The Frito Cheesy Chili Casserole is a delicious and hearty dish that brings together the rich flavors of seasoned ground beef, crunchy Fritos, and gooey melted cheddar cheese. This casserole is easy to prepare and makes for a perfect family dinner or a dish to bring to a potluck. Start by browning ground beef with diced onions and minced garlic, then season it with a blend of chili powder, cumin, and chipotle powder. Add tomato paste, tomato sauce, and beef stock to create a flavorful chili base. Layer this mixture with lightly crushed Fritos and shredded cheddar cheese in a baking dish, and bake until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Garnish with sour cream and sliced scallions for a fresh finish. This casserole is sure to become a favorite in your household, offering a satisfying blend of textures and flavors that everyone will love.
If you’re looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that combines hearty flavors and satisfying textures, this Frito Cheesy Chili Casserole is the perfect choice. This dish brings together seasoned ground beef, crunchy Fritos, and gooey melted cheese in a way that’s sure to delight your taste buds. Whether it’s for a family dinner, a potluck, or a casual gathering with friends, this casserole is guaranteed to be a hit. Let’s dive into the ingredients that make this dish so special.
Ingredients
- 1 & 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 & 1/2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 & 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ¾ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon chipotle powder
- 6 tablespoons tomato paste
- 15 ounces tomato sauce
- ½ cup beef stock
- 9 cups lightly crushed Fritos
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream, for serving
- Sliced scallions, for serving
These ingredients come together to create a flavorful and satisfying casserole. The ground beef is seasoned with a blend of spices, including chili powder, cumin, and chipotle powder, giving it a rich and robust flavor. The tomato paste and sauce, along with beef stock, provide a savory base for the chili. The Fritos add a delightful crunch, and the melted cheddar cheese ties everything together in a gooey, cheesy delight. Sour cream and sliced scallions are the perfect garnishes, adding a fresh and tangy contrast to the hearty casserole.
Instructions
Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet, brown 1 & 1/2 pounds of ground beef with 1 diced onion over medium-high heat until fully cooked and the onions are translucent. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant. Drain any excess fat.
Season the Beef
Stir in 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 & 1/2 teaspoons onion powder, 1 & 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, ¾ teaspoon ground cumin, ½ teaspoon chipotle powder, and 6 tablespoons tomato paste. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring until well combined.
Add Sauce
Pour in 15 ounces tomato sauce and ½ cup beef stock, stirring until fully combined. Bring the mixture to a simmer, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Layer the Casserole
Spread half of the 9 cups of lightly crushed Fritos evenly in the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spoon half of the chili mixture over the Fritos, then sprinkle half of the 3 cups of shredded cheddar cheese on top. Repeat the layers with the remaining Fritos, chili, and cheese.
Bake
Cover the baking dish with nonstick foil or foil sprayed with cooking spray, placing it spray side down. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melted.
Finish Baking
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to allow the cheese to bubble and brown slightly.
Serve
Serve the Frito Cheesy Chili Casserole immediately, garnished with a dollop of sour cream and sliced scallions.
Serving and Storage Tips
This Frito Cheesy Chili Casserole is best served fresh out of the oven while the cheese is still gooey and the Fritos are crunchy. Here are some tips for serving and storing this delicious dish:
Serving Tips
- Garnish Generously: Add a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of sliced scallions on top of each serving for added flavor and a touch of freshness.
- Side Suggestions: Pair this casserole with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables to balance out the rich, hearty flavors.
- Customizable Toppings: Feel free to add other toppings such as diced tomatoes, jalapenos, or avocado slices to enhance the dish.
Storage Tips
- Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
- Freezing: To freeze, let the casserole cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in the oven.
- Portion Control: Consider dividing the casserole into individual portions before freezing for easy reheating and serving.
Helpful Notes about the Recipe
This casserole is a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit your preferences. Here are some variations and expert tips:
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add more chipotle powder or some diced jalapenos to the beef mixture for an extra spicy kick.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or use a mix of beans and vegetables for a vegetarian version.
- Cheese Varieties: Experiment with different types of cheese like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a different flavor profile.
Quotes from Well-Known Chefs
"A hearty casserole like this one is perfect for family gatherings. The combination of textures and flavors makes it a crowd-pleaser." - Ina Garten
"Don't be afraid to play around with the spices and toppings. Recipes like these are meant to be personalized to your taste." - Gordon Ramsay
With these tips and variations, you can make the Frito Cheesy Chili Casserole your own and enjoy a comforting, delicious meal that everyone will love.
Summary
The Frito Cheesy Chili Casserole is a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for family dinners or gatherings. This recipe combines ground beef, spices, tomato sauce, and beef stock, layered with crispy Fritos and topped with melted cheddar cheese. It's an easy and satisfying meal that’s sure to be a hit. Serve it with a dollop of sour cream and sliced scallions for added flavor. Whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight dinner or a dish to impress guests, this casserole is a great choice. The combination of savory chili and crunchy Fritos makes it a crowd-pleaser.