Hey there, friends!
Feeling like a cozy night in? I’ve got the perfect recipe for you!
Today, we’re diving into a classic comfort dish: Frito Pie Casserole.
It’s loaded with flavor, super easy to whip up, and a total crowd-pleaser.
Trust me, you’ll want to dig into this cheesy goodness!
Let’s get cooking!
Possible Ingredient Alternatives
For the lean minced beef, ground turkey or plant-based crumbles can be used as alternatives. These options provide similar texture and protein content while accommodating different dietary preferences. Adjust cooking time slightly, as turkey may cook faster than beef.
Kidney beans can be replaced with black beans or pinto beans for variety in texture and flavor. These substitutions maintain the dish’s fiber and protein content while offering different nutritional profiles. Use the same quantity as called for in the original recipe.
Corn chips can be substituted with tortilla chips or even baked tortilla strips for a lower-fat option. These alternatives provide a similar crunch and corn flavor. If using baked tortilla strips, reduce the amount slightly to avoid overpowering the dish. Adjust layering technique as needed to ensure even distribution of the crunchy element throughout the casserole.
| Preparation Time | 15-20 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 25-30 minutes |
| Total Time | 40-50 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 2200-2400
- Protein: 130-150 g
- Fat: 120-140 g
- Carbohydrates: 220-240 g
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean minced beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 ounce taco seasoning mix (1 packet or 3 tablespoons if homemade)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon ground chili powder
- 10 ounces diced tomatoes with green chilies (such as rotel or salsa)
- 1 1/2 cups tomato sauce
- 15 ounces canned red kidney beans (1 drained and rinsed can)
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels, defrosted
- 9.25 ounces corn chips (1 standard bag, divided)
- 2 cups grated mexican cheese mix (divided)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- Sour cream for topping, if desired
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Baking Dish
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Meanwhile, grease a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish lightly to prevent sticking later.
Step 2: Cook the Beef and Onions
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef and onions over medium heat.
Once the beef is fully cooked and the onions are translucent, drain the excess fat from the skillet to reduce grease.
Step 3: Season and Simmer
Add taco seasoning, chili powder, and water to the beef and onion mixture.
Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil.
Reduce the heat and let it simmer until it thickens to your desired consistency.
Next, incorporate the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, corn, and beans, and let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Take 4 cups of corn chips and spread them evenly on the bottom of the prepared casserole dish.
Sprinkle 1 cup of cheese over the top of the chips.
Carefully spread the beef mixture over the layer of chips and cheese, ensuring even distribution.
Top the beef mixture with the remaining cheese.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese on top is fully melted and bubbly.
This will ensure that everything is heated through and the cheese is nicely melted.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and top with the remaining corn chips for added crunch.
Add any desired toppings such as diced tomatoes, sour cream, chopped green onions, or avocado slices to enhance the flavor and presentation.
Serve hot and enjoy!
