Delicious Frito Pie Recipe for Quick Dinner
Are you tired of the same old recipes you’ve been cooking for years? Are you looking for an easy, quick, and delicious meal that will satisfy your craving for something hearty and filling? If so, then look no further than this Instant Pot Frito Pie recipe!
This dish is perfect for when you’re short on time and want to make something that’s both satisfying and delicious. Made with ingredients like lean ground beef, corn, salsa, and chili sauce, this recipe packs tons of flavor into each bite. Plus, it can be customized to suit your preferences by adding or substituting certain ingredients.
Using an Instant Pot makes the recipe even easier to prepare since it uses pressure cooking to reduce cooking time while still producing a tasty result. You’ll have dinner on the table in no time at all.
So get out your Instant Pot and let’s get started on making this mouth-watering Frito Pie!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Fellow foodies, let me tell you why you’ll fall head-over-heels for this instant pot Frito Pie recipe. Picture the ultimate comfort food – chili, cheese, and corn chips – all in one dish. Now, imagine enjoying that with hardly any prep work and only 30 minutes to cook. Sounds like a dream? Well, it’s a reality with this delicious instant pot recipe.
First off, let’s talk about the goodness of this dish. This recipe is loaded with savory flavors from the chili sauce, lean ground beef or ground turkey, diced tomatoes, salsa, and taco seasoning. A sprinkle of cheddar cheese and corn chips takes it up yet another notch. The resulting frito chili pie is hearty, filling, and full of flavor.
But let’s not forget about the convenience factor. This dish can be made in an instant pot or pressure cooker, which means the cooking time is minimized without sacrificing flavor! Gone are the days of letting chili simmer in a crockpot for hours to extract its full flavor potential. Plus, this recipe doesn’t require too many ingredients – just some tomato sauce, chili powder, chili beans or juice and a few other pantry staples.
And if you’re feeling creative or trying to adjust to dietary preferences? Don’t fret! This recipe can easily be adjusted to create variations like a vegetarian frito pie by swapping out the meat for vegetarian protein sources like beans or lentils; using ground turkey instead of beef; or adding some vegetables like diced onion and bell pepper.
In conclusion, this delicious instant pot frito chili pie is everything you didn’t know you needed for your weekly meal planning. It’s easy to make, requires minimal preparation time and packs maximum flavor. It’s perfect for busy weeknights where you want comfort fast but don’t want to compromise on taste or health. You’re going to love diving into a bowl of this cheesy goodness with a satisfying crunch from your fave brand of corn chips. Why not give it a try today?
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you will need to make this Instant Pot Frito Pie recipe:
- 1 pound of lean ground beef
- 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
- 1 can (15 oz) of chili beans
- 1/2 cup of water
- 1/2 cup of chili sauce
- 1/2 cup of salsa
- 1 can (8 oz) of tomato sauce
- 1 package (1 oz) of taco seasoning
- 2 cups of coarsely crushed Fritos® corn chips
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
Optional toppings:
– Sliced jalapeños
– Chopped onions
– Sour cream
Don’t hesitate to modify the recipe according to your taste. You can replace the ground beef with ground turkey or even go meatless if you prefer. You can also switch things up and add other ingredients like corn, bell peppers, or black beans.
The Recipe How-To
Now that you have gathered all your ingredients, it’s time to start cooking! This Instant Pot Frito Pie Recipe is super easy and quick to make. Let’s get started!
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Place 1 pound of lean ground beef into your Instant Pot on the sauté setting. Brown the ground beef until it is no longer pink. Be sure to break it up into small pieces as it browns.
Step 2: Add in the Rest of the Ingredients
Once browned, add in 1 cup of water, 1 can (15 oz) of chili beans, 1 can (15 oz) of tomato sauce, 1/2 cup of corn, 1/2 cup of salsa, and 1 tbsp of chili powder. Mix everything together with the ground beef.
Step 3: Add Taco Seasoning Mix
Sprinkle packaged taco seasoning mix over the chili mixture and stir well.
Step 4: Set Instant Pot and Cook
Lock the lid on your Instant Pot and cook on high pressure for about five minutes. Once complete, use quick release to reduce pressure.
Step 5: Making Frito Pie
In a casserole dish, spread out a layer of corn chips as your base. Pour some chili mixture over the chips. Repeat two more times with an extra layer of cheese on top.
Step 6: Bake for Final Touches
Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-15 minutes or until cheese has melted.
You can also serve with some sour cream on top if you’d like! Enjoy this fantastic Instant Pot Frito Chili Pie Recipe, made in no time!
Substitutions and Variations
Are you looking to spice things up a bit and put your own spin on this delicious recipe? There are so many variations and substitutions you can make to the Instant Pot Frito Pie Recipe to suit your flavor preferences or dietary restrictions. Here are some ideas:
1) Ground Beef: Swap ground beef for ground turkey or lean chicken for a healthier option.
2) Veggies: Add in some vegetables like diced bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach to boost the nutritional value of the dish.
3) Salsa & Chili Sauce: Use store-bought salsa and chili sauce, or make your own homemade versions with fresh ingredients.
4) Cheese: Try different types of cheese like Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even crumbled queso fresco instead of cheddar cheese.
5) Fritos: Substitute corn chips for Fritos if you don’t have any on hand.
6) Slow Cooker Method: Don’t have an Instant Pot? No problem! You can easily adapt this recipe for a slow cooker or crockpot.
7) Cast Iron Skillet Method: Want to add some rustic charm and depth of flavor? Cook the beef and chili mixture in a cast-iron skillet before adding the other ingredients and baking in the oven.
Whatever substitutions or variations you choose, this Frito Chili Pie Recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser that you’ll want to make over and over again.
