If you’re looking for a hearty, comforting dish that’s bursting with bold flavors and irresistible crunch, you’ve just found your new favorite. This Easy Frito Pie Casserole Recipe takes the classic, beloved flavors of Frito pie and transforms them into a layered, cheesy, crowd-pleasing casserole that’s perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers. It combines savory, spiced ground beef with crispy corn chips and melty cheddar cheese, creating a dish that’s satisfying from the very first bite to the last. Ready in just over an hour, this recipe is as simple as it is delicious, promising to become a staple in your recipe rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, pantry-friendly ingredients is what makes this Easy Frito Pie Casserole Recipe so accessible. Each ingredient plays a special role, adding robust flavor, delightful texture, or a vibrant color that makes the dish as beautiful as it is tasty.
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef: Provides a rich, hearty base packed with protein and flavor.
- 1 small onion, diced: Adds a subtle sweetness and aromatic depth to the chili mixture.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with a punch of savory warmth.
- 1 tablespoon chili powder: The star spice that brings that classic, smoky chili kick.
- 1 ½ teaspoons onion powder: Boosts the onion flavor for a more pronounced savory taste.
- 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder: Enhances garlic notes and balances the spices.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Essential for highlighting every flavor in the dish.
- ¾ teaspoon ground cumin: Adds earthiness and a hint of warmth.
- ½ teaspoon chipotle powder: Offers a mild smoky heat that elevates the chili beautifully.
- 6 tablespoons tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce.
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce: Brings acidity and moisture to the chili base.
- ½ cup beef broth: Keeps the chili juicy and tender.
- 9 cups lightly crushed Fritos corn chips: Adds that signature crunch and salty contrast.
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Melts perfectly for gooey, cheesy layers that bind everything together.
- Sour cream, for serving: A cool, creamy finish that balances the spicy richness.
- Sliced scallions, for serving: Offers a fresh, crisp bite and a pop of color on top.
How to Make Easy Frito Pie Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Make the Chili
Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat and browning your ground beef together with diced onions. The sizzling mixture releases savory aromas that whet your appetite right away. Once the beef is cooked through and no longer pink, drain off any excess grease to keep the casserole from becoming greasy. Now, stir in minced garlic and your blend of spices—chili powder, onion and garlic powders, salt, cumin, and chipotle powder—along with tomato paste. Cook this mixture for a couple of minutes to deepen the flavors and let the spices bloom. Finally, pour in the tomato sauce and beef broth, reduce the heat, and let it simmer gently for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This slow simmer lets the flavors harmonize into the perfect chili base for your casserole.
Step 2: Assemble the Casserole
Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and grease a 9 by 13-inch baking dish. Begin layering the casserole starting with half of your lightly crushed Fritos corn chips, spreading them evenly across the bottom. Follow this with half of your flavorful chili, making sure to cover the chips well. Sprinkle one-third of the shredded cheddar cheese on top to add that indulgent cheesy layer. Repeat these layers once more: Fritos, chili, and finishing with the remaining cheese. The layering is what gives the casserole its delightful combination of textures from crispy to gooey.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Cover the assembled casserole with foil and bake for 20 to 30 minutes to heat everything through and melt the cheese beautifully. Then, remove the foil to allow the top to crisp up for another 10 minutes, giving you that irresistibly crunchy topping that makes this Easy Frito Pie Casserole Recipe so special. The aroma coming from your oven at this point will be pure comfort food magic.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Once baked to bubbly, golden perfection, let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This is the perfect moment to top each serving with a dollop of cool sour cream and a scatter of sliced scallions for freshness and color. Grab a big spoon and dive into layers of savory chili, crunchy chips, and melted cheddar—every bite is pure joy!
