Description
This Frito Pie Casserole recipe is a quick and easy comfort food, featuring layers of seasoned ground beef, beans, corn, and topped with melted cheese and crunchy corn chips. It’s a crowd-pleasing dish perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, with options to customize with different proteins and beans.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound lean minced beef
- 1 medium yellow or white onion, chopped
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 cup water
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup corn
- 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 4 cups corn chips
- 2 cups shredded cheese
- Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, sour cream, chopped green onions, avocado, jalapeños
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish.
- In a large skillet, brown the lean minced beef and chopped onion over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until the beef is cooked through and the onion is tender. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the taco seasoning, chili powder, and water into the meat mixture. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 3-5 minutes until thickened.
- Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, corn, and kidney beans to the skillet. Stir well and simmer for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Layer 4 cups of corn chips at the bottom of the prepared casserole dish.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese over the corn chips.
- Spread the seasoned meat and bean mixture evenly over the cheese layer.
- Top with the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese.
- Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with additional corn chips and your favorite optional toppings before serving.
Notes
- For a lighter option, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles.
- Black beans or pinto beans can be used instead of kidney beans.
- Experiment with different cheese blends like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for varied flavors.
- Add diced jalapeños to the meat mixture for a spicy kick.
- For extra crunch, add a layer of crushed corn chips within the casserole.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes to maintain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg