Hearty Southwest Frito Pie Delight
This Hearty Southwest Frito Pie Delight is the ultimate game day dish that combines the warmth of ground beef with bold Southwestern flavors. Inspired by a cherished recipe from TOH Magazine by Janet Scoggins, this dish is perfect for those casual gatherings where tasty snacks are a must. Enjoy the comforting combination of seasoned ground beef, crisp corn chips, fresh veggies, and melty cheese all topped with optional garnishes. Whether you prefer milder flavors or a bit of a kick, this recipe is versatile enough to cater to everyone's taste buds, making it a crowd-pleaser at any football snacking event!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
lean ground beef
2 lbs (90% lean, browned and drained)
chili powder
3 tablespoons (dry seasoning)
all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons (dry ingredient)
salt
1 teaspoon (seasoning)
garlic powder
1 teaspoon (dry seasoning)
water
2 cups (liquid)
pinto beans
15 ounces (canned, rinsed and drained (optional))
corn chips
4.5 cups (for serving)
shredded lettuce
2 cups (fresh, for topping)
shredded cheddar cheese
1.5 cups (for topping)
chopped tomato
3/4 cup (fresh, for topping)
finely chopped onions
6 tablespoons (fresh, for topping)
sour cream
to taste (optional garnish)
minced fresh cilantro
to taste (optional garnish)
Instructions
1
In a large Dutch oven, brown the lean ground beef over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon until it is no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
2
Mix in the chili powder, flour, salt, and garlic powder, stirring until well combined.
3
Gradually pour in the water while stirring to dissolve the mixture. Add the rinsed pinto beans if desired.
4
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens.
5
While the beef mixture is simmering, prepare the serving bowls with a foundation of corn chips.
6
Once the beef mixture is thickened, distribute it generously over the corn chips in each bowl.
7
Top with shredded lettuce, cheddar cheese, chopped tomatoes, and finely chopped onions.
8
Finish with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of minced fresh cilantro if desired, and serve immediately!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Southwest Frito Pie Delight?
It is a comfort food dish that combines seasoned ground beef with Southwestern flavors, corn chips, fresh vegetables, and melted cheese.
Who inspired this specific recipe?
This recipe was inspired by Janet Scoggins as featured in TOH Magazine.
Is this recipe suitable for game day?
Yes, it is described as the ultimate game day dish and perfect for football snacking events.
How much ground beef is needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires 2 pounds of lean ground beef.
What percentage of lean beef is recommended?
90% lean ground beef is recommended for best results.
What spices are used to season the beef?
The beef is seasoned with chili powder, garlic powder, and salt.
Why is flour included in the ingredients?
Two tablespoons of all-purpose flour are used to help thicken the beef mixture as it simmers.
How much water should be added to the mixture?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of water.
Are pinto beans mandatory in this Frito Pie?
No, the 15 ounces of pinto beans are optional.
What should I do with the pinto beans before adding them?
The pinto beans should be canned, rinsed, and drained.
How long does the beef mixture need to simmer?
It should simmer uncovered for 12 to 15 minutes.
Should the pot be covered while simmering?
No, the instructions specify to let it simmer uncovered until the mixture thickens.
How many corn chips are required?
The recipe uses 4.5 cups of corn chips.
What kind of cheese is recommended for the topping?
Shredded cheddar cheese is recommended.
How much shredded lettuce is used?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of shredded lettuce.
Are there fresh vegetable toppings?
Yes, it is topped with lettuce, chopped tomatoes, and finely chopped onions.
What are the optional garnishes?
Sour cream and minced fresh cilantro are suggested as optional garnishes.
How should the beef be prepared?
Brown the beef over medium heat and drain any excess fat before adding seasonings.
What is the recommended cooking vessel?
A large Dutch oven is recommended for browning the beef and simmering the mixture.
How do you assemble the Frito Pie?
Place a foundation of corn chips in bowls, pour the beef mixture over them, and add toppings.
How much chili powder is used?
Three tablespoons of chili powder are used for bold flavor.
Can this recipe be customized for spice levels?
Yes, the recipe is versatile enough to cater to milder flavors or those who prefer a bit of a kick.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and perfect for casual gatherings.
What type of cuisine is this?
This is a Southwest or Tex-Mex style dish.
Should the dish be served cold or hot?
It should be served immediately while the beef is hot and the chips are crisp.
How many tablespoons of onions are needed?
The recipe requires 6 tablespoons of finely chopped onions.
How much tomato should be prepared?
You should prepare 3/4 cup of chopped fresh tomato.
What should be done after adding water to the flour and spice mixture?
Stir to dissolve the mixture and bring it to a boil before reducing the heat.
Is garlic powder the only form of garlic used?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for one teaspoon of garlic powder.
Is salt added to the beef?
Yes, one teaspoon of salt is used for seasoning the meat mixture.