Loaded Frito Pie Magic

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Why Make This Recipe

When it comes to comfort food, Loaded Frito Pie Magic is hard to beat. This dish combines savory flavors with a satisfying crunch, offering a warm hug in a bowl. The combination of seasoned ground beef, zesty spices, and crunchy Fritos creates a delightful harmony that is both filling and incredibly tasty. Whether you’re hosting a party, having a family dinner, or just craving something cozy, this recipe has you covered. It’s versatile, easy to make, and is sure to please everyone at the table.

In addition, Frito Pie is a great way to use pantry staples like beans and canned tomatoes. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—almost everything can be found in your kitchen without a special trip to the grocery store. Plus, with just a little bit of preparation and cooking time, you can whip this comforting meal up in no time!

How to Make Loaded Frito Pie Magic

Making Loaded Frito Pie Magic is straightforward and enjoyable. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it.

Ingredients:

2 Tbsp Extra-virgin olive oil
1 MEDIUM white onion, chopped and divided (can substitute with red onion)
3 cloves garlic, minced (fresh is best)
2 Tbsp Tomato paste (can substitute with crushed tomatoes)
1 lb Ground beef (can swap with ground turkey or plant-based protein)
1.5 Tbsp Chili powder (adjust quantity for more or less heat)
1 tsp Ground cumin (can be omitted for a milder taste)
1 tsp Dried oregano (fresh oregano may provide a brighter flavor)
0.25 tsp Cayenne pepper (adjust according to heat preference)
Kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
28 oz can crushed tomatoes (provides a tangy base)
15 oz can pinto beans, drained and rinsed (can substitute with black beans)
4 oz can green chili (diced jalapeños can be an alternative)
6 1-oz bags Fritos (can replace with tortilla chips)
Jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional)
2 cups Shredded cheddar (can substitute with Monterey Jack)
Sour cream (for serving, optional)

Directions:

Prepare the Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients. Chop the onion and mince the garlic. If you are using fresh herbs, wash and chop them now. Drain and rinse the beans, if using canned.
Cook the Onion and Garlic: In a large skillet, heat the extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add half of the chopped onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Brown the Ground Beef: Increase the heat to medium-high, and add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until it is well browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. This should take about 6-7 minutes. Make sure it is fully cooked before moving on to the next step.
Spice It Up: Once the beef is browned, add the remaining chopped onion, tomato paste, chili powder, ground cumin, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together, letting the spices coat the meat well. Cook for another 2-3 minutes for the flavors to meld.
Add the Tomatoes and Beans: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, drained pinto beans, and green chili. Stir until everything is well mixed, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken slightly, and your kitchen will fill with a heavenly aroma.
Prepare to Serve: While the mixture simmers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once ready, you can start to layer your Frito pie.
Layer the Ingredients: In a large casserole dish, place a layer of Fritos at the bottom. Spoon a generous amount of the meat and bean mixture over the chips. Top it with a layer of shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat the layering process, finishing with cheese on top.
Bake: Place the casserole in your preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. At this point, you might want to pay close attention to prevent burning.
Let it Cool: Once out of the oven, let the Loaded Frito Pie cool for a few minutes. It will be very hot, so give it some time before serving.

How to Serve Loaded Frito Pie Magic

Serving Loaded Frito Pie Magic is simple but fun! Start with a generous scoop of the baked pie in a bowl. You can add a dollop of sour cream on top for extra creaminess and enjoy! Add sliced jalapeños for that extra kick if you’re a fan of spice. It’s also great with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or green onions if you like a bit of freshness.

You can serve it with a side of salad or some fresh veggies for balance. This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner night or when entertaining guests who will appreciate the hearty and layered taste of Frito Pie Magic.

How to Store Loaded Frito Pie Magic

Storing any leftovers is quite easy. Allow the Loaded Frito Pie to cool completely, then transfer portions into airtight containers. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

To reheat, you can microwave individual servings, but using the oven may keep the texture of the Fritos better. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat the pie in an oven-safe dish for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.

