Description
This delicious Frito Pie recipe layers seasoned ground beef, beans, tomato sauce, and cheese over crispy Fritos corn chips, then bakes it to perfection. Topped with fresh vegetables and your favorite taco toppings, it’s a flavorful and satisfying Tex-Mex casserole perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat Mixture
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb ground chuck
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
- 1 packet taco seasoning (1.25 oz)
- 1 tsp Worcestershire Sauce
- 2 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 can black beans, drained (15 oz)
- 1 can tomato sauce (8 oz)
- 1 can petite diced tomatoes (16 oz)
- Kosher salt, to taste
Casserole Layers
- 1 bag Fritos Corn Chips (9.25 oz)
- 2-3 cups Mexican-style shredded cheese
Toppings
- Lettuce
- Scallions
- Raw onions
- Fresh tomatoes
- Black olives
- Fresh cilantro
- Sour cream
- Avocados or guacamole
- Hot sauce
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 7×11-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and butter. Sauté the diced onion for 3-4 minutes until translucent and tender. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant. Remove the mixture to a paper towel-lined plate and set aside.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Add the ground chuck to the skillet and cook until nicely browned. Drain excess fat using a mesh colander, then return the beef to the skillet.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the sautéed onion and garlic mixture, salt, black pepper, taco seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes to the beef. Stir well to combine.
- Simmer the Mixture: Bring the mixture to a low boil over medium heat, then reduce heat to low. Stir in the drained black beans. Let the mixture simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring often, until it thickens and most liquid evaporates. Adjust seasoning with kosher salt and black pepper carefully, considering the saltiness of the Fritos and cheese.
- Assemble the Frito Pie: In the prepared casserole dish, layer 2 cups of Fritos corn chips evenly on the bottom. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese over the chips, then spread the taco meat mixture on top. Add another 1 cup of cheese, followed by a final layer of 2 cups of corn chips.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the assembled dish in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve with Toppings: Remove from the oven and serve warm topped with fresh chopped tomatoes, lettuce, black olives, scallions, cilantro, sour cream, avocado or guacamole, and hot sauce as desired. Enjoy your hearty and satisfying Frito Pie!
Notes
- Use low-sodium taco seasoning or make your own to control salt content.
- For a spicier version, add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce directly to the meat mixture.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Feel free to customize toppings based on your preferences, like adding sliced black olives or extra cheese.
- Make sure to drain the fat well after browning the beef to avoid a greasy casserole.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated; store uncovered when reheating to retain crispness of Fritos.
