Description
A fun and comforting mash-up of chili, cheese, and Fritos that turns the classic single-serving diner favorite into a family-style bake.
Ingredients
Scale
- 900 g (2 lb) ground beef
- 150 g (1 medium) yellow onion, diced
- 9 g (3 cloves) garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp (14 g) chili powder
- 1 tbsp (6 g) ground cumin
- 796 g (28 oz) canned diced tomatoes
- 156 g (5.5 oz / about 1/2 cup) tomato paste
- 240 ml (1 cup) beef broth
- Salt, to taste
- 430 g (15 oz) canned or drained beans, optional
- 225 g (8 oz) Fritos corn chips, crushed
- 200 g (7 oz / 2 cups) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 100 g (3.5 oz / 1 cup) Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- Green onions or cilantro, for garnish
- Optional toppings: sour cream, pickled jalapeños, sliced avocado
Instructions
- Brown the meat and aromatics: Heat 1 tbsp (15 ml) neutral oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 6–8 minutes. Add diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent, about 4 minutes.
- Add spices and tomato base: Stir in chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and salt; cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add canned diced tomatoes and tomato paste; stir to combine and scrape up browned bits.
- Simmer until slightly thickened: Pour in beef broth and bring to a simmer over medium-low heat. Simmer gently for 12–15 minutes until the sauce reduces and tastes concentrated. If using beans, add drained beans now and heat through for 3 minutes.
- Assemble the casserole: Spread half the chili mixture evenly into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle crushed Fritos over the chili to form the base layer.
- Add cheese and remaining chili: Scatter shredded sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack over the chip layer. Spoon the remaining chili over the cheese, pressing down lightly.
- Final chip sprinkle and bake: Top with the remaining crushed Fritos and a sprinkle of cheese. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 18–22 minutes, until cheese is melted and top is golden and bubbling. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
For extra crunch, add fresh chips when serving. This dish can be made ahead and stored in the fridge before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 generous scoop
- Calories: 640
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 110mg