Description
This Easy Frito Pie Casserole is a hearty and flavorful Tex-Mex dish featuring seasoned ground beef, chili beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and crunchy Fritos topped with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for game days, potlucks, or quick weeknight meals, it combines simplicity and comfort in one satisfying bake.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat Mixture
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 (1 oz) packet taco seasoning
- 1 (15 oz) can chili beans or pinto beans, undrained
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (such as Rotel)
Toppings
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 3 cups Fritos corn chips
- Chopped green onions or jalapeños for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook Beef and Onion: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion together until the beef is browned and onions are softened, about 6–8 minutes. Drain off any excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Add Seasoning and Simmer: Stir in the taco seasoning packet, the undrained chili beans, and diced tomatoes with green chilies. Allow the mixture to simmer for 5 minutes, which helps thicken the sauce slightly and blend the flavors.
- Layer the Casserole: Spread half of the Fritos corn chips evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spoon the beef and bean mixture evenly over the chips. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the beef layer, then finish by adding the remaining Fritos on top of the cheese.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the oven uncovered and bake for 15–20 minutes until the cheese is thoroughly melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Optionally, garnish with chopped green onions, jalapeños, or a dollop of sour cream for added flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a leaner option, substitute ground turkey for beef or use chili without beans.
- This casserole is ideal for game days, potlucks, or convenient weeknight dinners.
- Optional toppings like sour cream, extra jalapeños, or green onions add freshness and spice.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 790mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
