Ultimate Frito Pie Casserole
This Ultimate Frito Pie Casserole is the perfect comfort food that combines the crunch of Fritos corn chips with the hearty flavors of seasoned ground beef and chili. Topped with melty cheddar cheese and garnished with dollops of creamy sour cream and spicy taco sauce, this dish is a crowd-pleaser for game days, family dinners, or any casual gathering. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up this satisfying casserole that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
4
Servings
303
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fritos corn chips
1.5 cups (broken into bite-sized pieces)
ground beef
1 lb (cooked and drained)
chili with beans
16 ounces (canned)
shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup (for topping)
sour cream
1 carton (for topping)
taco sauce
to taste (for serving)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, then drain any excess grease.
3
Stir in the entire can of chili with beans into the cooked ground beef and mix well until heated through.
4
In a 9x13-inch baking dish, create layers: first, add a layer of Fritos to cover the bottom, followed by the beef and chili mixture evenly spread on top.
5
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the beef and chili layer.
6
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7
Once out of the oven, let the casserole cool slightly before serving.
8
Garnish individual servings with taco sauce, sour cream, and additional Fritos, if desired.
Nutrition Information
17g
Fat
27.5g
Carbs
14g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ultimate Frito Pie Casserole?
It is a comforting casserole that layers crunchy Fritos corn chips, seasoned ground beef mixed with chili, and melted cheddar cheese, often topped with sour cream and taco sauce.
How long does it take to bake this casserole?
The casserole should be baked in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
What size baking dish is recommended?
A 9x13-inch baking dish is the ideal size for layering the ingredients in this recipe.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to yield 4 servings.
Can I use different types of chips?
While Fritos corn chips are traditional for the specific crunch and flavor of a Frito Pie, you can experiment with other corn chips if desired.
Should I drain the ground beef after cooking?
Yes, it is recommended to cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and then drain any excess grease before adding the chili.
What are the nutritional values per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 303 calories, 17g of fat, 27.5g of carbohydrates, and 14g of protein.
What kind of chili should I use?
The recipe calls for one 16-ounce can of chili with beans.
What toppings are suggested for serving?
It is recommended to garnish with dollops of sour cream, taco sauce, and additional Fritos for extra crunch.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, with only 6 main ingredients and minimal prep time, it is tagged as an easy recipe and a quick meal.
How do I layer the ingredients in the pan?
Start with a layer of Fritos on the bottom, followed by the beef and chili mixture, and finish with a top layer of shredded cheddar cheese.
What kind of cheese is best for this casserole?
The recipe suggests using 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese for the best flavor and melting quality.
Can I make this for a party?
Absolutely, this dish is categorized as 'party food' and 'comfort food,' making it perfect for game days and family gatherings.
Do I need to prep the Fritos?
The recipe suggests breaking the Fritos into bite-sized pieces for better distribution in the casserole.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
While the recipe specifies ground beef, you can substitute it with ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a leaner protein.
Is the taco sauce necessary?
The taco sauce is optional and should be added to taste to provide a spicy kick.
How should I serve the casserole?
Let the casserole cool slightly after baking, then serve individual portions with your preferred garnishes.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
You can easily customize this by adding diced onions, jalapeños, or bell peppers to the beef mixture while browning.
Is this a gluten-free recipe?
Fritos are typically gluten-free, but you must check the labels on the canned chili and taco sauce to ensure the entire dish is gluten-free.
How much ground beef is needed?
The recipe requires 1 pound of ground beef.
How much chili is required?
You will need one 16-ounce container or can of chili with beans.
Can I use chili without beans?
Yes, if you prefer a smoother texture, you can substitute chili with beans for a beanless variety.
What temperature should the oven be?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 6 total ingredients: Fritos, ground beef, chili, cheddar cheese, sour cream, and taco sauce.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients and use a second baking dish or a larger pan to feed a bigger crowd.
What is the carb count per serving?
Each serving contains 27.5 grams of carbohydrates.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can brown the beef and mix it with the chili ahead of time, but it is best to assemble and bake just before serving to keep the chips crunchy.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
What is the protein content?
This recipe provides 14 grams of protein per serving.
Why let the casserole cool before serving?
Allowing it to cool for a few minutes helps the casserole set slightly, making it easier to scoop and serve.