Pin It A comforting, crowd-pleasing casserole featuring crunchy corn chips, hearty chili, and gooey melted cheese. Perfect for game days or casual gatherings.
I first made this for a family movie night, and it quickly became everyone's favorite request for Sunday football. The cheesy, crunchy layers make it impossible to stop at just one helping.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: 1 lb (450 g)
- Yellow onion: 1 medium, diced
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Kidney beans: 1 (15 oz/425 g) can, drained and rinsed
- Diced tomatoes: 1 (15 oz/425 g) can
- Tomato sauce: 1 (8 oz/225 g) can
- Chili powder: 2 tbsp
- Ground cumin: 1 tsp
- Smoked paprika: 1/2 tsp
- Salt: 1/2 tsp
- Black pepper: 1/4 tsp
- Cayenne pepper (optional): 1/4 tsp
- Fritos corn chips: 8 oz (225 g)
- Shredded cheddar cheese: 2 cups (200 g)
- Sour cream: 1/2 cup (120 ml)
- Sliced green onions: 1/4 cup (10 g)
Instructions
- Preheat:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook beef:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned, breaking it up, about 5 minutes. Drain fat if needed.
- Sauté aromatics:
- Add diced onion and garlic. Sauté until onion is translucent, about 3 minutes.
- Make chili:
- Stir in kidney beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Layer dish:
- In a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish, spread half of the Fritos chips.
- Add chili:
- Spoon chili evenly over the chips.
- Add cheese:
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the chili.
- Top chips:
- Top with remaining Fritos.
- Bake:
- Bake for 15 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Finish:
- Remove from oven. Let rest 5 minutes, then garnish with sour cream and green onions. Serve warm.
Pin It This is always a hit at birthday sleepovers and reunions. My kids love helping sprinkle the chips and cheese on top before baking.
Required Tools
Large skillet, baking dish, cutting board and knife, mixing spoon
Allergen Information
Contains: Milk (cheese, sour cream), corn (Fritos), may contain gluten. If using plant-based substitutes, check labels for soy or other allergens.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 540, total fat 29 g, carbohydrates 44 g, protein 25 g
Pin It This casserole is best enjoyed fresh and warm from the oven. Serve with a crisp salad or cold drink for a complete meal.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or additional beans for a vegetarian version.
- → Are Fritos chips gluten-free?
Check your package label; some Fritos varieties are gluten-free, but always verify for dietary restrictions.
- → What cheese works best?
Shredded cheddar cheese is ideal for melt and flavor, but you can experiment with Monterey Jack or pepper jack.
- → Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
You can prep the chili beforehand, but assemble with chips and cheese just before baking to maintain crunch.
- → How spicy is this dish?
The spice level is moderate; increase cayenne or add jalapeños for extra heat, or omit for less spice.
- → What sides complement this main dish?
Pair with a green salad, fresh vegetables, or a light lager for a balanced meal experience.