TexMex Frito Pie Casserole (Print Version)

A TexMex casserole featuring beef, tomatoes, corn, beans, and crispy corn chips topped with melted cheese.

# Ingredients:

Meat and Vegetables

01 - 1 pound lean ground beef
02 - 1 yellow onion, finely diced (approximately 150 grams)

Seasonings and Liquids

03 - 1 packet taco seasoning mix or 3 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning
04 - 120 ml water
05 - 1 tablespoon chili powder (7.8 grams)
06 - 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes with chilies, such as Rotel (approximately 283 grams)
07 - 1½ cups tomato sauce (355 ml)

Vegetables and Beans

08 - 1 cup frozen corn kernels, thawed (approx. 165 grams)
09 - 1 (15 ounce) can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed (approximately 425 grams)

Chips and Cheese

10 - 1 (9.25 ounce) bag Fritos® corn chips, divided (approximately 262 grams)
11 - 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend, divided (about 200 grams)

Optional Garnish

12 - Sour cream for serving

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish using cooking spray or butter.
02 - In a large skillet, brown the lean ground beef and diced yellow onion over medium-high heat until beef is no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
03 - Stir in taco seasoning, chili powder, and water into the cooked beef and onion mixture.
04 - Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until thickened, about 5 minutes. Incorporate diced tomatoes with chilies, tomato sauce, thawed corn kernels, and kidney beans. Continue to simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
05 - Spread 4 cups of corn chips evenly along the bottom of the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded Mexican cheese over the chips. Evenly spread the beef and vegetable mixture on top. Top with remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese.
06 - Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
07 - Remove from oven and top with the remaining corn chips. Serve with optional sour cream or desired toppings immediately.

# Notes:

01 - For a leaner option, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. To maintain chip crispness, add corn chips and toppings after reheating leftovers. Increase spiciness by adding diced jalapeños to the meat mixture.