Description
This Easy Frito Pie Casserole is a comforting Tex-Mex dish that layers seasoned ground beef, chili beans, and diced tomatoes with crunchy corn chips and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or potluck, it’s flavorful, cheesy, and simple to prepare.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can chili beans, undrained
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 cups corn chips (like Fritos)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Optional Toppings
- Chopped green onions
- Sour cream
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook Beef Mixture: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is browned and the onion is softened, breaking up the meat as it cooks. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute for flavor.
- Combine Ingredients: Drain excess grease from the skillet, then stir in chili beans (undrained), diced tomatoes with green chilies, tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer for 5–7 minutes so the flavors meld together.
- Assemble Casserole: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread half of the corn chips evenly on the bottom. Pour the beef and bean mixture over the chips. Top with the remaining corn chips and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top.
- Bake: Bake the assembled casserole uncovered for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped green onions or sour cream if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your comforting Tex-Mex casserole.
Notes
- Substitute ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian version.
- Add jalapeños or hot sauce for extra spice.
- Perfect dish for potlucks or quick weeknight dinners.
