Can I make this recipe less spicy for my family?

Absolutely! The heat primarily comes from the chili powder and chipotle powder. You can reduce these amounts or omit the chipotle powder entirely. The dish will still have plenty of flavor from the other seasonings, onions, and garlic.

How can I make this casserole healthier?

Try using lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, add extra vegetables like bell peppers or corn to the chili mixture, and use a reduced-fat cheese. You could also reduce the amount of Fritos and increase the protein and vegetable content.

Can I prepare the chili mixture the day before?

Yes! Making the chili ahead of time actually allows the flavors to develop even more. Store it in the refrigerator, then warm it slightly before assembling and baking the casserole. This makes dinner prep much quicker on busy weeknights.

Why are my Fritos getting soggy?

The bottom layer of Fritos will naturally soften somewhat as they absorb moisture from the chili. For maximum crunch, make sure your chili isn't too watery (simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes if needed) and serve the casserole promptly after baking.

Easy Frito Pie Casserole Recipe

Description

This Easy Frito Pie Casserole Recipe is the perfect comfort food loaded with seasoned ground beef, crunchy Fritos, and melted cheddar cheese. This hearty casserole is layered with bold flavors and textures, making it an all-time favorite for gatherings, potlucks, or weeknight meals. It’s a kid-friendly dish that’s also easy to customize to suit your taste preferences. Serve it with sour cream and scallions for the ultimate indulgence.

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Chili

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
15 ounces tomato sauce
1/2 cup beef stock

For Assembly

9 cups lightly crushed Fritos
3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Sour cream, for serving
Sliced scallions, for serving

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Cook Ground Beef:
In a large skillet, brown and crumble the ground beef over medium-high heat along with the diced onions. Stir occasionally, breaking the meat into small pieces, until there is no pink left in the meat and the onions become translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Drain any excess fat.
Season the Beef:
Add chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, kosher salt, cumin, chipotle powder, and tomato paste to the cooked beef. Stir well to coat the mixture evenly, and cook for 2 minutes to deepen the flavors.
Add Tomato Base:
Pour in the tomato sauce and beef stock, stirring until fully combined. Bring the mixture to a simmer, cover, and let it cook for 20 minutes over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Prepare Baking Dish:
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer half of the crushed Fritos evenly across the bottom of the dish.
Layer the Casserole:
Spoon half of the prepared chili mixture evenly over the Fritos. Top with half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining Fritos, chili, and cheese.
Bake:
Cover the dish with non-stick foil or spray a piece of foil with cooking spray and place it, spray side down, over the baking dish. Bake for 20-30 minutes until heated through and the cheese is melted. Uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes to brown the cheese lightly.
Garnish and Serve:
Serve the casserole immediately with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of sliced scallions on top for added flavor and freshness.

Notes

Opt for chili cheese Fritos for an extra punch of flavor.
This recipe can be halved and baked in a 9×9-inch dish to serve fewer people.
The casserole freezes well. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.
If you prefer a milder dish, reduce or omit the chili powder and chipotle powder.
Adding beans to the chili mixture can enhance its heartiness.
Experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or Colby for a unique twist.
You can also substitute ground beef with ground chicken, turkey, or pork for a lighter version.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/8 of casserole
Calories: 592
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 890mg
Fat: 37g
Saturated Fat: 17g
Unsaturated Fat: 20g
Trans Fat: 1g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 32g
Cholesterol: 90mg