Frito Pie Chili Casserole
Craving something hearty, cheesy, and just plain fun to eat? Frito Pie Chili Casserole is your answer. This comforting dish combines the bold flavors of a rich chili base with the crunchy, savory goodness of Fritos and melted cheddar cheese. It’s the perfect one-pot meal for busy weeknights, potlucks, or casual get-togethers.
Whether you’re a fan of classic Tex-Mex dishes or just need a reliable comfort food recipe, this casserole ticks all the boxes. It’s easy to make, endlessly customizable, and sure to become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love Frito Pie Chili Casserole
- Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights with minimal prep and cooking time.
- Customizable: Adjust the spice level, cheese type, or toppings to suit your taste.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Loved by kids and adults alike, this casserole is always a hit.
- One-Pot Wonder: Less cleanup, more time to enjoy your meal!
What You Need to Make Frito Pie Chili Casserole
To make this flavorful casserole, you’ll need a handful of pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients. The full list of measurements can be found in the recipe card below. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Ground Meat: Beef works great, but turkey or chicken are excellent substitutes.
- Vegetables: Diced onions add a sweet base to the dish.
- Pantry Staples: Tomato paste, tomato sauce, and beef stock create the chili’s rich base.
- Seasonings: A bold blend of chili powder, cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- The Stars: Chili Cheese Fritos for crunch and shredded cheddar cheese for that gooey, melted top.
- Optional Toppers: Sour cream and scallions add a cool, fresh finish.
How To Make Frito Pie Chili Casserole
1
Prep and Preheat: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grab a shallow Dutch oven or oven-safe skillet for easy stovetop-to-oven cooking.
2
Cook the Base: Sauté diced onions in olive oil until soft. Add the ground meat and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
3
Make the Chili: Stir in tomato paste, tomato sauce, seasonings, and beef stock. Let the mixture simmer for 12 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
4
Assemble the Casserole: Mix in a few handfuls of Fritos to the chili. Top with more Fritos and a generous layer of shredded cheese.
5
Bake to Perfection: Cover with a lid and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6
Serve and Enjoy: Dish up your casserole while it’s hot, adding sour cream and scallions if desired
Commonly Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the chili base ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Assemble and bake when ready to serve.
What other toppings can I add?
Get creative! Jalapeños, diced tomatoes, avocado, or hot sauce make great additions.
Can I use a different type of chip?
Absolutely! Try regular Fritos, tortilla chips, or even crushed Doritos for a twist.
Is this dish freezer-friendly?
The chili base freezes well, but it’s best to add the Fritos and cheese fresh when reheating.
Frito Pie Chili Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground meat
- 1 small yellow onion diced
- 1/2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp tomato paste
- 15 oz tomato sauce
- 1/3 cup beef stock
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 bag of chili cheese Fritos
- 1.5 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
- Optional toppers: sour cream and scallions
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350
- In a shallow Dutch oven add in your onions and olive oil, let them cook till soft
- Add in your meat and cook until it’s no longer pink. Drain any grease
- Add in your tomato paste, tomato sauce, chili powder, onion and garlic powder, S&P, ground cumin, and beef stock. Mix together and let it cook together to marry for 12 minutes
- Add in 3 hand fulls of Fritos and mix in the chili. Add more Fritos on top and cover with cheese.
- Put the lid on and bake it for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted
- Serve immediately with any optional toppers
