Get ready to take your game day spread to the next level with this irresistible Frito Pie with Ground Beef recipe. Packed with bold flavors and satisfying textures, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for more. Whether you’re hosting a football watch party or simply craving a comforting meal, Frito Pie with Ground Beef is sure to hit the spot. Follow along as we dive into the delicious details of this classic Tex-Mex dish!
Introduction
Frito Pie is a beloved Tex-Mex comfort food classic that combines layers of crunchy Fritos corn chips, flavorful ground beef, zesty Rotel tomatoes, creamy refried beans, and gooey melted cheese, all topped off with a drizzle of enchilada sauce. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser, perfect for feeding a hungry group of friends or family. With its simple preparation and delicious results, Frito Pie with Ground Beef is a winning choice for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Frito Pie:
- Meat:
- 2 lbs Ground beef
- Produce:
- 1/2 Onion, diced
- Canned Goods:
- 1 can (10-ounce) Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies
- 1 can (16-ounce) Refried beans
- Baking & Spices:
- 1 package (1 ounce) Taco seasoning
- Snacks:
- 1 bag (9.25 ounces) Fritos corn chips
- Dairy:
- 2 cups Mexican cheese blend
- Prepared:
- 1 can (10-ounce) Enchilada sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the Ground Beef:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and the onion is tender. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
- Add the Rotel Tomatoes and Seasoning:
- Stir in the can of Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, as well as the taco seasoning. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Layer the Ingredients:
- Spread the refried beans evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Top with half of the Fritos corn chips, followed by the cooked ground beef mixture.
- Add Cheese and Repeat:
- Sprinkle half of the Mexican cheese blend over the beef mixture. Repeat the layers with the remaining Fritos corn chips, beef mixture, and cheese.
- Finish with Enchilada Sauce:
- Pour the enchilada sauce evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake:
- Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve:
- Remove the Frito Pie from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with your favorite toppings, such as sliced jalapeños, diced tomatoes, avocado, sour cream, or chopped cilantro.
- Enjoy!
- Serve hot and enjoy the deliciousness of your homemade Frito Pie with Ground Beef!
Cook Notes and Variations
- Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version of Frito Pie, simply omit the ground beef and increase the amount of refried beans or add your favorite meat substitute.
- Spice Level: Adjust the heat level of your Frito Pie by choosing mild, medium, or hot Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, or by adding extra taco seasoning or hot sauce to the beef mixture.
- Customize Toppings: Get creative with your toppings! Add sliced black olives, diced green onions, pickled jalapeños, or a dollop of guacamole to customize your Frito Pie to your liking.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: Can I make Frito Pie ahead of time? A: Yes, you can assemble the Frito Pie up to a day in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake it. Simply cover the baking dish tightly with foil and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, remove the dish from the refrigerator, uncover it, and bake as directed.
Q: Can I freeze Frito Pie? A: Yes, Frito Pie can be frozen for later enjoyment. Once assembled, cover the baking dish tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2-3 months. When ready to serve, thaw the Frito Pie in the refrigerator overnight, then bake as directed.
Q: What are some creative topping ideas for Frito Pie? A: Some creative topping ideas for Frito Pie include sliced black olives, diced green onions, pickled jalapeños, chopped cilantro, avocado slices, sour cream, and hot sauce.
Q: Can I use different types of beans in Frito Pie? A: Yes, you can customize your Frito Pie by using different types of beans. Black beans, pinto beans, or kidney beans would all be delicious additions or substitutions.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions
For those following a keto or low-carb diet, here are some modifications to make a keto-friendly version of Frito Pie:
- Low-Carb Chips: Substitute the Fritos corn chips with your favorite low-carb tortilla chips or pork rinds.
- Bean Alternatives: Omit the refried beans or use a low-carb bean substitute such as black soybeans.
In conclusion, Frito Pie with Ground Beef is a classic Tex-Mex dish that is perfect for game days, potlucks, or any occasion when you’re craving comfort food. With its layers of crunchy corn chips, savory beef, zesty tomatoes, creamy beans, and gooey cheese, it’s a hearty and satisfying meal that will please a crowd. Whether you’re serving it as a main course or as a fun appetizer, this Frito Pie is sure
