Frito Pie (Vegetarian)

 

Taco Tuesday is a beloved tradition for many, but sometimes, you want to mix things up and try something new. Enter the vegetarian Frito pie. This recipe takes all the flavors of a classic taco and turns them into a hearty and satisfying casserole that's perfect for a weeknight dinner.

 

Not only is this dish delicious, but it's also incredibly easy to make. All you need are a few pantry staples like black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes, along with some spices and crushed Fritos for crunch. You can even customize the recipe to your liking by adding in your favorite taco toppings like jalapeños, diced avocado, or sour cream.

 

The best part? This Frito pie is a crowd-pleaser, even for meat-eaters. The combination of savory black beans and crunchy Fritos is sure to win over anyone who tries it. And if you're looking for a vegan or dairy-free option, you can easily swap out the cheese for a vegan alternative or omit it altogether.

 

So why not shake up your Taco Tuesday routine with this delicious and easy vegetarian Frito pie recipe? It's sure to become a new family favorite that you'll want to make again and again.

 

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can corn, drained
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 2 cups Fritos corn chips, crushed
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or vegan cheese)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and bell pepper and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the garlic, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using) to the skillet and stir to combine.
4. Add the black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes to the skillet and stir to combine. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the mixture is heated through.
5. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
6. In a 9-inch square baking dish, spread half of the crushed Fritos on the bottom. Pour the bean mixture on top of the Fritos and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top of the bean mixture.
7. Spread the remaining crushed Fritos on top of the cheese.
8. Bake the Frito pie in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Remove the Frito pie from the oven and sprinkle the chopped cilantro on top.
10. Serve the Frito pie hot, garnished with additional Fritos and cilantro, if desired. Enjoy!