Mom'S Frito Pie
A hearty, cheesy Frito Pie layered with seasoned ground beef and melted cheddar, perfect for comfort food lovers and quick family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the hamburger meat and chopped onion in a skillet, season with salt, pepper, and chili powder, then drain excess fat.
- Add the small can of rotel tomatoes, simmer the mixture for 15 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 300°F.
- Place a tortilla at the bottom of a round baking dish.
- Pour some of the cooked meat mixture over the tortilla.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the meat.
- Repeat layering with remaining tortillas, meat, and cheese, ending with cheese on top.
- Bake in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using ground turkey or chicken instead of hamburger meat. You can also substitute the rotel tomatoes with fresh diced tomatoes and jalapeños for a fresher taste. If you want a spicier kick, add diced green chilies or a splash of hot sauce to the meat mixture. To save time, use pre-made taco seasoning instead of individual spices.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Mom's Frito Pie with a side of guacamole or sour cream for dipping. A light salad can balance the richness of the dish, while tortilla chips can add crunch. This dish pairs beautifully with Camp Fries(Chuckwagon Grub) for a hearty meal or can be enjoyed as a standalone comfort food.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place portions in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, reheat in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mom'S Frito Pie contains roughly 146 calories, with 5g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (53% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (40% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2302mg per serving (100% 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 recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meat mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, layer it with tortillas and cheese in the baking dish. Just ensure to preheat the oven before baking to ensure the cheese melts perfectly.
What kind of cheese works best for this recipe?
Shredded cheddar cheese is traditional, but you can also use Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend for a different flavor profile. For a gourmet twist, consider adding crumbled queso fresco or pepper jack for some heat.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the hamburger meat with black beans or lentils for a protein-packed vegetarian version. You can also add bell peppers and corn for extra flavor and texture while keeping the essence of the dish intact.
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).