Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Easy Frito Pie Casserole Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews
  • Author: Emily
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course, Casserole
  • Method: Stovetop, Bake
  • Cuisine: American, Southwestern

Description

This Easy Frito Pie Casserole is a fun and cheesy twist on a classic! A flavorful chili with ground beef and a blend of spices is layered with crunchy Fritos and melted cheddar cheese, making it a satisfying and comforting dish that’s perfect for a casual gathering or a family-friendly weeknight meal.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 3/4 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon chipotle powder
  • 6 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1/2 cup beef broth
  • 9 cups lightly crushed Fritos corn chips
  • 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • Sour cream, for serving
  • Sliced scallions, for serving

Instructions

  1. Make Chili: In a large skillet, brown ground beef with diced onions over medium-high heat. Drain excess grease. Stir in garlic, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, cumin, chipotle powder, and tomato paste. Cook for 2 minutes. Add tomato sauce and beef broth; simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  2. Assemble Casserole: Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). In a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, layer half of the Fritos, half of the chili, and half of the cheese. Repeat layers.
  3. Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through and cheese is melted. Uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes to crisp the topping.
  4. Serve: Serve hot with sour cream and sliced scallions.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, use chili cheese Fritos.
  • Halve the recipe and use a 9×9 inch baking dish for smaller portions.
  • This casserole can be frozen for later use.
  • Adjust the amount of chili powder and chipotle powder to control the heat level.
  • Add beans to the chili mixture for extra heartiness.
  • Use different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend.
  • Substitute ground chicken, turkey, or pork for the ground beef.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe
  • Calories: 550
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 1200mg
  • Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 1g
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg