Kickin Ranch Frito Pie Ground Beef Bliss
Recipe Introduction
Craving Comfort Food?
Fancy a bit of Cheesy Crunchy Frito Pie with a kick? I know I often do. This recipe is like a warm hug on a plate.
It is proper comfort food that's simple to make and completely satisfying.
Quick Look at This Frito Pie
This American Comfort Food Casserole is basically a twist on a classic taco bake. It uses crunchy Fritos corn chips instead of tortillas.
It's super easy to make and comes together fast. This dish serves around 6-8 people. It is perfect for a casual get-together or a family weeknight.
Why You'll Love It
Honestly, the best thing is how easy it is. You can have this Easy Frito Pie Recipe ready in under an hour.
The creamy ranch cheese sauce with the crunchy Fritos is heavenly. It's pure comfort food at its finest. The cheesy Ranch Frito Pie is ideal for family night.
About Frito Pie
Did you know Frito Pie is often associated with the Southwest? Some say it started at a Frito factory in Texas.
The factory needed a way to promote their corn chips. This is now a classic Oven baked Frito Pie Recipe .
Getting Started
Time to gather your ingredients for this Ground Beef Casserole with Fritos . You will need ground beef, cheese, ranch dressing, and, of course, Fritos! Don't forget your toppings.
The Frito Pie with Cheese Sauce is almost ready. This Quick Weeknight Dinner Recipe will be a family favorite in no time.
Right, let's chat about what you'll need to whip up this Kickin' Ranch Frito Pie: Ground Beef Bliss . This Cheesy Crunchy Frito Pie with ground beef and ranch is proper simple.
Even if your cooking skills are a bit "meh," you got this.
Ingredients & Equipment: Your Arsenal of Awesome
Honestly, you probably have most of this stuff already. If not, pop down to Tesco easy peasy.
Main Ingredients Sorted
First, the beef base. You need 1 lb (450g) of ground beef. Don't be stingy. Go for decent quality, like 80/20, so it’s got some flavour.
Then 1 medium yellow onion, chopped, and 1 green bell pepper, also chopped. A can of diced tomatoes ( 15 oz/425g ), taco seasoning packet ( 1 oz/28g ), and 1/2 cup (120ml) of water round it out.
Next up, the cheesy goodness! Grab 1 can ( 10.75 oz/305g ) of cream of mushroom soup (don't judge, it works), 1 cup (240ml) of ranch dressing.
Cheese wise, 1 cup (113g) of shredded cheddar and 1/2 cup (57g) of Monterey Jack. Cheddar gives that classic taste. Monterey Jack makes it super melty.
Finally, the star of the show: 1 bag of Fritos corn chips ( 10.5 oz/298g ). Don't skimp here.
And, if you are feeling fancy, some optional toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, or green onions. They add a bit of freshness.
Seasoning Notes: Flavour Town
The taco seasoning is your key. Most brands work fine. If you're feeling adventurous, make your own! A mix of chili powder, cumin, paprika, and garlic powder does the trick.
For extra zing, add a pinch of cayenne pepper. Remember that our Cheesy Crunchy Frito Pie wants to be memorable!
Equipment Needed: No Fancy Gadgets Needed
Keep it simple! A large skillet or Dutch oven for the beef. A 9x13 inch (23x33cm) baking dish for the pie.
A mixing bowl for the cheese sauce. Measuring cups and spoons. Honestly, if you don't have measuring spoons, just eyeball it.
We're not baking a soufflé here. This Easy Frito Pie Recipe doesn't require fancy equipment!
If you don't have a baking dish, use a casserole dish. No biggie. Just make sure it's oven safe. A Frito Casserole Beef Taco Bake like this is all about being chill.
So there you have it. Grab your ingredients, fire up the oven to 350° F ( 175° C) , and let’s get this show on the road! Honestly, this Cheesy Crunchy Frito Pie will become one of your Quick Weeknight Dinner Recipes .
Alright, let's get cooking! A Cheesy Crunchy Frito Pie with ground beef and ranch dressing? Sounds like a bit of American comfort food heaven like a culinary hug from across the pond! Honestly, this one's going to be epic.
You know? Like a Frito Pie with Cheese Sauce that'll blow your socks off!
Kickin' Ranch Frito Pie: Your Ground Beef Bliss Guide
This Oven baked Frito Pie Recipe isn't your grandma's shepherd's pie. Unless your grandma's seriously cool. Think all-American, totally indulgent, and ridiculously satisfying.
We're talking seasoned ground beef, smothered in a creamy ranch cheese sauce, and piled high with crunchy Fritos. It's a Quick Weeknight Dinner Recipes option too.
Perfect when you need something that'll hit the spot and impress the family. Let's dive in!
Prep Steps: Your Mission, Should You Choose to Accept It
First things first: Let's get our mise en place sorted! Chop 1 medium yellow onion, 1 green bell pepper. Get your 1 pound (450g) ground beef ready.
Measure out your spices. Have your ranch dressing and cheeses at the ready. This Easy Frito Pie Recipe relies on being organised.
To save time, chop the veggies while the skillet heats up. Don't overcrowd the pan when browning the beef! Trust me.
It'll steam instead of brown. And nobody wants grey beef. Safety first: Keep that raw beef away from your salad ingredients! We don't want any dodgy tummies.
step-by-step: The Road to Frito Pie Glory
- Brown the Beef: Sauté onion and green pepper until softened. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain off any excess fat.
- Season the Beef: Stir in 1 (15 ounce/425g) can of diced tomatoes, 1 (1 ounce/28g) packet taco seasoning, and 1/2 cup (120ml) water. Simmer for 5 minutes .
