Chili Cheese Frito Pie

Chili Cheese Frito Pie – Frito pie is one of those easy to come together low stress kind of meals. It’s family pleasin’, fun to eat and it appeals to all ages.  I know what you’re thinking…fritos?  Really?  Yes, they make this homespun dish really tasty.  Perhaps it’s the corn flavor and crunch that we so enjoy with chili.  A dollop of sour cream on top just before serving is a nice touch, too.

In this recipe for those who like to create their own spice blends, I’ve included a list for you to use.  For those who prefer a simpler approach, I’ve included a shortcut too, the choice is completely yours.  I’ve made this same recipe using ground beef, ground turkey and ground chicken with outstanding results each time. It’s not fancy eats, but it sure is tasty!

Ingredients you’ll need:
3 cup shredded Colby-Jack Cheese, divided
1 [10 1/4] oz bag chili cheese fritos
1 medium onion, diced
1 small poblano or jalapeno pepper, diced seeds removed
olive oil
seasoned salt and black pepper
4 clove garlic, minced
2 lb lean ground beef, turkey or chicken
2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 [15] oz can tomato sauce
1 [10] oz can Rotel Tomatoes Chili Fixins
1 [15] oz can light red kidney beans
2 Tbsp chopped cilantro
Shortcut Spice: [omit if using DIY spices]
1 [1.25] oz pkg taco seasoning

Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350°F.  Spray a 3 quart baking dish or an 8 x 12 inch baking dish with cooking spray.  Pour 1/2 of the fritos over the bottom of the dish.  Sprinkle with 1/3 of the shredded cheese.

On the stove top in a medium size pot, saute the diced onion and pepper in a couple of drizzles of olive oil.  Cook until the vegetables begin to soften and brown.  Add the minced garlic and saute for 1 minute.  Add the ground beef and cook until no pink remains.  Season with seasoned salt and black pepper to your taste.  Drain any excess fat from the pan, then add the Worcestershire sauce, tomato sauce, Rotel tomatoes, kidney beans and seasonings.  [see Cook’s note for DIY spices] Mix well, and simmer over medium heat for 10 minutes.  Remove from the heat and add the chopped cilantro.

Pour evenly over the fritos in the baking dish.  Sprinkle 1/3 of the cheese on top.  Top with the remaining fritos and shredded cheese.  Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly.  Garnish with chopped green onion.  Serve with a dollop of sour cream, if desired. Yield: 6-8 servings

Chili Cheese Frito Pie

 

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Author: Melissa Sperka

Serves: 6-8

Ingredients

• 3 cup shredded Colby-Jack Cheese, divided
• 1 [10¼] oz bag chili cheese fritos
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 small poblano or jalapeno pepper, diced seeds removed
• olive oil
• seasoned salt and black pepper
• 4 clove garlic, minced
• 2 lb lean ground beef, turkey or chicken
• 2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 [15] oz can tomato sauce
• 1 [10] oz can Rotel Tomatoes Chili Fixins
• 1 [15] oz can light red kidney beans
• 2 Tbsp chopped cilantro
• Shortcut Spice: [omit if using DIY spices]
• 1 [1.25] oz pkg taco seasoning

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 3 quart baking dish or an 8 x 12 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Pour ½ of the fritos over the bottom of the dish. Sprinkle with ⅓ of the shredded cheese.
3. On the stove top in a medium size pot, saute the diced onion and pepper in a couple of drizzles of olive oil. Cook until the vegetables begin to soften and brown. Add the minced garlic and saute for 1 minute.
4. Add the ground beef and cook until no pink remains. Season with seasoned salt and black pepper to your taste.
5. Drain any excess fat from the pan, then add the Worcestershire sauce, tomato sauce, Rotel tomatoes, kidney beans and seasonings. [see Cook's note for DIY spices] Mix well, and simmer over medium heat for 10 minutes. Remove from the heat and add the chopped cilantro.
6. Pour evenly over the fritos in the baking dish. Sprinkle ⅓ of the cheese on top.
7. Top with the remaining fritos and shredded cheese.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly.
9. Garnish with chopped green onion. Serve with a dollop of sour cream, if desired.

Notes

DIY Spices: [Use in place of taco seasoning]
2 Tbsp chili powder
2 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp Mexican oregano
1/4 tsp lemon pepper
1/8 tsp cinnamon
1/8 tsp ground chipotle pepper

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