How to Serve Easy Frito Pie Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes like sour cream and fresh scallions brightens each bite and balances the rich, spicy flavors of the casserole. You can also try a sprinkle of chopped cilantro, a few slices of jalapeño for extra heat, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a personalized touch that guests will love.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with simple, crisp sides like a fresh tossed salad to lighten the meal or some steamed vegetables to add crunch and color. Cornbread or warm dinner rolls work beautifully if you want to keep the meal extra comforting and filling.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the chili mixture in individual ramekins layered with the Fritos and cheese, then broil the tops for personalized crispy bites. Alternatively, use the casserole as a filling for loaded burritos or stuff it into baked potatoes for a unique presentation. The possibilities are endless and always delicious!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer your leftover casserole to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping it covered well ensures the layers of chili, chips, and cheese stay as tasty as when freshly baked.
Freezing
This Easy Frito Pie Casserole Recipe freezes perfectly, making it an ideal meal prep option. Freeze in a sealed container or heavy-duty foil for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (177°C) for about 15 to 20 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is melted again. For a quicker option, microwave individual portions on medium power for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring halfway for even heating. The casserole tastes just as comforting even on day two!
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works well as a leaner alternative and will still absorb the chili spices beautifully. Just be mindful that it may cook a bit faster, so keep an eye on it while browning.
What can I substitute for Fritos corn chips?
If you want to switch it up, sturdy tortilla chips or corn chips make great substitutes, providing similar crunch and flavor. Avoid softer chips, as they may get soggy too quickly in the casserole.
Is this recipe spicy?
The spice level is mild to moderate thanks to the chili powder and chipotle powder. You can adjust the heat by adding more chipotle powder for smokier spice or a pinch of cayenne if you like it hotter.
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes! Replace the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or a hearty mix of beans and vegetables. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth, and you’ll still get all the delicious layers of this Easy Frito Pie Casserole Recipe.
How do I keep the Fritos crispy?
Lightly crushing the Fritos just before layering and baking helps maintain their crunch. Baking uncovered at the end crisps the topping further, so don’t skip that step to get the perfect texture.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Frito Pie Casserole Recipe is pure comfort on a plate: savory, cheesy, crunchy, and downright delicious. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug after a long day. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or craving a cozy dinner, don’t hesitate to make this your go-to recipe—the smiles and satisfied appetites will speak for themselves!
Print
Easy Frito Pie Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Frito Pie Casserole recipe combines ground beef chili with crunchy Fritos and melted cheddar cheese into a comforting, layered casserole. Perfect for gatherings or a hearty weeknight dinner, it’s baked to bubbly perfection and served with tangy sour cream and fresh scallions.
Ingredients
For the Chili
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons onion powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ¾ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon chipotle powder
- 6 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- ½ cup beef broth
For the Casserole
- 9 cups lightly crushed Fritos corn chips
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream, for serving
- Sliced scallions, for serving
Instructions
- Make the Chili: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef with the diced onions until cooked through. Drain any excess grease. Stir in minced garlic, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, kosher salt, ground cumin, chipotle powder, and tomato paste. Cook this mixture for about 2 minutes to let the spices bloom. Then add tomato sauce and beef broth, reduce heat, and let it simmer gently for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend all flavors.
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish lightly to prevent sticking.
- Assemble the Casserole: Layer half of the lightly crushed Fritos in the baking dish as the base. Spoon half of the prepared chili evenly over the chips. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese on top. Repeat these layers once more, finishing with cheese on top.
- Bake the Casserole: Cover the casserole baking dish with foil, then bake it in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes until the casserole is heated through and the cheese has melted completely.
- Crisp the Topping: Remove the foil and return the dish to the oven for an additional 10 minutes. This will crisp up the Fritos topping and add a delightful texture to the casserole.
- Serve: Once baked, serve the casserole hot with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of sliced scallions for fresh flavor and brightness.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
- Adjust the chipotle powder to control the spice level.
- For a vegetarian alternative, substitute the beef with cooked lentils and use vegetable broth.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
- To make it gluten-free, verify that Fritos and all seasoning are gluten-free.