- Ranch Cheese Magic: Combine cream of mushroom soup, 1 cup (240ml) ranch dressing, 1 cup (113g) cheddar cheese, and 1/2 cup (57g) Monterey Jack cheese.
- Frito Base: Spread a layer of Fritos in a 9x13 inch (23x33cm) baking dish.
- Beef Bonanza: Top with the seasoned ground beef mixture.
- Cheese Sauce Cascade: Pour the ranch cheese sauce evenly over the beef.
- Frito Finale: Sprinkle the remaining Fritos corn chips over the top.
- Bake : Bake in a preheated oven at 350° F ( 175° C) for 20 minutes .
Visual cue: The cheese should be melted and bubbly. That's when you know. Critical temperature: Make sure the internal temperature hits at least 160° F ( 71° C).
This ensures the beef is safe to eat.
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Frito Pie
Don't overcrowd the baking dish with Fritos in the first layer. It stops them crisping up! Trust me on this one.
I learned the hard way. If you want to elevate this Ground Beef Casserole with Fritos , use a leaner ground beef (85/15) to reduce excess grease.
Save a handful of shredded cheese to sprinkle on top during the last few minutes of baking for an extra cheesy finish.
A common mistake is not draining the beef properly. Nobody wants a greasy pie! To avoid this, make the beef base a day ahead.
Then simply reheat it when you are ready. You get a Frito Casserole Beef Taco Bake .
This Cheesy Crunchy Frito Pie is a guaranteed crowd pleaser, like a warm hug on a plate. I tell you, there's nothing like it! So, go on, give it a whirl and let me know what you think!
Recipe Notes: Making Your Kickin' Ranch Frito Pie
Right then, let's talk tweaks and tricks for your Cheesy Crunchy Frito Pie with ground beef. This isn't just a recipe, it's a starting point.
Remember, cooking should be fun! Honestly, I sometimes chuck in random stuff just to see what happens.
Level Up Your Plating
Presentation matters, right? For a proper Frito Pie , think layers. Dollop sour cream. Sprinkle fresh coriander. Maybe even a cheeky jalapeño for that extra zing .
Serve in individual bowls for portion control or not, I'm not judging! It's proper American Comfort Food Casserole , so own it.
Want a side? This Cheesy Crunchy Frito Pie goes brilliantly with a crisp green salad. Think something light and refreshing to cut through all that glorious richness.
A classic coleslaw works wonders too, trust me!
Storage Secrets
Got leftovers of this Oven baked Frito Pie Recipe ? Lucky you! Pop it in an airtight container and it'll happily sit in the fridge for up to 3 days .
Freezing isn't ideal, as the Fritos can get a bit soggy, but needs must, eh?
Reheating is easy peasy. Microwave it for a couple of minutes, or shove it back in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until it's piping hot.
Just watch those Fritos they can burn if you're not careful!
Mixing it Up
Fancy a bit of a twist? For a veggie version, swap out the ground beef for some Quorn mince. Works a treat.
Or, if you're watching the waistline, use lean beef and light ranch dressing.
If you don't have Monterey Jack, cheddar is just fine. I have used it! For a seasonal thing try roasted corn in summer instead of the onion or green bell pepper.
It is absolutely divine!
The Good Stuff
This Ground Beef Casserole with Fritos is more than just a treat. It's packed with protein from the beef, and you get a bit of fibre from the veggies.
Of course, it's not exactly health food, so maybe don't eat the whole thing in one go! I know it's tempting.
It's a total winner for those looking for Quick Weeknight Dinner Recipes . This Easy Frito Pie Recipe is perfect for busy evenings.
It is such a crowd pleaser, so what more could you ask for?
So, there you have it. A proper Ranch Frito Pie Recipe ready to be unleashed. Don't be afraid to experiment! And remember, the most important ingredient is love.
Happy cooking, my friend! Enjoy your homemade Cheesy Crunchy Frito Pie with ground beef.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Cheesy Crunchy Frito Pie with ground beef ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the beef mixture and the ranch cheese sauce up to 24 hours in advance. Store them separately in the fridge. When you're ready to bake, just assemble the pie as directed. Think of it like prepping your Sunday roast - get ahead of the game!
What's the best way to store leftover Cheesy Crunchy Frito Pie with ground beef and ranch dressing?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep in mind that the Fritos will lose some of their crunch, but it'll still taste great! You can reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for a quick fix.
Think of it as a delicious, albeit slightly softer, encore!
Can I customize the Cheesy Crunchy Frito Pie with different toppings or ingredients?
Definitely! That's the beauty of this dish it's super versatile, like a good pair of jeans! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, like pepper jack for a kick, or swap out the ground beef for shredded chicken or even black beans for a vegetarian version.
As for toppings, the sky's the limit: think diced avocado, black olives, or a dollop of your favourite salsa!
How can I make this Cheesy Crunchy Frito Pie with healthier alternatives?
You can lighten up this comfort food classic by using lean ground turkey or plant based crumbles instead of ground beef. Opt for low-fat or fat-free ranch dressing and reduced fat cheeses. Loading up on fresh toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, and onions will add nutrients and fiber without extra calories.
It's like swapping out the biscuits for wholemeal bread a little healthier, but still satisfying!
My Fritos are soggy! How can I keep my Cheesy Crunchy Frito Pie with Fritos crunchy?
Ah, the soggy Frito dilemma! To avoid this, wait to assemble the pie until just before baking. Don't overcrowd the baking dish. Consider lightly toasting the Fritos in a dry skillet or oven for a few minutes before assembling the pie for extra crunch. Serve immediately to keep those Fritos singing their crunchy song!
Kickin Ranch Frito Pie Ground Beef Bliss
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 550-650 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 35-45g |
| Fiber | 3-5g |
