Super Frito Pie

Prep: 10 min Cook: 5 min Serves: 5 Cuisine: Mexican

A hearty, flavorful layered dish featuring seasoned ground beef, beans, fresh vegetables, and cheese, perfect for a casual get-together or family dinner with bold Tex-Mex flavors.

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Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 can Ranch Style beans
  • 1 minced garlic clove
  • 2 Tbsp chili powder
  • 1/8 tsp salt
  • 1/8 tsp pepper
  • 1 bag corn chips
  • 1 chopped onion
  • 1 chopped head lettuce
  • 1 chopped tomato
  • 1 grated Cheddar cheese
  • 1 sour cream
  • 1 jar picante or salsa

Instructions

  1. Brown ground beef and minced garlic in a skillet.
  2. Drain excess fat and add chili powder, water, salt, and pepper.
  3. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes.
  4. Serve the beef mixture over corn chips.
  5. Garnish with chopped onion, lettuce, tomato, grated Cheddar cheese, sour cream, salsa, and sliced black olives.

Tips & Substitutions

For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the beef mixture. Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a substitute for the ground beef for a leaner option. If you prefer a vegetarian version, swap the meat for black beans or lentils. Customize toppings based on your preference to enhance flavors, such as adding avocado or corn.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Super Frito Pie in individual bowls or on a large platter for sharing. Pair it with a refreshing side salad or some grilled corn for a complete meal. For a fun twist, consider serving it alongside Party Taco Dip(Appetizer) for a themed gathering. This dish is perfect for game days or casual get-togethers.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. If the mixture seems dry, add a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture. Avoid reheating multiple times to preserve texture and flavor.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Super Frito Pie contains roughly 728 calories, with 15g protein, 80g carbohydrates, and 41g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (30% of the Daily Value), vitamin D (27% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2186mg per serving (95% of the Daily Value).

728 kcal 36% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 14.8g 30% DV
Total Fat 40.7g 52% DV
Carbs 79.5g 29% DV
Fiber 6.9g 25% DV
Sugar 5.1g 10% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2186.4mg 95% DV
Potassium 582.8mg 12% DV
Cholesterol 16.1mg 5% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 85.4mcg 9% DV
Vitamin C 22.9mg 25% DV
Vitamin D 5.3mcg 27% DV
Calcium 182.6mg 14% DV
Iron 3.2mg 18% DV
Diet fit High-fiber
Contains Milk

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 Super Frito Pie ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the beef mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Assemble the Frito pie just before serving to keep the corn chips crunchy. Preparing toppings separately allows guests to customize their bowls and ensures everything remains fresh.

Can I use different types of beans?

Absolutely! While Ranch Style beans are traditional, you can use black beans, pinto beans, or kidney beans based on your preference. Each type of bean will bring its unique flavor and texture to the dish, making it versatile and customizable.

What can I substitute for corn chips?

If you're looking for a healthier option, you can substitute corn chips with baked tortilla chips or even use a base of quinoa or rice. For a gluten-free alternative, consider using baked plantain chips or serving the beef mixture over a bed of lettuce.

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).

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