California Frito Pie

Ingredients

In this California adaptation of Frito Pie, we replace the traditional ground beef with lean ground turkey to make it lighter and healthier. Additionally, we incorporate fresh California ingredients, such as tomatoes and a blend of California cheeses, to add a vibrant and unique flavor profile to the dish. We alse have the original recipe for Frito Pie, so you can check it out.

• 1 pound (450g) lean ground turkey 1 pound (450g) lean ground turkey
• 1 onion, diced 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 can (14 ounces/400g) kidney beans, drained and rinsed 1 can (14 ounces/400g) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (14 ounces/400g) diced tomatoes 1 can (14 ounces/400g) diced tomatoes
• 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) Frito corn chips 2 cups (200g) Frito corn chips
• 1 cup (100g) shredded Monterey Jack cheese 1 cup (100g) shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 cup (100g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese 1 cup (100g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• Optional toppings: diced avocado, chopped cilantro, sour cream Optional toppings: diced avocado, chopped cilantro, sour cream

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat: 25g (Saturated Fat: 10g)
• Carbohydrates: 30g (Sugars: 5g)
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 6g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. 2.
   In a large skillet, cook the ground turkey over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
3. 3.
   Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and red bell pepper to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are softened.
4. 4.
   Stir in the kidney beans, diced tomatoes, 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 Frito corn chips in the bottom of a baking dish. Top with half of the chili mixture.
6. 6.
   Sprinkle half of the Monterey Jack and sharp cheddar cheeses over the chili layer.
7. 7.
   Repeat the layers with the remaining Frito corn chips, chili, and cheeses.
8. 8.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. 9.
   Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
10. 10.
    Serve the California Frito Pie hot, garnished with diced avocado, chopped cilantro, and a dollop of sour cream if desired.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ground turkey — Make sure to cook the ground turkey thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is safe to consume.
• Frito corn chips — Choose a brand that is gluten-free if you have dietary restrictions. You can also opt for baked corn chips for a healthier alternative.
• Monterey Jack and sharp cheddar cheese — Feel free to experiment with other California cheeses, such as Pepper Jack or California Gold cheese, to add more variety to the dish.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño to the chili mixture.
• Customize the toppings to your liking by adding sliced black olives, diced tomatoes, or pickled jalapeños.
• 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 the California Frito Pie with a side of fresh mixed greens or a simple avocado salad to balance out the richness of the dish.

Serving advice

Serve the California Frito Pie hot, straight from the oven, for the best flavor and texture. Garnish with diced avocado, chopped cilantro, and a dollop of sour cream to add a refreshing and creamy element to the dish.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, sprinkle some additional shredded cheese and chopped cilantro on top of the baked Frito Pie. Serve it in individual baking dishes or cast-iron skillets for a rustic and charming presentation.