Frito Cheesy Chili Casserole (Print version)

Seasoned beef chili layered with crunchy Fritos and cheddar, baked until bubbly and finished with sour cream and scallions.

# Ingredients:

For the chili filling

01 - 1 1/2 lb (680 g) ground beef
02 - 1 medium yellow onion, diced
03 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 tablespoon chili powder
05 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
06 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
07 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
08 - 1/2 teaspoon chipotle powder, or 1/4 teaspoon for mild heat
09 - 6 tablespoons tomato paste
10 - 1 can (15 oz or 425 g) tomato sauce
11 - 1/2 cup (120 ml) beef broth
12 - 1 can (15 oz or 425 g) pinto beans, drained and rinsed

For layering and serving

13 - 9 cups lightly crushed Fritos corn chips, divided
14 - 3 cups (340 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
15 - Cooking spray or 1 teaspoon oil, for the baking dish
16 - Sour cream, for serving
17 - 2 scallions, thinly sliced
18 - Pickled or fresh jalapenos, optional

# Instructions:

01 - Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and onion, then cook for 7-9 minutes until the beef is browned and the onion has softened. Stir in the garlic for 30 seconds, then drain excess fat if needed.
02 - Add chili powder, cumin, salt, garlic powder, chipotle powder, and tomato paste. Stir for 2 minutes until the tomato paste darkens slightly and coats the beef.
03 - Stir in tomato sauce, beef broth, and pinto beans. Bring to a simmer, reduce the heat to medium-low, and cook for 15 minutes until thick and spoonable.
04 - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a thin coat of oil.
05 - Spread half of the crushed Fritos in the dish. Spoon half of the chili over the chips and sprinkle with half of the cheddar. Repeat with the remaining Fritos, chili, and cheddar.
06 - Cover the dish with foil, sprayed side down if it may touch the cheese. Bake for 20 minutes, then uncover and bake 10-12 minutes more until the cheese is melted and bubbling at the edges.
07 - Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes. Serve hot with sour cream, sliced scallions, and jalapenos if desired.

# Good to know:

01 - Best served hot, right after a 5-minute rest.
02 - Reserve a handful of Fritos for topping after baking if you want extra crunch.
03 - The chili filling can be made up to 2 days ahead.

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