Frito Pie with a Twist

Ingredients

• 2 cups (240g) Fritos corn chips 2 cups (240g) Fritos corn chips
• 1 lb (450g) ground beef 1 lb (450g) ground beef
• 1 onion, diced 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 can (14 oz/400g) diced tomatoes 1 can (14 oz/400g) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz/425g) kidney beans, drained and rinsed 1 can (15 oz/425g) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 tablespoons chili powder 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups (200g) shredded cheddar cheese 2 cups (200g) shredded cheddar cheese
• Diced tomatoes, green onions, jalapenos, and sour cream for garnish Diced tomatoes, green onions, jalapenos, and sour cream for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 550 kcal / 2300 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 32g, 14g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 38g, 4g
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 6g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. 2.
   In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
3. 3.
   Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is translucent.
4. 4.
   Stir in the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. 5.
   Spread half of the Fritos corn chips in a baking dish. Pour the chili mixture over the chips.
6. 6.
   Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the chili layer. Repeat with another layer of Fritos, chili, and cheese.
7. 7.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. 8.
   Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
9. 9.
   Garnish with diced tomatoes, green onions, jalapenos, and sour cream.
10. 10.
    Serve hot and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ground beef — Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option. You can also substitute it with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• Fritos corn chips — Opt for the original flavor of Fritos corn chips for an authentic taste. If unavailable, you can use any other brand of corn chips.
• Shredded cheddar cheese — For extra flavor, you can use a blend of different cheeses such as Monterey Jack or Colby.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the chili.
• Customize the toppings to your liking by adding sliced black olives, diced avocado, or pickled jalapenos.
• If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of chili powder and cumin in the recipe.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
• Serve Frito Pie with a side of guacamole and salsa for a complete Tex-Mex experience.

Serving advice

Serve Frito Pie hot, straight from the oven. It is best enjoyed with a fork, digging into the layers of crunchy corn chips, savory chili, and melted cheese. The fresh toppings add a burst of flavor and texture, so make sure to include a generous amount of diced tomatoes, green onions, jalapenos, and sour cream on top.

Presentation advice

To make the Frito Pie visually appealing, sprinkle the garnishes evenly over the top, creating a colorful and vibrant presentation. Serve it in individual baking dishes or in a large casserole dish for a family-style meal. The golden-brown melted cheese on top will entice everyone to dig in.