Taco Frito Pie Recipe: A Mouth-Watering Delight
Are you searching for an easy and delicious dinner recipe that your entire family will love? Look no further than this mouth-watering Taco Frito Pie recipe! Packed with familiar Southwestern flavors and just the right amount of crunch, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
But what exactly is Frito Pie, you may ask? Well, imagine all the deliciousness of traditional chili, nestled between layers of crispy corn chips and gooey cheese. It’s like walking tacos meets casserole – in other words, a match made in heaven.
And the best part? This recipe couldn’t be easier. With simple ingredients that you probably already have on hand, and a preparation process that’s practically foolproof, it’s the ideal weeknight dinner solution. So let’s get started on creating a meal that will leave your family feeling satisfied and happy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Listen to me, amigos! You’ll love this recipe of Taco Frito Pie with all your heart, and I’m not just exaggerating. This dish is a perfect way to enjoy crispy corn chips, ground beef, taco seasoning mix, and cheddar cheese topped with sour cream and tomato sauce. If all these ingredients don’t make your mouth water already, I don’t know what will.
When you take a bite of this crunchy delight, you’ll experience the delightful mixture of flavors dancing on your tongue. The combination of seasoned ground beef cooked with taco seasoning mix along with pinto beans and diced tomatoes makes it taste like you’re taking a walk through a Mexican market in the middle of the day. With each bite, the Fritos corn chips add a unique crunch that no other ingredient can replicate.
This recipe is versatile too. You can use any meat you prefer such as chicken or beef because its ingredients are identical for chili diced onion corn chips and shredded cheddar cheese. So you can indulge in this deliciousness even if you have dietary restrictions.
You will always crave for it because; it’s not just your ordinary chips and toppings Mexican casserole – it’s taco frito pie that feels somewhat like a Frito taco walking pie. Furthermore, making this pie is very easy to follow which offsets the hassle of cooking dinner.
So why settle for plain old boring meals when you can try out this scrumptious recipe? It’s perfect for dinner with family or friends and guarantees total satisfaction after each satisfying meal of Taco Frito Pie. Trust me on this one; try it out yourself and fall in love with the spicy flavors complemented by layers upon layers of cheesy goodness!
Ingredient List
Here’s what you’ll need to make Taco Frito Pie:
Ground Beef Mixture:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
Crescent Dough Crust:
- 1 can (8 oz) Pillsbury crescent dough
Toppings:
- 2 cups Fritos corn chips
- Sour cream (optional)
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Diced onion (optional)
This ingredient list is identical to chili except the addition of corn chips and crescent dough crust. Although it may seem like it’s just a small difference of rather eating chili or frito pie, this dinner recipe made with corn chips and crescent rolls will for sure be the highlight of your weeknight dinners.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have covered the reasons why you will love Taco Frito Pie Recipe, let’s dive right into the recipe.
Ingredients
To make this mouthwatering dish, you will need the following ingredients:
– 1 pound of ground beef
– 1 packet of taco seasoning mix
– 1 can of diced tomatoes (undrained)
– 1 can of tomato sauce
– 1 can of pinto beans (drained and rinsed)
– 1 small onion (diced)
– 2 cups of Fritos corn chips
– 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
– Sour cream (optional)
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- In a large skillet, cook 1 pound of ground beef over medium heat until it’s browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
- Add in the taco seasoning, 2/3 cup water, can of diced tomatoes, can of tomato sauce, and can of pinto beans to the skillet with the cooked ground beef. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes or until slightly thickened. Make sure to stir occasionally.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the diced onion, Fritos corn chips, and shredded cheddar cheese.
- In a pie dish or casserole dish, place half of the meat mixture in the bottom.
- Layer half of the Fritos and cheese mixture on top of the meat layer.
- Repeat this process with another layer of meat, then top it off with the remaining Fritos and cheese mixture.
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 15 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and is golden brown on top.
- Serve hot with a dollop of sour cream on top if desired.
This Taco Frito Pie Recipe is definitely worth trying out at home! Should you feel like experimenting more with this recipe, check out our “Substitutions and Variations” section for ways to switch things up.
Substitutions and Variations
If you want to mix things up and add your own twist to this frito pie recipe, fear not! There are plenty of ways to do so without compromising on flavor.
