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
- 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.
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
- Vegetarian Twist: Replace ground beef with plant-based alternatives like lentils or black beans for a delicious vegetarian version.
- Spicy Tex-Mex Flavor: Amp up the heat by adding diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture.
- Breakfast Frito Pie: Serve Frito Pie Casserole for breakfast by topping it with fried or poached eggs for a unique morning twist.
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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Frito Pie Casserole Recipe
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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