Fritoli Casserole
A hearty casserole combining crunchy corn chips, seasoned ground beef, beans, olives, and melted cheese, perfect for a flavorful and satisfying family meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place 2 cups of corn chips in a 1 1/2-quart casserole dish.
- Brown the ground chuck with minced onion in a skillet, stirring to keep the meat crumbly.
- Add undrained chili beans, sliced olives, water, salt, and 3/4 cup of shredded Cheddar cheese to the skillet.
- Mix well and spread the mixture over the chips in the casserole.
- Sprinkle the remaining corn chips and shredded cheese over the top.
- Cover and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a can of diced tomatoes with green chilies to the meat mixture. You can also substitute ground turkey for a leaner option. If you want to make this dish vegetarian, replace the ground chuck with a plant-based meat alternative and use vegetarian chili beans. For a crunchier topping, try adding crushed tortilla chips instead of corn chips.
Serving Suggestions
Fritoli Casserole is perfect for serving at casual gatherings or game day. Pair it with a fresh green salad or guacamole for a complete meal. It also works wonderfully as a side dish alongside Mexican recipes like Quick-N-Easy Chili Con Queso Dip. For an extra touch, serve with sour cream or salsa on the side for dipping.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but the oven will help maintain the crispiness of the corn chips better than the microwave.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fritoli Casserole contains roughly 1475 calories, with 28g protein, 148g carbohydrates, and 89g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (57% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (36% of the Daily Value), and iron (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 Fritoli Casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time by assembling it and covering it tightly. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just be sure to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
What can I use instead of corn chips?
You can substitute corn chips with crushed tortilla chips or even Fritos for a different flavor and texture. If you're looking for a healthier option, try using baked tortilla chips or pita chips as a base.
Can I freeze Fritoli Casserole?
Yes, Fritoli Casserole can be frozen. Assemble the casserole without baking, cover it well, and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed.
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).