Description
This Easy Frito Pie Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish that combines seasoned ground beef chili with crunchy Fritos corn chips and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a family dinner or casual get-together, it’s layered and baked until bubbly and crispy on top, then served with cool sour cream and fresh scallions for added flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Seasonings
- 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
Chili Base
- 6 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- ½ cup beef broth
Casserole Layers
- 9 cups lightly crushed Fritos corn chips
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
For Serving
- Sour cream, for serving
- Sliced scallions, for serving
Instructions
- Make Chili: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef with diced onions until fully cooked. Drain off any excess grease to keep the chili from being too oily. Stir in the minced garlic, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, kosher salt, ground cumin, chipotle powder, and tomato paste. Cook the mixture for about 2 minutes to let the spices release their flavors. Add the tomato sauce and beef broth, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and blend flavors.
- Assemble Casserole: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Begin layering by spreading half of the crushed Fritos evenly on the bottom. Next, spread half of the prepared chili over the chips, followed by half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat these layers once more to create a double-layered casserole.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 20 to 30 minutes or until the casserole is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes to allow the top to crisp up nicely.
- Serve: Once baked, serve the hot casserole topped with dollops of sour cream and garnished with sliced scallions to add a fresh, tangy contrast to the cheesy, spicy layers.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Adjust the chipotle powder amount according to your spice preference.
- For extra crunch, add fresh Fritos right before serving.
- The casserole can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated; bake the next day adding extra baking time if cold from the fridge.
- Leftovers reheat well in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
