Frito Plate
A hearty and flavorful Tex-Mex dish featuring seasoned ground beef over crispy Fritos, topped with fresh vegetables, cheese, olives, and sour cream, perfect for casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet.
- Add onion flakes, tomato sauce, taco seasoning mix, and chili beans.
- Simmer the mixture over low heat for about 10 minutes.
- Place Fritos on individual plates.
- Spoon the beef mixture over the Fritos to cover.
- Sprinkle with lettuce, chopped tomatoes, cheese, and sliced black or green olives.
- Top with sour cream before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider using fresh chopped onions instead of onion flakes. You can also swap the ground beef for ground turkey or a plant-based alternative for a lighter version. If you prefer a spicier kick, add jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture. This Frito Plate is a great way to use up leftover chili or beans from other meals.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Frito Plate with a side of fresh guacamole or salsa for an extra burst of flavor. This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad or Mexican-style rice for a complete meal. For a fun twist, try it alongside the South Of Border Flip for a festive gathering or potluck.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the beef mixture in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave it in short intervals, covering it to retain moisture. Keep Fritos separate until ready to serve to maintain their crunch.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Frito Plate contains roughly 245 calories, with 15g protein, 18g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (30% of the Daily Value) and iron (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 753mg per serving (33% 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 dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can substitute the ground beef with a combination of black beans, lentils, or a meat alternative like crumbled tofu or tempeh. Just ensure to season it well to mimic the flavors of taco seasoning.
How can I make it spicier?
To add heat, consider mixing in diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce into the beef mixture. You can also top the dish with sliced pickled jalapeños or serve with a spicy salsa on the side.
What can I use instead of Fritos?
If you're looking for alternatives to Fritos, you can use tortilla chips, corn chips, or even baked pita chips. For a healthier option, consider using baked tortilla strips or serving the beef mixture over a bed of lettuce for a lighter salad version.
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).