If you grew up loving comfort food with a kick of Tex-Mex flair, then this Frito Pie Recipe is going to be your new go-to dish. It’s the ultimate cozy casserole that combines crunchy Fritos, savory seasoned beef, hearty chili beans, and melty cheddar cheese all baked to bubbly perfection. Each bite is a joyous blend of bold flavors and textures that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re feeding family or need a satisfying meal after a busy day, this Frito Pie Recipe delivers on simple ingredients with wow-worthy results.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet essential for creating the perfect harmony of flavors and textures in your Frito Pie Recipe. Each one plays a specific role, whether it’s bringing savory richness, a touch of spice, or that irresistible crunch.
- 1 lb ground beef: The hearty base that brings savory depth and protein to the dish.
- 1 small onion, diced: Adds a subtle sweetness and tender texture when cooked.
- 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning: Infuses the beef with classic Tex-Mex spices for bold flavor.
- 1 can (15 oz) chili beans: Adds fiber, a creamy texture, and chili-infused taste.
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies: Brings juiciness and a mild spicy kick that wakes up the dish.
- 1 bag (9.25 oz) Fritos corn chips: The signature crunchy layer that creates a joyful contrast to the gooey cheese and meaty filling.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully over the layers, adding creaminess and that sharp cheesy punch.
- Optional toppings: Sour cream, diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, chopped cilantro – each provides freshness, coolness, or extra heat depending on your preference.
How to Make Frito Pie Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s hot and ready for baking your masterpiece the moment you assemble the layers. Preparing the oven early also helps keep your cooking pace steady and stress-free.
Step 2: Cook the Beef and Onion
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook 1 pound of ground beef along with the diced onion until the beef is fully browned and the onions soften. Be sure to drain any excess fat for a less greasy, more balanced final filling. This step forms the flavorful, hearty core of your Frito Pie Recipe.
Step 3: Add Seasoning and Mix-ins
Stir in the taco seasoning packet, chili beans, and diced tomatoes with green chilies into the beef mixture. Let everything simmer gently for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This melds all those vibrant flavors together, creating a deliciously spicy and saucy filling that perfectly complements the crunchy chips and gooey cheese to come.
Step 4: Build the Layers (First Half)
Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and sprinkle half of the Fritos corn chips evenly across the bottom. Then generously spoon half of the beef-and-bean mixture over the chips, followed by a hearty sprinkle of half the shredded cheddar cheese. Layering in this order ensures every bite gets those iconic contrasting textures.
Step 5: Repeat and Prepare for Baking
Repeat the layering with the remaining chips, beef mixture, and cheese, creating a second delicious stack. Cover the dish tightly with foil to keep moisture in during the initial baking phase, which tenderizes the ingredients and helps the flavors blend beautifully.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake covered for 20 minutes in your preheated oven. Then, remove the foil and continue baking an additional 5 to 10 minutes until the cheese on top bubbles and develops those irresistible golden spots. This step not only melts the cheese perfectly but also adds a lovely slightly crisp top layer that makes the dish extra special.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy Hot!
Once baked, serve the Frito Pie Recipe piping hot. Offer optional toppings like sour cream, fresh diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, or chopped cilantro so everyone can customize their bowl with cool, fresh, or spicy accents. This last touch turns a humble casserole into a festive, shareable feast.
How to Serve Frito Pie Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes to your Frito Pie Recipe elevates it from comfort food to a lively meal. A dollop of cool sour cream balances the spices beautifully, while fresh diced tomatoes provide bursts of juicy freshness. Jalapeños bring an exciting heat, and cilantro adds a bright herbal note—all of which create layers of flavor and freshness against the rich baked base.
