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Frito Pie Casserole Recipe

Frito Pie Casserole Recipe

Embrace ultimate comfort with this delightful Frito Pie Casserole Recipe, a true family favorite. It marries a rich, savory ground beef and bean chili base with melted cheese and the iconic crunch of Fritos.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 8 servings servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 500
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumi
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
  • 1 can tomato sauce
  • 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
  • 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, freshly grated
  • 4 cups Fritos corn chips
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Salt & black pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Dice the onion, mince the garlic, grate your cheeses, and rinse and drain your canned beans. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Brown the Beef: Heat olive oil in your large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
  3. Sauté Aromatics: Reduce heat and add onion, cooking until translucent. Stir in garlic and spices, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
  4. Build the Chili Base: Add tomatoes, tomato sauce, beans, and broth. Stir to combine, bring to a simmer, then cover and cook to meld flavors for 15-20 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
  5. Assemble the Casserole: Transfer to a baking dish if not using an oven-safe skillet. Layer half the Fritos, then half the cheeses. Add remaining Fritos on top, then the remaining cheeses.
  6. Bake to Perfection: Place in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, let rest, then garnish with cilantro and serve warm.

Notes

Ensure to drain the beef well to avoid sogginess. Freshly grate your cheese for the best melting results.