Ingredients:
- 1 large bag of Frito Lay Chips (scoops recommended)
- 1 lb ground beef (70/30)
- 1 medium-sized onion, finely minced
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 2 tbsp cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 15 oz tomato sauce
- 1 cup water
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- 2 tsp seasoning salt or salt-free seasoning
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Green onions & diced tomatoes for garnishing (optional)
Instructions:
Chili:
- Season and Brown Beef:
- Season the 70/30 ground beef with seasoning salt, garlic, black pepper, cumin, and chili powder. Brown the beef.
- Create Chili Base:
- Add crushed tomatoes, onions, cilantro, tomato sauce, water, and sugar to the browned beef. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes.
Building the Pie:
- Layer Frito Lay Chips:
- Place Frito Lay Chips at the bottom of a casserole dish.
- Pour Chili Over Chips:
- Pour the homemade chili over the chips.
- Cheese Topping:
- Top the chili with a generous layer of shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
- Garnish (Optional):
- For added color and flavor, sprinkle diced tomatoes and green onions on top of the cheese.
FAQs:
- Q1: Can I use a different type of ground meat?
- A1: Absolutely! Feel free to substitute with ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based alternative.
- Q2: Is it necessary to use Frito Lay chips?
- A2: While Frito Lay chips are recommended for their sturdy texture, you can experiment with other corn chips or tortilla chips.
- Q3: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
- A3: Certainly! Prepare the chili and assemble the pie, refrigerate, and bake when ready to serve.
Conclusion:
Our Chili Cheese Frito Pie is a symphony of flavors and textures that will delight your taste buds. From the seasoned ground beef to the crunchy Frito Lay chips and the gooey melted cheese, every bite is a journey of satisfaction. Whether it’s game night or a casual get-together, this easy-to-make dish is a winner. Enjoy the hearty goodness of chili and cheese in every spoonful!