If you have a soft spot for hearty, comforting meals that bring a fiesta of flavors to your table, this Frito Pie Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine layers of savory ground beef, zesty green chilies, rich beans, and melty cheese nestled on a crunchy bed of Fritos corn chips. It’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that’s as easy to make as it is satisfying, perfect for casual dinners, potlucks, or anytime you crave something deliciously indulgent with a Tex-Mex twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple but flavorful ingredients is the secret to this Frito Pie Recipe’s success. Each element combines to build layers of taste and texture, from the spicy kick of the taco seasoning to the satisfying crunch of the Fritos. Here’s what you need to get started:
- Lean ground beef: Provides hearty protein and a rich base flavor for the pie.
- Chopped onion: Adds sweetness and depth while sautéing with the beef.
- Taco seasoning packet: Infuses the meat with classic Tex-Mex spices for authentic flavor.
- Chili powder: Boosts that warm, smoky heat without overpowering.
- Diced mild green chilies (canned): Contributes gentle spice and a pleasant tangy brightness.
- Pinto or kidney beans (canned, drained): Offers creaminess and stretching the filling to hearty proportions.
- Red enchilada sauce: Adds moisture, rich tomato notes, and extra spice.
- Shredded Mexican blend cheese: Melts into gooey goodness, binding the dish together.
- Fritos corn chips: Bring irresistible crunch and that salty, corny flavor essential to Frito Pie’s charm.
- Optional garnishes (cilantro, tomatoes, sour cream, scallions, avocado): Freshen and brighten the finished dish.
How to Make Frito Pie Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F, placing the rack in the middle for even heat. This step sets the stage so everything cooks just right, melting cheese perfectly and warming the casserole through without drying it out.
Step 2: Cook the Beef and Onions
In a skillet or Dutch oven, brown the lean ground beef with the chopped onion. Breaking the meat up as it cooks helps it become tender and evenly cooked. Drain any excess fat for a leaner pie base that still stays juicy and flavorful.
Step 3: Season and Add Flavor
Sprinkle in the taco seasoning and chili powder, then stir in the diced green chilies, drained beans, and enchilada sauce. Let everything warm through for a minute to marry the flavors and thicken the mixture slightly. This savory filling is the heart of the dish.
Step 4: Layer in the Casserole Dish
Transfer the savory filling to a 9×13 casserole dish, spreading it out evenly to ensure each bite gets maximum flavor and filling goodness. This layering helps the dish bake uniformly and makes for easy serving later.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Fritos, Then Bake
Top the meat mixture with a generous layer of shredded cheese, then cover it with your Fritos, distributing them evenly. Bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes to heat everything through, melt the cheese deeply, and allow the Fritos to soften slightly but maintain some crunch.
Step 6: Prepare the Toppings
While the pie bakes, get your optional toppings ready. Fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, creamy sour cream, sliced scallions, or ripe avocado can add layers of freshness, creaminess, and color that brighten up the rich casserole.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once the Frito Pie Recipe comes out of the oven, plate it up with your chosen garnishes. The combination of hot, cheesy, and crunchy with cool, fresh toppings makes each bite an absolute delight. This dish invites sharing and celebrating with friends or family.
How to Serve Frito Pie Recipe
Garnishes
Top your Frito Pie with bright cilantro, diced tomatoes, a dollop of sour cream, sliced scallions, or creamy avocado. These fresh garnishes add vibrancy, balance the richness, and provide a variety of colors and textures that make the dish visually appealing and even more flavorful.
Side Dishes
Serve this Frito Pie alongside simple sides like a crisp green salad, steamed corn on the cob, or refried beans. These choices complement the hearty meat and crunchy chips without overwhelming the palate, creating a well-rounded meal that satisfies.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Frito Pie in individual mini casserole dishes or even in large Frito bags opened up as single servings. You can also turn it into layered Frito pie cups by layering ingredients in small ramekins, making it perfect for parties or casual gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Frito Pie, simply cover the leftovers tightly with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate them. The pie keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it a great option for quick lunches or second helpings.
