Southwest Frito Pie is a delicious and comforting dish that became a beloved favorite for Janet Scoggins and her family during their time in New Mexico. After experiencing a culture shock upon moving to the state, they grew to love the unique flavors and culinary delights of New Mexican cuisine. Now back in South Carolina, they still find themselves craving the mouthwatering dishes they enjoyed in the Southwest, and this Southwest Frito Pie has become one of their go-to favorites.
This delightful recipe features lean ground beef seasoned with chili powder, garlic powder, and more, creating a savory and robust flavor profile. The addition of pinto beans adds a hearty and nutritious element to the dish. Topped with crunchy corn chips, shredded lettuce, cheddar cheese, tomatoes, and onions, this Frito Pie becomes a textural and flavorful masterpiece.
Southwest Frito Pie is a quick and easy dish to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners or gatherings with friends. Its blend of Southwestern flavors brings a taste of New Mexico to any dinner table, allowing Janet and her family to reminisce about their time in the Southwest with every delicious bite.
INGREDIENTS:
- 2 pounds lean ground beef (90% lean)
- 3 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 cups water
- 1 can (15 ounces) pinto beans, rinsed and drained (optional)
- 4½ cups corn chips
- 2 cups shredded lettuce
- 1½ cups (6 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese
- ¾ cup chopped tomatoes
- 6 tablespoons finely chopped onion
- Sour cream and minced fresh cilantro (optional)
PREPARATIONS:
- In a Dutch oven, cook beef over medium heat until no longer pink; drain. Stir in the chili powder, flour, salt, and garlic powder until blended; gradually stir in water.
- Add beans, if desired. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 12-15 minutes or until thickened, stirring occasionally.
- To serve, divide chips among six serving bowls. Top with beef mixture, lettuce, cheese, tomatoes, and onion; garnish with sour cream and cilantro, if desired.
YIELD: 6 servings
COOKING TIME: 25 minutes
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
- The addition of pinto beans is optional, but it adds a delightful texture and flavor to the dish.
- Adjust the level of chili powder according to your preference for spiciness.
TIPS:
- For a fun and portable twist, serve the Frito Pie ingredients in individual serving-size bags of Fritos, creating a Frito boat or walking taco, a popular treat in the Midwest.
Southwest Frito Pie is a scrumptious dish that bridges the gap between the flavors of New Mexico and South Carolina for Janet Scoggins and her family. This delightful recipe brings back fond memories of their time in the Southwest, where they developed a love for the unique and vibrant cuisine.
The heart of the dish lies in the lean ground beef, cooked to perfection with an array of spices such as chili powder and garlic powder. The result is a rich and savory mixture that boasts authentic Southwestern flavors. The addition of pinto beans, if desired, provides a nutritional boost and a delightful contrast to the other ingredients.
Layered atop a bed of crunchy corn chips, the Southwest Frito Pie comes to life with a symphony of textures and tastes. The shredded lettuce adds a refreshing element, while the melted cheddar cheese brings a creamy and indulgent touch. Chopped tomatoes and onions add a burst of freshness and color to the dish, completing the flavorful ensemble.
Quick and easy to prepare, this Southwest Frito Pie is an excellent choice for busy weeknights when you crave a hearty and satisfying meal. It is also a crowd-pleasing option for gatherings and potlucks, where its Southwestern charm will delight all who partake.
Janet’s mention of the Frito boat or walking taco, a popular treat in the Midwest, provides an innovative twist to this classic recipe. By serving the Frito Pie ingredients in individual serving-size bags of Fritos, it becomes a portable and fun way to enjoy the dish on the go.
With Southwest Frito Pie on the menu, the Scoggins family can savor the tastes of the Southwest while reminiscing about their time in New Mexico, all from the comfort of their home in South Carolina. It is a testament to the way food can transport us back to cherished memories and unite us with the flavors we love.
