Frito Bars Recipe
If you’re craving a dish that combines crunchy, cheesy, and savory in every bite, you’re going to love this Frito Bars Recipe. It’s the perfect blend of simple ingredients layered thoughtfully to deliver a warm, comforting casserole that feels like a party in your mouth. Whether you’re serving a crowd or just looking to make a cozy family dinner, this recipe brings that nostalgic, irresistible flavor everyone reaches for again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key, and for this Frito Bars Recipe, simplicity works wonders. Each component plays an important role—Fritos bring that essential crunch, ground beef adds hearty savoriness, and cheese ties everything together with rich, gooey goodness.
- 4 cups Fritos corn chips: The crunchy foundation that gives this dish its iconic texture and salty punch.
- 1 lb ground beef: Adds a satisfying, meaty flavor and hearty substance to the layers.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup: Brings creamy comfort and ties the ingredients together beautifully.
- 1 cup sour cream: Adds tang and richness, balancing the spice and textures perfectly.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Melts to perfection, providing that irresistible cheesy layer everyone adores.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder: Offers a gentle savory kick to the beef mixture.
- 1/2 tsp chili powder (optional): Adds a subtle warmth, making the dish a bit more exciting but not overpowering.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to elevate all the flavors.
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil: For cooking the onions and beef, ensuring they get just the right texture.
How to Make Frito Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Preheat Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This first step is crucial for that even cooking and easy cleanup afterward.
Step 2: Cook the Onions and Ground Beef
In a skillet over medium heat, warm the vegetable oil and sauté the finely chopped onions until they turn translucent and fragrant. Adding the ground beef next, season it well with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and if you like, chili powder for a little extra kick. Cook until it’s browned through, then drain any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
Step 3: Mix the Creamy Base
In a large bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This combo will add luscious moisture and a tangy richness that balances the boldness of the meat and the crisp corn chips.
Step 4: Assemble the Layers
This is where the magic happens. Begin by evenly spreading half of the Fritos into the baking dish, creating that first crunchy layer. Then, layer half of the cooked ground beef mixture over the chips. Top the meat with half of the creamy soup and sour cream mixture, smoothing it out gently. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over this layer to ensure that gooey melt we all love. Repeat these layers with the remaining ingredients—Fritos, beef, cream mixture, and finish strong with the last cup of cheddar cheese on top.
Step 5: Bake and Cool
Pop your layered masterpiece into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll want to watch for the cheese to melt fully and bubble around the edges, signaling it’s ready. Let the Frito Bars rest for about 5 minutes before slicing into bars; this helps everything set nicely and keeps those layers intact when serving.
How to Serve Frito Bars Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes can elevate your Frito Bars Recipe beautifully. Consider fresh chopped green onions for a pop of color and mild bite, or some diced tomatoes to add brightness. A dollop of extra sour cream or a few jalapeño slices can bring welcome creaminess and heat to the dish.
Side Dishes
This dish is a star on its own, but pairing it with a crisp garden salad or some roasted vegetables adds freshness and balance. You could also serve it alongside a simple coleslaw for contrast in texture and flavor, which makes the meal feel just right in terms of richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Take your Frito Bars Recipe to the next level by serving it in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets for a fun, rustic touch. You can also top each serving with avocado slices or a drizzle of hot sauce to personalize each plate with exciting new flavors and textures.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Frito Bars store wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Remember to let the bars cool completely before refrigerating to keep the layers from becoming soggy.
Freezing
If you want to save these for later, wrap individual portions tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. This is a fantastic way to keep a quick, comforting meal on hand for busy days.
Reheating
To reheat, bake the frozen or refrigerated bars at 350°F (175°C) until heated through and the cheese bubbles again—usually 15 to 20 minutes. Alternatively, microwaving works for a quick fix but won’t keep the crisp top as nicely.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of chips instead of Fritos?
While Fritos are the classic choice due to their unique corn crunch and flavor, you can experiment with similar corn chips; however, the texture and taste might differ slightly.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply substitute the ground beef with seasoned plant-based meat alternatives or cooked beans for a meat-free version that still packs flavor and texture.
Can I add other seasonings or vegetables?
Absolutely. Diced bell peppers, corn kernels, or a pinch of cumin can be stirred into the beef mixture for an extra flavor boost and some extra color.
What type of cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar is traditional and offers great melt and flavor, but you can mix it up with Monterey Jack or a Mexican cheese blend to add creaminess and a slightly different taste profile.
How spicy is this dish?
The recipe as written is mild, but the optional chili powder and jalapeño garnishes can dial up the heat to suit your preferences. It’s easy to adjust to make it as spicy or mild as you like.
Final Thoughts
This Frito Bars Recipe is a total crowd-pleaser with its perfect layers of crunch, creaminess, and savory flavor. It’s one of those dishes you’ll want to keep in your rotation for family dinners and casual get-togethers. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite comfort food to share and enjoy together!
Print
Frito Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
Frito Bars are a savory layered casserole featuring crispy Fritos corn chips, seasoned ground beef, creamy mushroom and sour cream mixture, and melted cheddar cheese. This comforting dish is perfect for gatherings or a hearty family meal, combining crunchy texture with rich, creamy flavors all baked to bubbly perfection.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 4 cups Fritos corn chips
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp chili powder (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and facilitate easy serving.
- Sauté Onions: Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until it becomes translucent, bringing out its sweetness.
- 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 until the beef is completely browned and cooked through, then drain any excess fat to keep the bars from becoming greasy.
- Mix Creamy Sauce: In a large bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream, stirring until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Layer Fritos: Spread half of the Fritos corn chips evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish as the first crunchy layer.
- Add Beef Layer: Spread half of the cooked ground beef mixture evenly over the Fritos layer, adding a rich protein element.
- Apply Cream Mixture: Spoon and spread half of the sour cream and mushroom soup mixture evenly over the beef to add moisture and creaminess.
- First Cheese Layer: Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the sour cream mixture to add flavor and melt during baking.
- Repeat Layers: Repeat the layering process with the remaining Fritos, beef, cream mixture, and top with the remaining cheddar cheese to build a flavorful stack.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden on top.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the baked Frito Bars to cool for about 5 minutes before slicing into bars to help them set and enhance serving ease.
Notes
- You can omit chili powder for a milder flavor or add extra if you prefer more spice.
- For a lower-fat option, use lean ground beef and reduced-fat sour cream.
- Make sure to drain excess fat from the beef to prevent soggy layers.
- These bars can be prepared a day ahead, assembled, and refrigerated before baking.
- Serve with a side salad or salsa for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