Freezing
You can freeze the assembled Frito Pie before baking by wrapping the casserole dish tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze it up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to cooking time.
Reheating
To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave until heated through or pop the whole dish back into a 350°F oven, covered with foil, until bubbling again. Adding fresh toppings after reheating refreshes the flavors and textures beautifully.
FAQs
Can I make this Frito Pie Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or just add extra beans and vegetables like bell peppers and corn for a tasty vegetarian version that still delivers plenty of heartiness and flavor.
What type of cheese works best for Frito Pie?
A Mexican blend is perfect for melty, mild, and slightly sharp flavors, but cheddar cheese works well too. Feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack or pepper jack for some extra kick!
Is it possible to make this recipe spicier?
Yes, you can increase the chili powder and add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the meat mixture. Adjust the heat according to your taste preferences to get the perfect level of spice.
Can I use homemade Fritos or tortillas instead?
Traditional Fritos corn chips give this pie its signature crunch and flavor, but you can substitute with homemade tortilla chips or store-bought if you prefer a different texture — just be sure they’re sturdy enough to hold up in the casserole.
Is Frito Pie Recipe suitable for a crowd?
Definitely! This recipe yields enough to satisfy 8 hungry people, making it perfect for family dinners, game day gatherings, or casual parties where everyone can scoop their own serving and customize toppings.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re looking for a nostalgic dish that brings back good memories or a new comfort food to add to your rotation, the Frito Pie Recipe hits all the right notes. It’s easy to prepare, endlessly satisfying, and a real crowd-pleaser. So go ahead, gather your ingredients and share this deliciously fun casserole with friends or family—you’ll be so glad you did!
Print
Frito Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Description
This hearty and flavorful Frito Pie combines seasoned ground beef, beans, green chilies, and enchilada sauce layered with crunchy Fritos corn chips and melted cheese. Baked to bubbly perfection and topped with fresh garnishes, it makes a comforting and easy-to-make Tex-Mex casserole perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 1 (1 ounce) packet taco seasoning
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 2 (4 ounce) cans diced mild green chilies
- 1 (15 ounce) can pinto beans or kidney beans, drained
- 1 (15 ounce) can red enchilada sauce
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese or cheddar
- 3–4 cups Fritos corn chips (or to taste)
Optional Toppings
- Cilantro, chopped
- Diced tomatoes
- Sour cream
- Scallions or red onions, sliced
- Avocado, sliced or diced
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the oven rack in the middle position to ensure even baking.
- Brown the Beef and Onions: In a skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, add the ground beef and chopped onions. Cook, breaking apart the beef with a spoon, for about 8-10 minutes until browned. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish lean.
- Add Seasonings and Ingredients: Stir in the taco seasoning packet, chili powder, diced mild green chilies, drained beans, and the red enchilada sauce. Cook for another minute until the mixture is heated through and well combined.
- Assemble in Casserole Dish: Transfer the beef and bean mixture to a 9×13-inch casserole dish, spreading it into an even layer to create a base for the toppings.
- Add Cheese and Fritos: Sprinkle the shredded Mexican blend cheese evenly over the beef mixture, then top with a generous 3-4 cups of Fritos corn chips, distributing them in an even layer.
- Bake: Place the casserole dish uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the dish is hot throughout.
- Prepare Toppings: While the casserole bakes, prepare any optional toppings such as chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, sour cream, sliced scallions or red onions, and avocado for serving.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once baked, remove the Frito Pie from the oven. Serve portions topped with your choice of fresh garnishes for added flavor and texture. Enjoy your delicious, comforting Frito Pie!
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef for a leaner option.
- Use gluten-free Fritos if you require a gluten-free version.
- Keep the Fritos crunchy by adding them right before serving or adjust quantity according to crunch preference.
- Leftovers store well and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Additional toppings like jalapeños or hot sauce can add extra spice if desired.
