Frito Pie, a beloved comfort food from the Southern United States, cleverly combines simple ingredients to create a dish that's bursting with flavor and texture. This easy-to-make recipe transforms the humble corn chip into a decadent, cheesy, and savory casserole that's perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to game day feasts. Let's dive into the details of making this irresistible Frito Pie.
Ingredients
- 1 packet Taco Seasoning
- 1 pound Ground Beef
- 1 small Onion, finely chopped
- 1 10-ounce can Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies
- 1 15-ounce can Ranch Style Beans
- 1 cup Corn Kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 10.25-ounce bag Fritos Corn Chips
- 1 ½ cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese
Preparation
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Begin by evenly spreading about ¾ of the Fritos in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. This layer will form the crunchy base of your pie.
Step 2: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and chopped onion over medium heat. Continue to cook until the beef is thoroughly browned and the onions have turned translucent. Drain any excess fat from the skillet to ensure your pie isn’t greasy.
Step 3: Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the cooked beef and onions, stirring well to ensure the meat is evenly coated with the spices, absorbing the flavors to create a rich and aromatic filling.
Step 4: Add the diced tomatoes with green chilies, ranch style beans, and corn kernels to the skillet. Stir the mixture until all the ingredients are well combined and the flavors meld together, creating a hearty and delicious filling.
Step 5: Pour this beef and vegetable mixture over the layer of Fritos in the baking dish, spreading it out to form an even layer. Then, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top, covering the beef mixture completely.
COOKING Note
Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and has a bubbly, golden-brown appearance. The edges of the Fritos poking out should be crispy and toasted, adding an extra layer of crunch and flavor to the dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Frito Pie hot, straight from the oven. For an enhanced dining experience, top each serving with additional Fritos for extra crunch and consider adding fresh toppings like chopped lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, sour cream, or guacamole to complement the warm, spicy flavors of the pie.
Tips
- For a leaner option, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.
- Vegetarians can replace the meat with a plant-based alternative or extra beans.
- Adjust the level of spiciness by choosing mild or hot diced tomatoes with green chilies.
- Ensure the Fritos at the base retain their crunch by not over-saturating them with the beef mixture.
Prep Time
- 15 minutes
Cooking Time
- 20 minutes
Total Time
- 35 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 600 per serving
- Protein: About 25 grams per serving
- Sodium: Approximately 1000 mg per serving
Frito Pie is more than just a dish; it's a hearty, comforting experience that brings together the crunchy texture of Fritos, the richness of ground beef, and the melting goodness of cheddar cheese. This recipe not only promises a delightful meal but also offers versatility to cater to different tastes and dietary preferences. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner, a party with friends, or a game day feast, Frito Pie stands out as a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to satisfy everyone’s comfort food cravings.
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