If you are on the lookout for a hearty, comforting dish that delivers big on flavor and nostalgia, this Frito Pie Recipe is an absolute winner. Combining crispy corn chips with a savory, spicy beef and bean mixture, all smothered in melted cheddar cheese, it’s a layered masterpiece that satisfies cravings and warms the soul. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, this recipe brings together bold Tex-Mex flavors in a fun and easy-to-make casserole that everyone will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic in this Frito Pie Recipe comes from a handful of simple ingredients that each play a vital role in creating that irresistible combination of texture, taste, and color. From seasoned ground beef to tangy diced tomatoes with green chilies, every component is essential.
- Ground beef (1 lb): The hearty protein base that adds rich flavor and satisfying texture.
- Onion, diced (1 small): Provides a mild sweetness and aromatic depth when cooked.
- Taco seasoning packet (1 oz): Packs in the spice and classic Tex-Mex seasoning blend.
- Chili beans (1 can, 15 oz): Adds fiber, heartiness, and a wonderful chili flavor.
- Diced tomatoes with green chilies (1 can, 10 oz): Contributes a juicy, tangy kick with a mild heat.
- Fritos corn chips (1 bag, 9.25 oz): The crunchy, salty layer that’s the real star of the show.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (2 cups): Melts beautifully over each layer for creamy, cheesy goodness.
- Optional toppings: Sour cream, diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, or chopped cilantro add freshness and extra flavor pops.
How to Make Frito Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Cook the Beef
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready for baking once everything is assembled. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the diced onion until fully cooked and tender. Don’t forget to drain the excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy—this step ensures a perfect balance of flavor and texture.
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
Once the beef and onion are ready, stir in the taco seasoning packet, chili beans, and diced tomatoes with green chilies. Let everything simmer together for about five minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the flavors to meld and the mixture to thicken slightly. This spiced filling is the heart of your Frito Pie Recipe.
Step 3: Layer Your Ingredients
Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and start by spreading half of the Fritos in an even layer on the bottom. Next, carefully spoon half of the beef and bean mixture over the chips, followed by a generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese. This layering technique ensures each bite has the perfect mix of crunch, savory beef, and melty cheese.
Step 4: Repeat and Bake
Repeat the layers by adding the remaining Fritos, beef mixture, and cheddar cheese. Cover the dish tightly with foil to lock in moisture and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and golden. This final step brings everything together into a warm, cohesive casserole.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Dish out your freshly baked Frito Pie Recipe hot from the oven, topped with your choice of creamy sour cream, fresh diced tomatoes, spicy jalapeños, or a sprinkle of cilantro for that fresh burst of flavor. This is comfort food at its best—crispy, cheesy, and packed with delicious layers.
How to Serve Frito Pie Recipe
Garnishes
The optional toppings transform this casserole from delicious to irresistible. Cool dollops of sour cream help balance out the spice. Fresh tomatoes add lightness, jalapeños bring an extra kick, and cilantro gives a vibrant, herbal note that brightens each bite. Don’t be shy with these—they really elevate the dish.
Side Dishes
Pair your Frito Pie Recipe with simple sides like a crisp green salad or a zesty Mexican-style coleslaw for freshness. Refried beans or Mexican street corn can also complement the meal beautifully, adding more layers of flavor and texture without overwhelming the main dish.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this recipe in individual ramekins for a fun, personal touch at your next gathering. You can even scoop it into large tortilla chips for a playful twist that’s perfect for game day or casual parties. This dish’s versatility makes it a crowd-pleaser no matter how you serve it.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, simply cover your Frito Pie tightly with plastic wrap or transfer portions into an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it a great option for next-day lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well if you want to prep in advance. Just let it cool completely, then wrap the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil or transfer portions to freezer-safe containers. Stored properly, it can last up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm your Frito Pie covered in the oven at 350°F until heated through and the cheese is melty again, usually about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick fix, but the oven method helps maintain that crisp texture on the chips.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or even chicken can be a lighter alternative and will still work great with the taco seasoning and other ingredients. Just be sure to adjust cooking times as needed since turkey cooks faster.
Is this recipe very spicy?
This Frito Pie Recipe has a mild to moderate spice level thanks to the taco seasoning and green chilies. If you prefer it spicier, feel free to add extra jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or extra beans for protein. You can also add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers and mushrooms to boost flavor and nutrition while keeping it vegetarian-friendly.
What type of cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar cheese is traditional and melts beautifully, but you can mix in Monterey Jack, pepper Jack, or even a Mexican cheese blend to customize the flavor and creaminess to your liking.
Can I assemble this ahead of time and bake later?
Definitely! You can layer the Frito Pie casserole up to a day in advance, cover it well, and keep it in the fridge. When you’re ready, just pop it into a preheated oven and bake as directed—perfect for busy days.
Final Thoughts
This Frito Pie Recipe is a heartwarming dish that’s as easy to make as it is satisfying to eat. Full of bold flavors, layered textures, and that irresistible cheesy topping, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. So grab your skillet and bag of Fritos, and dive into this cozy feast that feels like a big, comforting hug on a plate.
Print
Frito Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A delicious and comforting Frito Pie recipe featuring layers of seasoned ground beef, chili beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, crunchy Fritos corn chips, and melted cheddar cheese, baked to bubbly perfection and served with optional fresh toppings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
- 1 can (15 oz) chili beans
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 bag (9.25 oz) Fritos corn chips
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Optional Toppings
- Sour cream
- Diced tomatoes
- Sliced jalapeños
- Chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the assembled Frito Pie.
- Cook Beef and Onion: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and the onion is tender. Drain any excess fat to reduce greasiness.
- Add Seasonings and Mix-ins: Stir in the taco seasoning, chili beans, and diced tomatoes with green chilies. Cook the mixture for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to combine flavors.
- Layer Ingredients: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread half of the Fritos corn chips evenly as the base layer. Top with half of the beef mixture, then sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
- Repeat Layers: Repeat layering with the remaining Fritos, beef mixture, and cheddar cheese to build the pie.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes to heat through and meld flavors.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly with slightly golden edges.
- Serve: Serve the Frito Pie hot topped with your choice of optional toppings such as sour cream, diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, or chopped cilantro for added freshness and flavor.
Notes
- Draining excess grease after browning the beef helps keep the dish from becoming too oily.
- Feel free to adjust the taco seasoning amount depending on your preferred spice level.
- This dish is best enjoyed fresh but can be refrigerated and reheated for leftovers.
- Optional toppings add brightness and balance to the rich and savory flavors.
- Using a 9×13-inch baking dish ensures even cooking and layering depth.
- Covering with foil during baking prevents the cheese from burning while keeping the pie moist.
