Sizzling Frito Cheesy Chili Casserole Recipe For Comfort Fans

Comfort food reaches new heights with this hearty Frito cheesy chili casserole that delivers a punch of flavor in every single bite.

Layers of crispy corn chips mingle with rich, spicy chili and melted cheese for an irresistible meal.

The casserole brings together classic ingredients in a crowd-pleasing dish that screams pure satisfaction.

Crunchy, cheesy, and packed with bold seasonings, this recipe transforms simple pantry staples into a memorable dinner.

Home cooks will love how easily this comes together with minimal prep work.

Families gather around the table, eager to dig into this warm, satisfying creation that promises to become a weeknight favorite.

One taste and you’ll understand why this casserole is the ultimate comfort food solution.

Why Frito Cheesy Chili Casserole Is So Popular

• Perfect for feeding a hungry group with minimal kitchen effort, this casserole transforms simple ingredients into a deliciously satisfying meal everyone will love.
• Combines protein, crunch, and cheesy goodness in a single baking dish, minimizing cleanup and maximizing flavor with layers of hearty chili and crispy Fritos.
• Adaptable recipe allows for personal tweaks like adding extra spices, swapping ground beef for turkey, or incorporating different cheese varieties to match your taste preferences.
• Delivers a nostalgic, kid-approved meal that brings everyone to the table, offering a perfect balance of familiar flavors and satisfying textures that appeal to all ages.

Ingredients List for Frito Cheesy Chili Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful base that provides the main protein for the casserole.

• Chili Powder, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Salt, Cumin, Chipotle Powder: A blend of spices that creates a rich and complex flavor profile for the chili.
• Tomato Paste: Adds depth and concentrated tomato flavor to the meat mixture.

• Tomato Sauce, Beef Stock: Provide moisture and additional depth to the chili base.

• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Adds creamy, melty goodness and sharp flavor to the casserole.
• Fritos: Provides a crunchy base and topping that adds texture to the dish.

• Sour Cream, Scallions: Fresh toppings that add cool creaminess and a sharp, fresh finish.

• Onions, Garlic: Provide a foundational flavor base for the chili mixture.

Kitchen Tools for Cheesy Chili Casserole

• Large Skillet: Essential for browning ground beef and sautéing onions and garlic.
• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: Perfect for layering Fritos, chili, and cheese.
• Cooking Spray: Helps prevent sticking and greases the baking dish.
• Nonstick Foil: Covers the casserole during baking to prevent burning.
• Measuring Spoons: Crucial for accurately measuring spices and seasonings.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Helps stir and mix ingredients while cooking.
• Cheese Grater: Useful if using block cheese instead of pre-shredded.
• Colander: Helpful for draining excess fat from the ground beef.

Making Frito Cheesy Chili Casserole: Easy Instructions

Step 1: Brown The Meat Start cooking ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Toss in diced onions and cook until the meat turns completely brown and onions become see-through.

Sprinkle minced garlic and let it sizzle for half a minute to release its amazing aroma.

Drain away any extra grease to keep things light.

Step 2: Spice It Up Mix in a burst of flavor with:

• Chili powder
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Cumin
• Chipotle powder
• Tomato paste

Stir everything together and let the spices dance for 2 minutes.

Step 3: Create The Sauce Pour tomato sauce and beef stock into the skillet.

Blend everything smoothly and let the mixture bubble gently.

Cover and simmer for 20 minutes, giving an occasional stir.

Step 4: Warm Up The Oven Crank your oven to a toasty 350F (175C).

Step 5: Build The Layers Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and get ready to create magic.

Spread a crunchy base of lightly crushed Fritos.

Ladle half the chili over the chips.

Shower the first layer with shredded cheddar.

Repeat the layers one more time.

Step 6: First Bake Cover the dish with nonstick foil and slide it into the preheated oven.

Bake for 20-30 minutes until everything is heated through and cheese starts melting.

Step 7: Final Crisp Remove the foil and return to the oven.

Bake for another 10 minutes to get those cheese edges golden and bubbly.

Step 8: Serve And Enjoy Plate up your casserole immediately.

Top with a dollop of cool sour cream and sprinkle some sliced scallions for that fresh kick.

Tips for the Cheesiest Chili Casserole

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter, lower-fat version of the casserole.
• Adjust chipotle powder and chili powder amounts to create a milder or spicier dish based on personal heat preferences.
• Prepare the chili mixture and assemble the casserole in advance, then refrigerate and bake when ready to serve.
• Incorporate diced bell peppers or black beans into the chili mixture for extra nutrition and flavor complexity.
• Add an extra layer of crushed Fritos on top during the final 10 minutes of baking for maximum crunch and texture.