For starters, if you’re not a fan of ground beef, try swapping it out for ground chicken or turkey. This will make for a leaner option while still providing the same amount of protein.
If you’re looking to cut back on sodium intake, consider using a low-sodium taco seasoning mix and tomato sauce. This will help keep the sodium levels in check while maintaining that delicious flavor. Similarly, if you prefer spicier foods, opt for a hot taco seasoning mix instead.
For a vegetarian option, simply leave out the ground beef altogether and add more pinto beans or even some diced vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms. You could also try using a meat substitute like crumbled tofu or TVP (textured vegetable protein).
If Fritos corn chips aren’t your thing or if you have dietary restrictions, try using a different brand or even making your own homemade corn chips using gluten-free ingredients.
Lastly, for an extra burst of flavor and creaminess, top your frito pie with a dollop of sour cream or sprinkle some shredded cheddar cheese over the top before baking. And for those who just can’t get enough heat, consider adding some jalapeño peppers or hot sauce to kick things up a notch.
The possibilities are endless with this versatile recipe which allows for plenty of customization based on your preferences!
Serving and Pairing
Once your Frito Taco Pie is out of the oven and ready to go, it’s time to think about presentation and pairing. You want to make sure that the flavors in your dish are complemented by its accompaniments, so that you can get the full flavor burst that this delicious recipe offers.
The best way to serve this stunning taco pie is by cutting it into portions while it’s still warm, and allowing each person to take their own slice. Then, simply dollop a generous amount of fresh sour cream over the top of each portion. The rich, tangy creaminess of the sour cream balances out the spicy heat of the taco seasoning mix and blends perfectly with the crispy texture of the Fritos corn chips.
For a fun twist, you can also serve your Frito Taco Pie ‘walking taco’ style. Just put your pie mixture into individual sized Fritos bags or serve them in bowls and open up their tops so that guests can create their own taco walking pods.
When it comes to choosing which beverage to pair with this recipe, cold beer would be a great choice with its cooling effect on the senses This simple dinner recipe was made for spicy taste buds and make them lively again after a long day. However, if you’re not much for beer, then you could opt for a zesty margarita or even a cold glass of iced tea. The acidity or sweetness tones down on the spicy kick you receive from eating this dish and providing overall refreshment.
In summary, whether it’s walking tacos or spooning them into hot bowls, sharing this Frito Taco Pie recipe among friends will always leave a lasting impression.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Once you’ve made your delicious Frito Taco Pie, you might have some leftovers or want to make it ahead of time for an event. Well, I’ve got good news for you – this pie is perfect for making ahead and reheating!
To make ahead, simply prepare the Frito Taco Pie as directed in the recipe how-to section, but don’t bake it. Instead, cover tightly with foil and refrigerate until ready to bake. You can refrigerate it for up to one day before baking. This is a great option if you’re preparing for a party or if you’re short on time during the week.
When it’s time to bake your Frito Taco Pie, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes while preheating your oven to 350°F. Once the oven is ready, remove the foil and bake for 25-30 minutes or until heated through.
If you have leftovers, the Frito Taco Pie can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions for about a minute or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
One tip I recommend is to add fresh toppings like diced tomatoes and sour cream before serving to give it that “just made” look and taste. The toppings really freshen up the flavors and make a big difference in terms of presentation.
Overall, this Frito Taco Pie recipe is versatile and easy to store and reheat. So go ahead and make it ahead of time or save those yummy leftovers for another day!
Tips for Perfect Results
Now that you know how to make the delicious Taco Frito Pie recipe, let’s talk about some tips to ensure that your dish turns out perfectly every time.
First, use freshly shredded cheddar cheese instead of pre-shredded cheese. Freshly shredded cheese melts more evenly and has a better flavor than pre-shredded cheese.
Second, let your pie cool for a few minutes before cutting into it. This will allow the ingredients to settle and make the pie easier to slice neatly.
Third, if you’re using ground beef with a higher fat content, be sure to drain it well after cooking. This will keep the finished dish from becoming greasy or soggy.
Next, consider adding diced tomatoes and jalapenos on top of the pie before serving for extra flavor and texture.
