshing element to your Frito Pie Casserole dinner. The crunchiness of the coleslaw pairs well with the soft texture of the casserole.

Conclusion

Frito Pie Casserole is a crowd-pleasing dish that combines the bold flavors of chili, cheese, and the crunch of Fritos. This simple recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends and family. Customize it with your favorite toppings and enjoy the hearty, satisfying goodness of this Tex-Mex classic.

More Amazing Recipes

Frito Pie Casserole Recipe

Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Course: Dinner
Servings: 6
Calories: 450kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 1 can (15 oz) chili
  • 1 can (15 oz) of drained and rinsed black beans
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 cups Fritos corn chips
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  • Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Cook the Ground Beef: Cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until browned. Add diced onions and bell peppers, cooking until vegetables are softened.
  • Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked beef mixture, canned chili, black beans, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
  • Layer the Casserole: In a greased baking dish, create layers by starting with half of the Fritos at the bottom. Add the beef mixture on top, followed by a layer of shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat the layers, finishing with a final layer of cheese.
  • Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  • Serve: Once out of the oven, let it cool slightly. Serve with dollops of sour cream, additional Fritos for crunch, and garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.

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