Description
Hearty and comforting Easy Frito Pie made with layers of crunchy corn chips, savory filling, and melted cheese.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef, turkey, or plant-based mince (for vegetarian option)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon dried garlic granules)
- 1 cup tomato salsa or crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Pinch of chili flakes
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese or a melty blend
- 1 bag (about 9–10 oz) corn chips or tortilla chips
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
- Optional toppings: sliced jalapeños, sour cream, diced avocado, lime wedges
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5–7 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add your ground meat or plant-based mince, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through.
- Drain any excess fat and return the pan to low heat.
- Stir in the cumin, smoked paprika, chili flakes, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Pour in the salsa or crushed tomatoes and simmer gently for 8–10 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Fold in half of the shredded cheese so it melts into the filling.
- Spread a layer of corn chips on the bottom of an ovenproof skillet or baking dish.
- Spoon the hot filling over the chips and then sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
- Place under a hot broiler or in a 200°C (400°F) oven for 5–8 minutes until the cheese bubbles and browns.
- Top with cilantro, jalapeño, diced avocado, and a drizzle of sour cream and lime juice.
Notes
For maximum crunch, reserve some chips and crumble them over the top after broiling. Warm the chips for a minute in the oven before assembling to reduce sogginess.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Easy Frito Pie, comfort food, easy recipes, potluck dishes