Crunchy, savory, and perfectly addictive – Fritos make a fantastic ingredient for a variety of dishes. Whether you’re looking to spruce up a classic recipe or create a delicious snack from scratch, Fritos can add a delightful twist to your culinary creations. Today, we are bringing you a mouthwatering recipe that combines the irresistible crunch of Fritos with the gooey richness of cheese and the bold flavors of salsa. Get ready to whip up a batch of our cheesy Fritos casserole that will have your taste buds dancing with joy!
**Cheesy Fritos Casserole**
**Ingredients:**
– 1 bag of classic Fritos corn chips
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 small onion, diced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 cup salsa
– 1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
– Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and crumbled. Drain any excess grease.
3. Add the diced onion and red bell pepper to the skillet with the beef. Sauté until the vegetables are soft, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in the salsa, black beans, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. Spread a layer of Fritos on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Top the Fritos with half of the beef mixture, spreading it evenly.
6. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the beef mixture.
7. Add another layer of Fritos over the cheese, followed by the remaining beef mixture.
8. Finish by sprinkling the rest of the shredded cheddar cheese on top.
9. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
10. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
11. Once the casserole is done, let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped cilantro, if desired, before serving.
12. Serve the cheesy Fritos casserole hot and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures!
Whether you’re looking for a fuss-free weeknight dinner idea or a crowd-pleasing appetizer for your next gathering, this cheesy Fritos casserole is sure to be a hit. The crispy Fritos provide the perfect contrast to the hearty beef and beans, while the melted cheese adds a comforting touch of indulgence. So, grab a bag of Fritos and get ready to impress your family and friends with this easy and delicious recipe!
