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Fritos Pie Casserole Recipe

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4.1 from 6 reviews

This Fritos Pie Casserole is a delicious and comforting Tex-Mex inspired dish combining seasoned ground beef, enchilada sauce, beans, and crispy Fritos chips layered and baked with melted Mexican cheese. Perfect for a family meal, it delivers a hearty, flavorful casserole with gooey cheese and crunchy toppings, finished with optional garnishes like jalapeños and sour cream for added zest.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 package (1 oz) taco seasoning
  • 2/3 cup water
  • 2 cans (10 oz each) enchilada sauce
  • 15 ounces pinto beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 bag Fritos chips (about 5 1/2 cups)
  • 8 oz Mexican cheese blend, shredded

Optional Garnishes

  • Green onions, sliced
  • Sour cream, for serving
  • Jalapeños, for serving
  • Cherry tomatoes, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9×13 inch glass baking dish with cooking spray and set aside to prevent sticking.
  2. Cook Ground Beef and Onions: In a medium skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef together with the chopped onion until fully cooked and browned. Drain any excess grease from the skillet to reduce fat content.
  3. Add Seasoning and Simmer: Stir in the taco seasoning packet and 2/3 cup water. Mix well and reduce the heat to low. Allow the meat mixture to simmer gently for 3-4 minutes to blend the flavors.
  4. Mix in Sauces and Beans: Add the two cans of enchilada sauce along with the drained and rinsed pinto beans to the skillet. Stir everything thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
  5. Layer Fritos and Cheese: Spread about 4 cups of Fritos chips evenly along the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded Mexican cheese blend over the Fritos to create the base layer.
  6. Add Meat Mixture Layer: Pour the prepared meat, bean, and sauce mixture evenly over the cheese and Fritos. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese on top of the meat layer.
  7. Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
  8. Finish and Garnish: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle with the remaining Fritos chips. Add optional garnishes such as sliced jalapeños and chopped cherry tomatoes to taste.
  9. Serve: Serve the casserole warm, offering sour cream on the side for topping according to preference.

Notes

  • Use lean ground beef to keep the dish lower in fat and grease.
  • Drain and rinse canned beans to reduce sodium content.
  • If you prefer a spicier casserole, add more jalapeños or use a hot enchilada sauce.
  • For a vegetarian variation, substitute the beef with spiced textured vegetable protein or beans.
  • Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.