Additionally, if you want to add some crunch to your Taco Frito Pie, crush up additional corn chips and sprinkle them on top of the cheese before baking.
Another tip is to choose a high-quality taco seasoning mix or make your own with a blend of spices that you prefer. This will give your dish a unique and delicious taste that stands out from other recipes.
Finally, don’t be afraid to get creative with your toppings! Sour cream, salsa, avocado or guacamole can be great additions to this already flavorful dish.
By following these simple tips, you’ll have a delicious Taco Frito Pie every time that is sure to impress any crowd.
FAQ
As you get ready to create your own delicious Taco Frito Pie, you might have a few questions about some specific aspects of the recipe. Below are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions regarding the ingredients, preparation, and serving of this classic dish. Let’s take a look at what might be on your mind before diving into the recipe details.
Is Frito pie the same as a walking taco?
Fun fact: Frito chili pie and walking tacos share the same components – chili, diced onions, corn chips, and shredded cheddar cheese. The only distinction is that Frito chili pie is typically served on a plate, whereas walking tacos are often eaten straight out of the chip bag.
Is Frito pie Mexican?
In Mexico, one can find exciting twists on the classic Frito pie recipe. Street vendors sell Tostilocos and Dorilocos, which are bags of chips topped with different toppings, ranging from spicy sauces and jicama to sweet treats like gummi bears and candy-covered peanuts. This Mexican take on the dish offers various flavors and textures, making it an adventure for the taste buds.
Is Frito pie a Texas thing?
Frito pie, a popular Texan dish, consists of a bed of Fritos topped with hearty chili. This simple yet delicious meal can be enjoyed in a variety of settings such as school cafeterias, county fairs, fast food restaurants, and especially at Friday night football games.
Is Frito chili pie a southern thing?
A delightful cuisine widely enjoyed in the Midwestern, Southeastern, and Southwestern regions of the United States is Frito pie, a dish made with simple ingredients of chili, cheese, and corn chips (preferably Fritos).
Bottom Line
I hope this enticing recipe for a Taco Frito Pie has inspired you to gather the ingredients and start cooking up a storm. This easy and delicious recipe is the perfect dinner option for anyone who craves a family-friendly meal. With its crescent dough crust, layers of taco-seasoned ground beef, tomato sauce, pinto beans, corn chips, and cheese, the taste is out of this world.
So why not try this recipe now? Not only is it quick and convenient to prepare with minimal cleanup, but it’s also highly adaptable to your preferences. You can substitute any ingredient you please or simply modulate the seasoning mix to create new flavor notes. You’ll love every bite of this amazing Frito Taco Pie.
Serve it with some sour cream or diced tomatoes on top for that extra zing, and pair it with your favorite beverage. And once you’ve savored every last crumb, storing and reheating is a breeze.
This delightful Mexican-inspired dish has all the components of your average taco but presented in an entirely novel format. It’s like having a walking taco encased in Fritos corn chips shredded cheddar cheese crust! Isn’t that amazing? The difference is remarkable, rather than eating plain ol’ chili; now dinner becomes a treat.
Don’t be afraid to make substitutions or variations to personalize the recipe even more. But one thing remains constant: this delicious Taco Frito Pie will satisfy all those hunger cravings in less than an hour.
So go ahead; give it a try today and create lasting memories with your family around your dinner table!
Taco Frito Pie Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 (16 ounce) can pinto beans
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (1 1/4 ounce) envelope taco seasoning mix
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 3 1/2 cups corn chips
- 1 1/4 cups sour cream
Instructions
- Cook ground beef until meat is browned; drain.
- Stir in beans, tomato sauce, taco seasoning mix and 1/4 C of cheese. Sprinkle 1 cup corn chips in bottom of 8x8 baking dish.
- Cover with chili.
- Bake at 350 for 20 minutes.
- Spread sour cream over chili.
- Top with remaining corn chips and cheese.
- Bake 4-5 minutes longer.
Your own notes
Nutrition
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Tony is an experienced chef, crafting delicious comfort food. He’s also an influential blogger, providing helpful recipes and tips on his website, taosburgersandbeer.com. As an expert in his field, he offers valuable advice to readers. His knowledge and creative recipes make it easy to cook exciting, flavorful dishes.