Introduction:
Dive into this crunchy and savory Fritos Chili Cheese Salad! This fun and flavorful dish combines the classic taste of chili with the satisfying crunch of Fritos corn chips and the creamy richness of cheese. Perfect for potlucks, casual gatherings, or a unique side dish, this salad is both hearty and delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Easy to Make: Minimal prep time with straightforward assembly.
- Crowd-Pleaser: A hit at parties and gatherings with its satisfying flavors and textures.
- Versatile: Can be served as a main dish or a hearty side.
- Customizable: Adjust the ingredients and toppings to suit your taste.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can (15 oz) chili beans (in sauce)
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 packet (1 oz) chili seasoning mix
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups shredded iceberg lettuce
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives (optional)
- 1 cup Fritos corn chips
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup salsa
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook the Ground Beef:
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Add Chili Ingredients:
- Stir in the chili seasoning mix, chili beans, kidney beans, and diced tomatoes. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, until heated through and slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Prepare the Salad Base:
- In a large bowl or serving dish, layer the shredded lettuce as the base of the salad.
- Add Toppings:
- Spoon the chili mixture over the lettuce. Top with shredded cheddar cheese, cherry tomatoes, diced red onion, and black olives if using.
- Add Crunch and Dressing:
- Sprinkle the Fritos corn chips over the top just before serving to maintain their crunch.
- In a small bowl, mix the sour cream with the salsa. Drizzle this mixture over the salad or serve it on the side as a dressing.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately to enjoy the crunch of the Fritos and the freshness of the vegetables.
Tips for Success:
- Chili: Make sure to let the chili mixture cool slightly before adding it to the salad to avoid wilting the lettuce.
- Crunchy Fritos: Add the Fritos right before serving to keep them crisp.
- Adjusting Spice: You can adjust the heat level of the chili by using a mild or hot chili seasoning mix.
Recipe Variations:
- Vegetarian Option: Use a plant-based ground meat substitute and ensure the chili beans are vegetarian-friendly.
- Add Avocado: For extra creaminess, add sliced avocado or guacamole.
- Spicy Version: Add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the chili mixture for extra heat.
Serving Suggestions:
- Pair with a side of cornbread or a simple Mexican rice for a complete meal.
- Serve as a hearty side dish alongside grilled meats or tacos.
Freezing and Storage:
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Note that the Fritos may lose their crunch over time.
- Freezing: This salad is not suitable for freezing due to the texture of the Fritos and the freshness of the vegetables.
Special Equipment:
- Skillet: For cooking the ground beef and making the chili mixture.
- Large Bowl or Serving Dish: For assembling and serving the salad.
FAQ:
- Can I make this salad ahead of time?
You can prepare the chili mixture and vegetables ahead of time, but add the Fritos and dressing just before serving to keep everything fresh. - Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can use Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or any cheese of your choice. - Can I make this salad without beans?
Yes, you can omit the beans or substitute them with additional meat or vegetables.
Preparation Time:
- 10 minutes for prepping ingredients and cooking the beef.
Cook Time:
- 15 minutes for preparing the chili mixture.
Total Time:
- 25 minutes (including prep and cook time).
Nutrition Information (per serving, assuming 6 servings):
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 7g
Fritos Chili Cheese Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can (15 oz) chili beans (in sauce)
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 packet (1 oz) chili seasoning mix
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups shredded iceberg lettuce
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives (optional)
- 1 cup Fritos corn chips
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup salsa
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef:
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Add Chili Ingredients:
- Stir in the chili seasoning mix, chili beans, kidney beans, and diced tomatoes. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, until heated through and slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Prepare the Salad Base:
- In a large bowl or serving dish, layer the shredded lettuce as the base of the salad.
- Add Toppings:
- Spoon the chili mixture over the lettuce. Top with shredded cheddar cheese, cherry tomatoes, diced red onion, and black olives if using.
- Add Crunch and Dressing:
- Sprinkle the Fritos corn chips over the top just before serving to maintain their crunch.
- In a small bowl, mix the sour cream with the salsa. Drizzle this mixture over the salad or serve it on the side as a dressing.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately to enjoy the crunch of the Fritos and the freshness of the vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 18g
Closing Notes:
Have you tried this Fritos Chili Cheese Salad? Share your thoughts and any tweaks you made in the comments below! Don’t forget to tag us on social media with your delicious salad and check back for more tasty and easy recipes.
