Aunt Dina'S Chili Pie Casserole
A hearty and flavorful casserole featuring crunchy corn chips layered with savory chili, melted cheese, and topped with black olives. Perfect for casual family dinners or gatherings, it combines bold flavors and satisfying textures that appeal to all ages, making it a crowd-pleasing comfort food.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place 2 cups of corn chips in a 2-quart baking dish or 13 x 9 x 2 inch dish.
- Arrange chopped onion and 1/2 cup grated cheese on top of the corn chips. Pour chili beans over.
- Then top with remaining corn chips and 1/2 cup cheese.
- Place black olives on top or garnish with olives after baking.
- Bake for 20 minutes in a 350°F oven.
- If made earlier and refrigerated, it may take longer to heat before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider sautéing the onion before layering it in the casserole. You can substitute Fritos with tortilla chips for a different crunch. If you want a spicier kick, mix in some diced jalapeños or use spicy chili beans. Feel free to experiment with cheeses; pepper jack adds a nice heat. This dish also works well with ground beef or turkey for a heartier version.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this chili pie casserole with a side of cornbread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. Top with sour cream, diced green onions, or fresh cilantro for extra flavor. It pairs beautifully with Glazed Beets In Orange Sauce for a colorful and delicious spread at your gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or use the microwave, stirring occasionally. If the dish seems dry, add a splash of water or broth before reheating to maintain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Aunt Dina'S Chili Pie Casserole contains roughly 577 calories, with 18g protein, 53g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (37% of the Daily Value) and iron (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1095mg per serving (48% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this chili pie casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Just assemble the layers in the baking dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When you're ready to bake, allow it to come to room temperature before placing it in the oven, as it may require additional baking time.
What can I use instead of chili beans?
If you don't have chili beans, you can substitute them with black beans, kidney beans, or pinto beans. Just be sure to drain and rinse them if using canned beans. You can also add diced tomatoes or corn for extra texture and flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, Aunt Dina's Chili Pie Casserole is a vegetarian recipe as it primarily consists of corn chips, beans, onions, cheese, and olives. To keep it vegetarian, just ensure that the chili beans you use do not contain any meat products. This hearty dish is perfect for meatless meals!
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).