Description
This Easy Frito Pie Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish that combines seasoned ground beef with tomato sauce and spices, layered over a bed of crunchy Fritos and topped with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a family dinner or casual get-together, it’s easy to make and full of bold, southwestern flavors.
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
Tomato Sauce Mixture
- 6 tablespoons tomato paste
- 15 ounces tomato sauce
- ½ cup beef stock
Assembly
- 9 cups lightly crushed Fritos corn chips
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
For Serving
- Sour cream, for serving
- Sliced scallions, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the beef mixture: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with diced onion and minced garlic until the meat is browned and the onion is translucent. Drain any excess fat from the pan.
- Add spices and tomato ingredients: Stir in chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, kosher salt, ground cumin, and chipotle powder until the beef is well coated. Then add tomato paste, tomato sauce, and beef stock. Simmer the mixture for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Assemble the casserole: In a large casserole dish, spread an even layer of lightly crushed Fritos on the bottom. Pour the beef and tomato sauce mixture evenly over the Fritos. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top.
- Bake: Place the assembled casserole in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve warm topped with sour cream and sliced scallions as desired.
Notes
- Lightly crushing the Fritos preserves some crunch while allowing them to absorb the sauce.
- Feel free to customize the spice levels by adjusting the chili powder and chipotle powder.
- For a milder flavor, reduce or omit the chipotle powder.
- This casserole pairs well with a fresh green salad or guacamole.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
