Frito Pie
This Frito Pie combines seasoned ground beef, onions, Rotel tomatoes, kidney beans, crispy Fritos, and melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese for a comforting, crowd-pleasing casserole baked to golden perfection. A simple, flavorful dinner for the whole family.
6 Servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 3 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- ½ cup water
- 1 10-ounce can Rotel diced tomatoes (mild)
- 1 15-ounce can kidney beans, drained
- 4 –5 cups Fritos corn chips
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 2 green onions sliced (for garnish)
- Sour cream for serving
- Diced tomatoes for serving
- Chopped cilantro for garnish
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray to ensure easy cleanup.
Cook the Ground Beef and Onions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it begins to brown. Add the diced onion and continue cooking until the onion softens and the beef is fully browned. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Drain any excess grease.
Season and Simmer the Mixture
- Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the taco seasoning, chili powder, water, Rotel tomatoes, and kidney beans. Allow the mixture to simmer for approximately 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend the flavors.
Assemble the Casserole
- Spread 2 cups of Fritos in an even layer at the bottom of the prepared casserole dish. Spoon half of the ground beef mixture over the chips, then sprinkle with half of the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Repeat the layering process with 2 more cups of Fritos, the remaining beef mixture, and the remaining cheeses.
Bake the Casserole
- Place the assembled dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
Garnish and Serve
- Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. Top with sliced green onions, sour cream, diced tomatoes, and chopped cilantro as desired. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Notes
To make this recipe gluten-free, ensure that the taco seasoning and chili powder you use are certified gluten-free. Additionally, verify that the Fritos corn chips are labeled as gluten-free, as some varieties may contain traces of gluten. Substitute all-purpose seasoning mixes if necessary.