Serving and Pairing
Now that your Instant Pot Frito Pie is ready, let’s talk about serving and pairing it with complementary sides.
I highly recommend garnishing the top of the pie with sliced jalapeños, fresh cilantro, or diced tomatoes for some extra color and flavor. Serve each portion in a shallow bowl or on a plate with some crunchy corn chips or Fritos on the side. These salty bites make the perfect accompaniment to the hearty and flavorful layers of the pie.
For a complete meal, consider pairing this delicious Instant Pot Frito Pie with a simple green salad drizzled with a tangy vinaigrette dressing, or roasted vegetables such as green beans or asparagus. The lightness of the greens or roasted vegetables will perfectly balance out the heavier and richer flavor profile of the pie.
If you’re looking to take things up a notch, try serving this savory frito chili pie in a cast iron skillet instead. This adds a rustic touch to your meal presentation while also keeping it warm throughout the meal.
Finally, no frito chili pie recipe is complete without some cooling sour cream dolloped on top before serving. The sour cream helps to balance out some of the heat from the chili and adds an extra layer of flavor and richness. So go ahead and enjoy this delicious Instant Pot Frito Pie recipe alongside your favorite sides and toppings for a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Once you’ve prepared this scrumptious Frito pie recipe, you might want to save it for later or even eat it as leftovers. Fortunately, this dish is perfect for make-ahead meals, so you can store it in your fridge or freezer.
If you’re planning to make the Frito pie in advance, place the chili mixture into a container with a tight-fitting lid and keep it in the refrigerator for up to three days. When it’s time to bake the pie, add the Fritos and cheese just before cooking.
If you want to store your leftover Frito pie, wait until it cools and then transfer it into an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. When reheating your stored Frito pie, use a conventional oven or toaster oven instead of a microwave. This method will help ensure that the crust remains crunchy and the filling doesn’t get soggy.
To reheat frozen Frito pie, set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and cook the dish covered with foil for 30-45 minutes until thoroughly heated. You can also prepare individual servings by using a microwave-safe dish and microwaving on high heat for 2-3 minutes.
Packed with tangy salsa, savory ground beef, delicious corn chips, and sharp cheddar cheese, this Instant Pot Frito Pie recipe is an absolute comfort food classic! And by storing and reheating correctly, you can enjoy this tasty meal anytime without having to worry about losing its original flavor or texture.
Tips for Perfect Results
As an experienced home cook and food enthusiast, I’ve learned a ton of tips and tricks for making this Instant Pot Frito Pie Recipe come out perfectly every time. Here are some of my top tips to help you get the most out of this delicious recipe:
1. Use Lean Ground Beef: When you’re making the chili mixture for the Frito Pie, be sure to use lean ground beef (or ground turkey) in order to reduce the fat content. This not only makes the dish healthier, but it also helps prevent the chili from becoming too greasy.
2. Add Taco Seasoning: To give your chili a boost of flavor, be sure to add some taco seasoning to the mix. This will give the meat a spicy kick and add an extra layer of complexity to the dish.
3. Sauté Your Onions: Before you add your ground beef to the Instant Pot, sauté your onions in some vegetable oil until they’re translucent. This will help them release their natural sweetness and infuse the chili with more flavor.
4. Use Quality Ingredients: As with any recipe, using high-quality ingredients will make a huge difference in the final product. Be sure to use fresh veggies, quality meat, and flavorful spices in order to get the best results possible.
5. Let it Simmer: After you’ve added all your ingredients to the Instant Pot and sealed it up, be sure to let it simmer for a while before serving. This will allow all the flavors to meld together and create a rich, complex taste that’s sure to impress.
By following these tips and adjusting the recipe to suit your own preferences, you’ll be able to create a delicious Instant Pot Frito Pie that’s perfect every time!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Instant Pot Frito Pie Recipe is a must-try for all food lovers out there. With its savory flavors and easy-to-follow instructions, it’s a recipe that anyone can easily master. Whether you’re hosting a game day party or simply craving some comfort food, this recipe is sure to satisfy.
Impress your friends and family with this dish that’s full of flavor and perfect for feeding a crowd. This recipe promises to deliver a delicious instant pot chili frito pie that everyone will love. So go ahead and make it, you won’t be disappointed!
But don’t just take my word for it – try the recipe yourself and taste the deliciousness firsthand. With every bite of tender beef mixed with crunchy Fritos, you’ll see why this is the perfect comfort food to enjoy all year round.
So dust off your instant pot, gather your ingredients and let’s get cooking! Once you’ve mastered this recipe, feel free to add your own personal touch to create your unique twist on this classic dish.
Trust me, once you start making this Instant Pot Frito Pie Recipe, it will become a staple in your dinner rotation. Don’t wait any longer – give it a try tonight and treat yourself to a hearty meal that’s simple yet oh-so-satisfying.
Instant Pot Frito Pie Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups water
- 1 ounce taco seasoning mix
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 cup chili sauce
- 1 cup medium salsa
- 9 ounces corn (drained if using canned)
- 4 cups corn chips (Scoops or Fritos are easiest)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Pour water and taco seasoning mix into instant pot. Stir well.
- Add ground beef to instant pot.
- Pour chili sauce, salsa, and corn on top of ground beef.
- Place the lid on the instant pot, turn the steam release handle to the sealing position, and set to pressure cook high for 1 minute.
- When the instant pot is done cooking, turn the steam release handle to the venting position and do a quick release.
- Remove the lid from the instant pot and stir well. Break apart the ground beef as you stir.
- Set the instant pot to saute for 10 minutes and leave the mixture to simmer, stirring occasionally.
- Once the instant pot turns off, scoop the corn chips onto plates and spoon the ground beef mixture on top.
- Sprinkle with shredded cheese on top of meat and serve.