If you've ever popped into a restaurant in the Southwest, then you know all about Fritos chili pie casserole. Everyone in Arizona will tell you the dish originated there, while those in Santa Fe swear it's a New Mexican dish. No matter where it originated, there's one thing that everyone agrees about: the recipe below is completely delicious.
This is one of those no-fuss, no-nonsense, easy weeknight dinner kinds of meals. It's crunchy and flavorful, and everyone in the family will love it. We like using taco seasoning because it makes life that much easier, but feel free to have a little fun with the spices in this dish based on what you have on hand. No matter how you make it, it will always be a crowd pleaser!
How to make Fritos chili pie casserole
6-8
10 minutes
40 minutes
50 minutes
2 pounds ground beef
1 small yellow onion, diced
1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced
1 (1 1/4-ounce) envelope taco seasoning
1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
2 (4-ounce) cans diced green chilies
1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
1 (10 1/4-ounce) bag chili cheese Fritos
Sour cream and salsa, for garnish
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9x13 baking dish with nonstick spray and set aside.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef, onion, and bell pepper. Cook until the beef is browned through, about 8 minutes.
Add the taco seasoning, tomato sauce, diced green chilies, and black beans. Simmer until the mixture is slightly thickened, about 2 minutes.
Meanwhile, line the prepared baking dish with half of the Fritos. Add half of the cheese on top of the Fritos.
Add the ground beef mixture to the casserole and top with the remaining Fritos and cheese.
Bake for 30 minutes, until the mixture is bubbly and the cheese is melted.
Serve with a dollop of sour cream and salsa.