Frito Pie recipe
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Beef & Aromatics 🥩🧅
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion.
- Cook for 5 to 6 minutes, breaking the beef apart with a wooden spoon, until the meat is completely browned and the onions are soft and translucent.
- Drain any excess grease from the skillet, then stir in the minced garlic and cook for just 1 more minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Simmer the Chili 🥫🔥
- Turn the heat down to medium-low. Sprinkle your taco or chili seasoning packet evenly over the meat.
- Pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, drained beans (if using), and beef broth.
- Stir everything together thoroughly. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 15 minutes. The sauce will thicken up beautifully and absorb all those rich spices.
Step 3: Choose Your Assembly Style! 🏗️🍽Object
- Style A: The Classic Casserole Bake (Perfect for Family Dinner)
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spread a thick, even layer of Fritos corn chips across the bottom of an 8×11-inch baking dish.
- Pour the hot, simmered beef chili evenly right over the top of the crunchy chips.
- Smother the entire dish with the 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Pop it into the oven for 8 to 10 minutes just until the cheese is completely melted, bubbly, and gooey!
- Style B: The “Walking Taco” Bag Style (Perfect for Parties & Quick Cleanup)
- Gently crush a single-serve bag of Fritos to break up the chips slightly, then slice the side or top of the bag open.
- Ladle a generous scoop of hot chili directly into the chip bag over the Fritos.
- Immediately drop a handful of shredded cheese right on top so it melts from the heat of the chili!