Frito Chili Casserole: Unique Twists & Flavors

• Vegetarian Chili Swap: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans, maintaining the same spice blend and cooking method for a protein-packed vegetarian version.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute Fritos with crushed pork rinds or cauliflower rice, reducing carbohydrate content while keeping the rich, cheesy flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free corn chips or tortilla chips instead of Fritos, ensuring the dish remains safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced green chilies, jalapeños, and swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese to create a more intense, fiery southwestern-style casserole.

Serving Suggestions for Cheesy Chili Casserole

• Crowd-Pleasing Party Platter: Slice the casserole into squares and arrange on a large platter, perfect for game day or casual gatherings with friends. Top with extra toppings like jalapeños and diced tomatoes for extra flair.
• Fresh and Zesty Side Kick: Pair the casserole with a crisp green salad dressed in a tangy lime vinaigrette to balance the rich, hearty flavors of the chili and cheese.
• Tex-Mex Flavor Explosion: Serve alongside warm corn tortillas, additional Fritos for extra crunch, and a small bowl of fresh salsa or pico de gallo to enhance the southwestern taste profile of the dish.
• Weekend Comfort Meal: Create a complete dinner experience by adding Mexican street corn or a simple cilantro-lime rice as complementary side dishes that will elevate the entire meal.

Storing Frito Cheesy Chili Casserole for Later Meals

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within two hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent odor absorption.
• Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label with date and contents. Freeze up to 3 months for best quality. Avoid freezing with sour cream or fresh garnishes.
• Thaw overnight in refrigerator. Preheat oven to 350F. Cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 20-25 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165F. Remove foil last 5 minutes for crispy Fritos.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative. Simply follow the same cooking steps, and the flavor will be similar.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has a mild to moderate heat level. If you prefer less spice, reduce the chipotle powder or omit it entirely. For more heat, add extra chipotle powder or include diced jalapeños.

• What type of Fritos work best?

Original corn Fritos are ideal for this casserole. They provide the perfect crunch and salty base for the chili and cheese layers. Avoid flavored varieties to maintain the recipe’s classic taste.

Frito Cheesy Chili Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Frito cheesy chili casserole brings bold southwestern flavors to dinner tables with minimal prep. Crispy corn chips, spicy ground beef, and melted cheese create a comforting meal families will devour.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Protein:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) ground beef
• 3 cups (340 grams) shredded cheddar cheese

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1.5 teaspoons onion powder
• 1.5 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 0.75 teaspoon ground cumin
• 0.5 teaspoon chipotle powder
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 onion, diced

Sauce and Topping Ingredients:

• 6 tablespoons tomato paste
• 15 ounces (425 grams) tomato sauce
• 0.5 cup (120 milliliters) beef stock
• 9 cups (225 grams) lightly crushed Fritos
• Sour cream, for serving
• Sliced scallions, for serving

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Instructions

1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, thoroughly cook ground beef with diced onions until meat is completely browned and onions become translucent. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until aromatic.

1. Drain excess fat from the skillet, then incorporate chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, cumin, chipotle powder, and tomato paste. Stir and cook for 2 minutes to develop deep flavors.

1. Pour tomato sauce and beef stock into the meat mixture, blending thoroughly. Allow the mixture to reach a gentle simmer, then cover and cook for 20 minutes, stirring periodically to prevent sticking.

1. Heat oven to 350F (175C), preparing a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.

1. Create the first layer by evenly distributing half of the crushed Fritos across the bottom of the baking dish. Spoon half the chili mixture over the chips, then sprinkle with half the shredded cheddar cheese.

1. Repeat layering process with remaining Fritos, chili, and cheese, creating a uniform casserole structure.

1. Cover the dish with nonstick foil, baking for 20-30 minutes until thoroughly heated and cheese begins to melt.

1. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, allowing cheese to bubble and develop a golden-brown crust.

1. Immediately serve hot, garnishing with a dollop of sour cream and freshly sliced scallions for added freshness and presentation.

Notes

• Customize the spice level by adjusting the chipotle powder and chili powder to suit your heat tolerance.
• Opt for lean ground beef to reduce overall fat content and create a healthier version of the dish.
• Make it vegetarian by substituting ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans for a protein-packed alternative.
• Prep ingredients ahead of time to streamline the cooking process and make weeknight meal preparation easier.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 570
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 41 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg