Chili Pie Casserole 🌶️🥧
Overview:
Chili Pie Casserole is a hearty Tex-Mex dish perfect for cozy evenings or casual weeknight dinners. With layers of savory meat, beans, crunchy Fritos, and gooey cheese, it’s a comforting meal that satisfies the whole family. This recipe is straightforward, requiring just a handful of ingredients and simple steps to create a flavorful, satisfying dish bursting with Southwestern flavors.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
- Servings: Varies
Ingredients:
- 2 cups kidney beans
- 2 onions
- 2 cups water
- 1 1/2 cups tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
Instructions:
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Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Sauté Meat and Onions: In a skillet, heat the canola oil over medium heat. Add the ground meat and chopped onions. Cook until the meat is browned and the onions are soft.
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Drain: Once the meat and onions are cooked, drain any excess oil or liquid from the skillet.
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Add Sauce: To the skillet with the meat and onions, add the tomato sauce, chili powder, brown sugar, garlic powder, and water. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
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Prepare Casserole Dish: Spray a 9 x 13 inch casserole dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
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Layering: Begin by layering the prepared casserole dish with the meat mixture, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
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Add Beans and Fritos: Next, add a layer of kidney beans followed by a layer of Fritos chips, distributing them evenly over the meat mixture.
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More Layers: Repeat the layers of meat, beans, and Fritos until you’ve used up all the ingredients, ending with a final layer of Fritos on top.
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Cheese Layer: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top layer of Fritos, reserving some for later.
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Bake: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 35 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and bubbly.
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Final Touch: Once the casserole is hot and bubbly, remove it from the oven and sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top. Return it to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
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Serve: Allow the Chili Pie Casserole to cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro, diced avocado, sour cream, or your favorite Tex-Mex toppings if desired.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 832.8
- Fat: 42.4g
- Saturated Fat: 14.8g
- Cholesterol: 137.8mg
- Sodium: 1635.3mg
- Carbohydrates: 65.1g
- Fiber: 10.9g
- Sugar: 11.9g
- Protein: 50.2g
Tips and Variations:
- Make it Spicy: If you prefer a spicier chili, add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the meat mixture.
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the meat and double up on the beans for a delicious vegetarian version of this casserole.
- Customize Toppings: Serve with sliced green onions, diced tomatoes, or a dollop of guacamole for added flavor and freshness.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to bake. This makes it perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining guests.
- Freeze for Later: This casserole freezes well. Simply assemble the dish, cover tightly with foil, and freeze before baking. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.
Chili Pie Casserole is a versatile dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner party or simply craving comfort food, this recipe delivers bold flavors and satisfying textures in every bite. Enjoy the warmth and spice of the Southwest with this delicious Tex-Mex-inspired creation!
