Southwestern Frito Pie

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 15 min
🍽 Serves: 6
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Get ready for a taste explosion with this Southwestern Frito Pie! Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a game-day snack, this dish combines bold flavors and simple ingredients into a crunchy, cheesy delight. You won't believe how easy it is to throw together!

Ingredients for Southwestern Frito Pie

Ground turkey is a lean protein that absorbs the flavors of the taco seasoning beautifully, making it a healthier alternative to beef. The taco seasoning brings all the classic Southwestern flavors with its mix of spices. Black beans add heartiness and fiber, while corn contributes a touch of sweetness and texture. The star of the show, Fritos corn chips, provides the essential crunch that defines this dish. Shredded cheddar cheese melts into gooey perfection over the top. The sour cream combined with lime juice creates a tangy crema that ties all the flavors together. Finally, fresh cilantro, green onions, and jalapeno slices add a vibrant and spicy finish.

Tips & Tricks

  • If you like it spicier, add a dash of cayenne pepper to the taco seasoning.
  • For a vegetarian version, skip the turkey and double up on the beans and corn.
  • Use freshly grated cheese for the best melt and flavor.
  • To make it ahead, prepare the turkey mixture and store it separately. Assemble just before serving.

Serving Suggestions

This Southwestern Frito Pie pairs wonderfully with a side of guacamole or a fresh green salad. If you're serving it at a party, consider setting up a topping bar with extra jalapenos, diced tomatoes, or avocado slices so guests can customize their plates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! Ground beef or chicken would work just as well.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to keep the Fritos crunchy.
Is there a way to make it less spicy?
Simply omit the jalapenos and use a mild taco seasoning.

Southwestern Frito Pie Recipe Walkthrough

Start by grabbing a large skillet and placing it over medium heat. Toss in the ground turkey and brown it, breaking it up with a spatula as you go. Once it's nicely browned, drain off any excess fat. This keeps the final dish from being greasy.

Add the taco seasoning to the skillet along with the black beans and corn. Stir everything well to ensure the seasoning coats all the ingredients. Let this simmer together for about 5 minutes, just enough time to heat everything through and let the flavors mingle.

While that's cooking, spread out the Fritos corn chips on a large serving platter. This is going to be the crunchy base for your pie. Once the turkey mixture is ready, evenly distribute it over the Fritos. Top this off with a generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese, letting it melt slightly from the heat of the turkey mix.

In a small bowl, mix the sour cream with the lime juice to create a tangy lime crema. Drizzle this over the layered Frito pie, adding a refreshing zing to the dish.

Finish off by garnishing with chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, and jalapeno slices for a pop of color and flavor. Serve immediately and watch it disappear!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
  • Kid-friendly: The crunchy Fritos and melty cheese make it a hit with the little ones.
  • Customizable: Adjust the spice level and toppings to suit your taste.
  • One-pan wonder: Minimal cleanup required!

Ingredients

1 lb ground turkey
1 packet taco seasoning
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
1 bag (10 oz) Fritos corn chips
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
1 lime, juiced
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/4 cup sliced green onions
1 jalapeno, sliced
Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large skillet, brown the ground turkey over medium heat, draining any excess fat.
2. Add the taco seasoning, black beans, and corn to the skillet, stirring to combine. Cook for 5 minutes until heated through.
3. On a large serving platter, spread out the Fritos corn chips.
4. Evenly distribute the turkey mixture over the Fritos.
5. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
6. In a small bowl, mix sour cream with lime juice to make lime crema.
7. Drizzle the lime crema over the layered Frito pie.
8. Garnish with chopped cilantro, green onions, and jalapeno slices.
9. Serve immediately and enjoy!

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