Frito Cheesy Chili Casserole

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.
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Updated on Sunday 24 November 2024
Frito Cheesy Chili Casserole
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Frito Cheesy Chili Casserole | Myhomemaderecipe.com

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.

Some more ideas

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.

Frito Chili Casserole

A delicious and hearty casserole featuring seasoned ground beef, crunchy Fritos, and melted cheddar cheese, perfect for family meals or gatherings.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
50 Minutes
Total Time
70 Minutes
By: Zaho

Category: Dinners

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 6 Servings (1 casserole)

Ingredients

01 1 & 1/2 pounds ground beef.
02 1 onion, diced.
03 3 cloves garlic, minced.
04 1 tablespoon chili powder.
05 1 & 1/2 teaspoons onion powder.
06 1 & 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder.
07 1 teaspoon kosher salt.
08 ¾ teaspoon ground cumin.
09 ½ teaspoon chipotle powder.
10 6 tablespoons tomato paste.
11 15 ounces tomato sauce.
12 ½ cup beef stock.
13 9 cups lightly crushed Fritos.
14 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese.
15 Sour cream, for serving.
16 Sliced scallions, for serving.

Instructions

Step 01

In a large skillet, brown the ground beef with diced onions over medium-high heat until fully cooked and onions are translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant. Drain any excess fat.

Step 02

Stir in chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, cumin, chipotle powder, and tomato paste. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring until well combined.

Step 03

Pour in tomato sauce and beef stock, stirring until fully combined. Bring the mixture to a simmer, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 04

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 05

Spread half of the 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 shredded cheddar cheese on top. Repeat the layers with the remaining Fritos, chili, and cheese.

Step 06

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.

Step 07

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to allow the cheese to bubble and brown slightly.

Step 08

Serve the Frito Cheesy Chili Casserole immediately, garnished with a dollop of sour cream and sliced scallions.

Notes

  1. Prep_time: 20 minutes.
  2. Cook_time: 50 minutes.
  3. Servings: 6-8.
  4. Yield: 1 casserole.
  5. Calories: 450 per serving.
  6. Carbs: 32g per serving.
  7. Fat: 28g per serving.
  8. Protein: 20g per serving.
  9. Is_gluten_free: 0.
  10. Is_low_carb: 0.
  11. Is_vegan: 0.
  12. Is_vegetarian: 0.
  13. Is_dairy_free: 0.
  14. Difficulty: 1.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 450
  • Total Fat: 28g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 32g
  • Protein: 20g