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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Heat oven to 350F (175C), preparing a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- 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.
- Repeat layering process with remaining Fritos, chili, and cheese, creating a uniform casserole structure.
- Cover the dish with nonstick foil, baking for 20-30 minutes until thoroughly heated and cheese begins to melt.
- Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, allowing cheese to bubble and develop a golden-brown crust.
- 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