Description
Frito Bars are a delicious, layered casserole featuring crunchy Fritos corn chips, seasoned ground beef, creamy mushroom and sour cream mixture, and melted cheddar cheese. This comforting, easy-to-make dish is perfect for family dinners or potlucks, combining savory flavors and satisfying textures in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Layer
- 4 cups Fritos corn chips
Meat Mixture
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp chili powder (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Creamy Sauce
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup sour cream
Topping
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and facilitate easy serving.
- Sauté Onion: Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until it becomes translucent, about 3-5 minutes, which enhances its sweet flavor.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet with the onions. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and chili powder if using. Cook the mixture thoroughly until browned and no longer pink, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat from the pan to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
- Prepare Cream Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended, which will add creaminess to the layers.
- Layer Fritos: Spread half of the Fritos corn chips evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the first crunchy base layer.
- Add Beef Layer: Spoon half of the cooked ground beef mixture over the Fritos layer, distributing it evenly for balanced flavor in each bite.
- Spread Cream Sauce: Carefully spread half of the sour cream and mushroom mixture over the beef layer, ensuring full coverage to keep the casserole moist and flavorful.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the creamy beef layer to add richness and a gooey texture once melted.
- Repeat Layers: Repeat the layering process with the remaining Fritos chips, ground beef, sour cream mixture, and finish with the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top for a golden, bubbly crust.
- Bake: Place the assembled dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Bake until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly, and the layers are heated through.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes. This resting time allows the dish to set, making it easier to slice into 12 bars. Serve warm.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, increase the chili powder or add a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Use reduced-fat sour cream and cheese to make the dish lighter.
- Ensure to drain the cooked ground beef well to avoid a greasy casserole.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, microwave individual bars or cover with foil and warm in the oven.
