Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with an Easy Frito Pie, a classic Tex-Mex dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. Packed with layers of savory flavors, crispy Fritos, and gooey cheese, this simple recipe is the ultimate comfort food. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing party dish, Easy Frito Pie has you covered. Let’s dive into the details and uncover the secrets to making this delicious dish at home!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 small onion, peeled and diced
- 1 package taco seasoning mix
- 2/3 cup water
- 1 can enchilada sauce
- 1 can (15 ounce) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 bag (9.25 ounce) Fritos corn chips, divided
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese, divided
- 1 green onion, chopped
- Sour cream for garnish
- Prepared guacamole for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter.
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and diced onion over medium heat until the beef is browned and the onion is tender, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Add the taco seasoning mix and water to the skillet with the ground beef and onion. Stir until the seasoning mix is fully incorporated and the mixture is heated through.
- Stir in the enchilada sauce and drained pinto beans, mixing well to combine. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until heated through.
- Spread half of the Fritos corn chips in an even layer on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Spoon half of the beef and bean mixture over the layer of Fritos, spreading it out evenly.
- Sprinkle half of the shredded Mexican blend cheese over the beef and bean mixture.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining Fritos, beef and bean mixture, and shredded cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped green onion, sour cream, and prepared guacamole.
- Serve hot and enjoy the deliciousness of Easy Frito Pie!
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Add Some Heat: For an extra kick of spice, add diced jalapenos or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes to the beef and bean mixture.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or extra beans for a vegetarian-friendly version of this dish.
- Customize Toppings: Get creative with your toppings! Add sliced black olives, diced tomatoes, or chopped cilantro for added flavor and freshness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef? A: Yes, you can easily substitute ground turkey for ground beef in this recipe. Just be aware that ground turkey tends to be leaner, so you may need to add a bit of oil to the skillet when cooking.
Q: Can I make Easy Frito Pie ahead of time? A: Absolutely! You can assemble the dish ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Simply cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if needed.
Q: What can I serve with Easy Frito Pie? A: Easy Frito Pie is a complete meal on its own, but you can serve it with a side salad or steamed vegetables for added freshness and nutrition. You can also serve it with extra Fritos on the side for dipping!
Q: Can I freeze Easy Frito Pie? A: While you can freeze Easy Frito Pie, keep in mind that the texture of the Fritos may change slightly upon thawing. It’s best to freeze it before baking. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
Keto Version: To make Easy Frito Pie keto-friendly, you can use low-carb tortilla chips or pork rinds in place of the Fritos. You can also reduce the amount of beans used or substitute them with extra ground beef for a lower-carb option.
Low-Carb Version: Follow the same substitutions as the keto version, and be mindful of the portion size to keep the carb count low. You can also use a sugar-free enchilada sauce and sour cream to further reduce the carb content.
In conclusion, Easy Frito Pie is a delicious and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its layers of savory goodness and crispy Fritos, it’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Whether you’re serving it for dinner or bringing it to a potluck, Easy Frito Pie is guaranteed to be a hit. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy the irresistible flavors of this Tex-Mex favorite!