If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the loaded pie before it is baked. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to use, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as per the above instructions.

Tips to Make Loaded Frito Pie Magic

Customize Your Heat: Adjust the chili powder and cayenne pepper according to your spice tolerance. You can even omit them for a milder flavor.
Taste as You Go: Remember to taste your meat mixture after adding the spices. It should be flavorful, and adding more salt, pepper, or a touch of sugar can enhance the flavor.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh herbs and garlic can elevate your dish’s flavor profile. If you have some fresh bell peppers or jalapeños, consider adding them for extra veggies.
Layer with Care: Don’t overload the layers. You want a good balance of chips, meat, cheese, and toppings in each bite, so layer judiciously!
Experiment with Cheeses: While cheddar is classic, feel free to explore other cheese options. Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or even a Mexican blend can add a fun twist.

Variations

While the traditional Loaded Frito Pie is a crowd-pleaser, don’t hesitate to mix things up! You can substitute the meat with shredded chicken, ground turkey, or even a plant-based alternative for a vegetarian version. You can also add different toppings like avocado, corn, or even spicy salsa for a fun twist.

For a Tex-Mex flair, consider incorporating ingredients like black beans, corn, or roasted red peppers into the filling. You can even make a fully vegan version with plant-based meat, dairy-free cheese, and sour cream substitutes!

FAQs

1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meat mixture a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just assemble the layers before you are ready to bake.

2. Can I freeze Loaded Frito Pie?
Absolutely! Unbaked Loaded Frito Pie can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just wrap it tightly to prevent freezer burn.

3. What can I use instead of Fritos?
You can substitute Fritos with any crunchy tortilla chips or even make homemade tortilla chips for a fresher flavor!

4. Is Frito Pie a healthy meal option?
While Loaded Frito Pie can be indulgent, you can make it healthier by using lean meats, adding more vegetables, or swapping sour cream for Greek yogurt.

5. Can I add different toppings?
Yes! Feel free to top your Loaded Frito Pie with sliced avocados, chopped cilantro, or any fresh veggies you love. The possibilities are endless!

With its rich flavors and satisfying crunch, Loaded Frito Pie Magic is the ultimate comfort food that you and your loved ones will adore. So roll up your sleeves and enjoy creating this delightful dish!

Print Recipe

A comforting dish that combines seasoned ground beef, zesty spices, and crunchy Fritos for a delightful harmony of flavors.

Author: hbibamine1980
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Diet: Omnivore

Ingredients

Scale

2 Tbsp Extra-virgin olive oil
1 MEDIUM white onion, chopped and divided
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 Tbsp Tomato paste
1 lb Ground beef
1.5 Tbsp Chili powder
1 tsp Ground cumin
1 tsp Dried oregano
0.25 tsp Cayenne pepper
Kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
28 oz can crushed tomatoes
15 oz can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
4 oz can green chili
6 1-oz bags Fritos
Jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional)
2 cups Shredded cheddar
Sour cream, for serving (optional)

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Instructions

Gather all ingredients and prepare the onion and garlic.
In a large skillet, heat extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat. Cook half of the chopped onion for 3-4 minutes until translucent, then add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 6-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon.
Add remaining onion, tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, oregano, cayenne pepper, and salt and pepper. Mix well and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
Stir in crushed tomatoes, pinto beans, and green chili. Bring to a simmer for about 10 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Layer Fritos in a large casserole dish, add meat mixture, and top with cheddar cheese. Repeat layers, finishing with cheese on top.
Bake for 15-20 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Optionally top with sour cream and jalapeños.

Notes

Customize the heat level with chili powder and cayenne. Use fresh ingredients for best flavor.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 450
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 800mg
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 7g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 70mg

Loaded Frito Pie Magic – Your Ultimate Comfort Food Fix

Why Make This Recipe