Frito Pie With New Mexico Red Chile

Ingredients

5-6 dried New Mexico red chiles, stemmed and de-seeded

3 chiles de árbol, stemmed and de-seeded

2 cups chicken broth or water

3 garlic cloves, smashed and roughly chopped

1 small yellow onion, sliced

1 tablespoon cumin

1 tablespoon Mexican oregano

½ teaspoon coriander

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon pepper

1 pound lean ground beef

1 (15-ounce) can red kidney beans

1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce

1 (2-ounce) bag Fritos corn chips

8 ounces finely shredded mild cheddar cheese

2 roma tomatoes, for topping

2 cups shredded iceberg lettuce, for topping

Instructions:

Step 1:

Preheat the oven to 350 F.

Step 2:

Toast the chiles in a skillet over medium heat until fragrant, about 2 minutes.

Add the garlic, onion, and broth and bring to a gentle simmer.

Simmer, submerging peppers as much as possible, until chiles are softened and bright red, about 10 minutes.

Step 3:

Add the chiles, garlic, onions, broth, and seasonings to a blender and blend until completely smooth.

Strain to remove seeds and solids.

Step 4:

In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, crumbling while it cooks.

If needed, drain excess grease.

Add the kidney beans.

Step 5:

Add the tomato sauce and red chile sauce to the meat mixture and bring to a simmer.

Cook until thickened, about 5 minutes.

Step 6:

Arrange half the bag of Fritos chips in a single layer on the bottom of a 9 x 13 casserole dish.

Layer with the meat mixture, then sprinkle on half the cheese.

Step 7:

Bake in the oven until cheese is melted, about 10 to 15 minutes.

Step 8:

Remove from the oven and add the remainder of the Fritos.

Top with lettuce, tomato, and the remainder of the cheddar cheese.

Notes:

Spice Level: Adjust the number of chiles de árbol and New Mexico red chiles according to your spice preference. Removing the seeds and veins from the chiles can also reduce the heat level.

Preparation of Chiles: Toasting the dried chiles before simmering helps enhance their flavor. Be careful not to burn them, as it can make the dish bitter.

Consistency of Sauce: Blend the chile mixture until completely smooth and strain it to remove any seeds or solids. This ensures a smooth and velvety texture for the sauce.

Meat Option: Opt for lean ground beef to reduce the fat content of the dish. You can also substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter alternative.

Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, omit the ground beef and increase the amount of kidney beans. You can also add diced vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for added texture and flavor.

Cheese Choice: While mild cheddar cheese is traditional, you can experiment with other types of cheese such as Monterey Jack or pepper jack for added flavor. Consider using reduced-fat cheese to reduce the calorie and fat content.

Topping Variations: Customize the toppings according to your preference. Sliced avocado, diced onions, sour cream, or jalapeños can be added for extra flavor and texture.

Serving Size: This recipe makes a hearty meal that can serve a small family or a group of friends. Adjust the ingredients accordingly if you’re serving fewer people or if you want leftovers.

Storage and Reheating: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or in a preheated oven until heated through.

Meal Accompaniments: Serve the Frito Pie with a side of Mexican rice, refried beans, or a simple green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 6 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use fresh chiles instead of dried ones?

While dried New Mexico red chiles and chiles de árbol are traditional for this recipe, you can use fresh chiles if you prefer.

Adjust the quantity based on your taste preference for heat.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, you can omit the ground beef and increase the amount of kidney beans for a vegetarian version.

You can also add diced vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for added flavor and texture.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the red chile sauce and brown the ground beef mixture in advance.

Assemble the Frito Pie just before baking to prevent the chips from becoming soggy.

Can I freeze Frito Pie?

Frito Pie can be frozen before or after baking.

Wrap the assembled casserole tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking or reheating.

What can I use instead of Fritos?

If you don’t have Fritos corn chips, you can use other types of corn chips or even tortilla chips.

Choose a sturdy chip that can hold up to the weight of the toppings and baking process.

Can I adjust the spice level of the red chile sauce?

Yes, you can control the spice level by adjusting the amount of chiles de árbol and New Mexico red chiles.

Remove the seeds and veins for a milder sauce or add more chiles for extra heat.

How can I make this dish healthier?

To make this dish healthier, use lean ground beef or ground turkey, reduced-fat cheese, and baked corn chips instead of Fritos.

Increase the amount of vegetables like onions and tomatoes for added nutrition.

What other toppings can I add?

You can customize the toppings based on your preferences.

Sliced avocado, diced onions, sour cream, jalapeños, or black olives are popular additions to Frito Pie.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can use other types of cheese such as Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a blend of cheeses for added flavor.

Experiment with different cheeses to find your favorite combination.

What should I serve with Frito Pie?

Frito Pie is a hearty and satisfying dish on its own, but you can serve it with a side salad, Mexican rice, or refried beans for a complete meal.