Description
This Easy Frito Pie Casserole is a deliciously comforting dish that combines seasoned ground beef, a rich tomato sauce, crunchy Fritos, and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a crowd or a family dinner, this casserole offers a satisfying mix of textures and bold southwestern flavors, topped with creamy sour cream and fresh scallions for added zest.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Spices and Sauces
- 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 Base and Toppings
- 9 cups lightly crushed Fritos
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream, for serving
- Sliced scallions, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Ground Beef Mixture: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic and cook until the onions are softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Season the Meat: Stir in chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, kosher salt, ground cumin, and chipotle powder. Mix well to evenly coat the beef and onions with the spices.
- Add Tomato Ingredients: Stir in the tomato paste, tomato sauce, and beef stock. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and sauce to thicken slightly.
- Assemble the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large baking dish, spread half of the crushed Fritos evenly across the bottom. Spoon half of the beef mixture over the Fritos, then sprinkle with half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining Fritos, beef mixture, and cheese.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Serve topped with dollops of sour cream and a sprinkle of sliced scallions for freshness and extra flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- For extra heat, add a diced jalapeño with the onions and garlic.
- Make sure to lightly crush Fritos; avoid crushing them too finely to maintain texture.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days.
- This casserole reheats well in the microwave or oven.
