Frito Pie Casserole
A simple, hearty casserole featuring a layer of crunchy corn chips topped with a savory ground beef and chili bean mixture. Baked with a generous layer of melted cheese, it's a classic comfort food dish that comes together quickly for an easy weeknight dinner.
An original recipe by Forkin
- Total time
- 55 min
- Serves
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
Allergen information: may contain gluten and milk. Always check ingredient packaging if you have an allergy.
Mise en place
Ingredients
Converted for display; the recipe amounts stay equivalent.
Ingredients
- 1 tbspolive oil
- 450 gground beef
- 100 gyellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 clovegarlic, minced
- 1 tbspchili powder
- 425 gcanned chili beans, undrained
- 60 gcanned black olive, drained and sliced
- 0.5 tspsalt
- 1 tbspwater
casserole base
- 60 gcorn chip
filling
- 85 gcheddar cheese, shredded
topping
- 30 gcorn chip, lightly crushed
- 85 gcheddar cheese, shredded
Equipment
large skillet · spoon · cutting board · knife · casserole dish
The method
Step by step
- 1
Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F) and lightly grease a 2-quart (approx. 20x20cm or 8x8in) casserole dish.
About 2 min
- 2
Spread the base corn chips in an even layer on the bottom of the prepared dish.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: Don't crush these chips too much; you want them to form a sturdy base.
- 3
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
About 1 min
- 4
Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, then drain off any excess fat.
About 6 min
- 5
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the beef. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion is soft and fragrant.
About 4 min
- 6
Stir in the chili powder and salt, cooking for one minute more to toast the spice.
About 1 min
- 7
Pour in the undrained chili beans, sliced olives, and water. Stir well and bring the mixture to a simmer.
About 2 min
- 8
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the filling cheddar cheese until it is just combined.
About 1 min
- 9
Pour the beef mixture evenly over the layer of corn chips in the casserole dish.
About 1 min
- 10
Sprinkle the topping corn chips over the beef mixture, followed by the topping cheddar cheese.
About 2 min
- 11
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is bubbly and the cheese on top is completely melted and golden.
About 25 min
Cook’s note: To ensure this recipe is gluten-free, confirm your brand of corn chips and chili beans are certified gluten-free.
- 12
Let the casserole cool for at least 5 minutes before serving.
About 5 min
Cook’s note: This rest time allows the casserole to set, making it easier to serve.
Keep it good
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or in a 175°C (350°F) oven until warmed through.
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