Description
This Easy Frito Pie Casserole is a comforting Tex-Mex classic layered with seasoned ground beef, tangy tomato sauce, crunchy Fritos, and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a crowd, this casserole combines rich flavors and textures into a simple, hearty dish that’s topped with sour cream and sliced scallions for a fresh finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Filling
- 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
- 6 tablespoons tomato paste
- 15 ounces tomato sauce
- ½ cup beef stock
Casserole Layers
- 9 cups lightly crushed Fritos
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Garnishes
- Sour cream, for serving
- Sliced scallions, for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Beef Mixture: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is softened, about 7-10 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add Spices: Stir in chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, kosher salt, ground cumin, and chipotle powder. Mix thoroughly to coat the beef evenly with the spices.
- Mix Tomato Ingredients: Add the tomato paste, tomato sauce, and beef stock to the skillet. Stir well to combine all ingredients. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 15 minutes until thickened, stirring occasionally.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Assemble Casserole: In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread half of the crushed Fritos evenly over the bottom. Spoon half of the beef mixture over the Fritos, then sprinkle 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar on top. Repeat the layering with the remaining Fritos, beef mixture, and cheese.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the assembled casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from oven and let it cool slightly. Serve topped with sour cream and sliced scallions as desired.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef for a lighter version.
- For extra heat, add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
- Leftover casserole can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- If you prefer a less crunchy topping, add crushed tortilla chips instead of Fritos.
