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
Scale
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
