Description
This flavorful Frito Pie recipe layers seasoned ground beef, beans, diced tomatoes, and melted Mexican cheese over crunchy Fritos corn chips, baked to bubbly perfection and topped with fresh taco fixings. A comforting, easy-to-make casserole perfect for casual family dinners or game day gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground chuck
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 (1.25-ounce) packet taco seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce
- 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
Beans and Tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained
- 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (16-ounce) can petite diced tomatoes
- Kosher salt, to taste
Casserole Assembly
- 1 (9.25-ounce) bag Fritos Corn Chips
- 2 to 3 cups Mexican-style shredded cheese
Toppings (Optional)
- Chopped lettuce
- Chopped scallions or diced raw onions
- Chopped fresh tomatoes
- Black olives
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Sour cream
- Avocado or guacamole
- Hot sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Heat the oven to 350°F and lightly spray a 7×11-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Sauté the aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the olive oil and butter. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent and tender. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Remove the onion and garlic to a paper towel-lined plate and set aside.
- Cook the ground beef: Add the ground chuck to the skillet and cook until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat using a mesh colander, then return the beef to the skillet. Add the sautéed onion and garlic, ground black pepper, taco seasoning, Worcestershire Sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Stir to combine.
- Add the tomato components: Pour in the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes, stirring well to combine all ingredients.
- Combine and simmer: Bring the mixture to a low boil over medium heat. Reduce heat to low and add the drained black beans. Stir well and simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens and most of the liquid evaporates. Season with kosher salt and extra black pepper as needed, keeping in mind the saltiness of the corn chips and cheese.
- Assemble the casserole: Spread 2 cups of Fritos corn chips evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded Mexican cheese. Layer the taco meat mixture over the cheese, then sprinkle another 1 cup of cheese on top. Finish with another 2 cups of Fritos corn chips.
- Bake: Bake the assembled casserole in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese has melted.
- Serve and garnish: Top the baked Frito Pie with chopped tomatoes, lettuce, black olives, scallions or diced onions, fresh cilantro, sour cream, avocado or guacamole, and hot sauce as desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Drain the black beans thoroughly to prevent excess moisture in the casserole.
- Feel free to customize the toppings to your preference for added freshness and flavor.
- Use Mexican-style shredded cheese blend for best melting and flavor.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the meat mixture.