Side Dishes
Serve this dish with simple sides to keep the spotlight on the Frito Pie. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette adds crunch and lightness, while Mexican-style rice or refried beans round out the Tex-Mex theme with extra heartiness. Even some sliced avocado or guacamole on the side can amplify the creaminess and freshness of the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to shake things up? Try serving the layers in individual ramekins for a charming presentation at gatherings. For casual parties, set up a Frito Pie bar where guests can add their own toppings. You could also layer the ingredients in clear casserole dishes to show off the vibrant colors and textures, tempting everyone before they even take a bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Frito Pie Recipe reheats wonderfully, making it perfect for leftovers. Store any uneaten portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping it covered well will preserve the moisture so the beef mixture stays tender and the chips don’t get too soggy.
Freezing
You can freeze the unbaked assembled Frito Pie by wrapping the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and foil. It will keep well for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed. Freezing the dish is a great way to prep ahead for busy weeknights.
Reheating
To reheat leftovers, warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat the whole dish in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. Cover loosely with foil to prevent the cheese from over-browning and to retain moisture. A quick garnish before serving will refresh the flavors and crunch.
FAQs
Can I make this Frito Pie Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap out the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or cooked beans like black beans or pinto beans. You can still follow the same layering and seasoning steps—just adjust the taco seasoning to taste. The corn chips and cheese hold the key textures, so the dish stays just as satisfying.
What kind of cheese works best in Frito Pie?
Sharp cheddar cheese is traditional because it melts beautifully and adds a lovely tangy flavor. However, you can experiment with Monterey Jack or a Mexican cheese blend for a slightly different taste and creaminess. Just make sure to use a cheese that melts well and complements the Tex-Mex profile.
Are Fritos necessary, or can I use another chip?
Fritos are iconic to this recipe due to their extra crunchy texture and slightly salty corn flavor. That said, if you don’t have Fritos on hand, tortilla chips can be a good substitute. Just keep in mind they may become softer when baked, changing the texture a bit.
Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?
Yes! Cooking the beef mixture a day ahead and refrigerating it can save you time on the day you want to bake. Just reheat it slightly before layering so everything mixes well and bakes evenly. This is a great tip for busy households or when entertaining guests.
How spicy is the Frito Pie Recipe, and can I adjust it?
The spice level mainly comes from the taco seasoning and the diced tomatoes with green chilies. If you prefer a milder dish, opt for a mild taco seasoning packet and remove the green chilies or replace them with diced mild tomatoes. You can always add heat at the end with jalapeños or hot sauce on the table.
Final Thoughts
This Frito Pie Recipe has everything you want in an easy, satisfying meal—layers of bold flavors, irresistible textures, and simple ingredients that come together in minutes. It’s a fantastic way to share a cozy, nostalgic dish that’s perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. I encourage you to give it a try soon and enjoy the comforting magic of this Tex-Mex classic.
Print
Frito Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Description
This Frito Pie recipe combines seasoned ground beef, chili beans, and diced tomatoes with green chilies layered with crunchy Fritos corn chips and melted cheddar cheese. Baked to bubbly perfection, it’s a comforting Tex-Mex dish perfect for casual dinners or game day gatherings. Top with sour cream, fresh tomatoes, jalapeños, or cilantro for added flavor and texture.
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 together until the beef is browned and the onion becomes tender. Drain off any excess fat to avoid grease.
- Add seasoning and beans: Stir in the taco seasoning, chili beans, and diced tomatoes with green chilies into the beef mixture. Allow it to cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to meld the flavors.
- Assemble first layer: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread half of the Fritos corn chips evenly. Then layer half of the cooked beef mixture on top, followed by a sprinkle of half of the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Assemble second layer: Repeat the layering process with the remaining Fritos, beef mixture, and cheddar cheese to build a hearty, flavorful casserole.
- Bake the dish: Cover the baking dish with foil to prevent the cheese from burning. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Serve the Frito Pie hot, optionally topped with sour cream, diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, or chopped cilantro to enhance the flavor and freshness.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey for ground beef for a leaner option.
- For extra heat, add diced jalapeños into the beef mixture before baking.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
- Adding black olives or avocado slices as toppings provides additional texture and flavor.
