Name: Frito Pie Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 small yellow onion, diced; 1 packet taco seasoning; 1 can chili beans (15 oz); 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies (10 oz, undrained); 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1 bag Fritos corn chips (9.25 oz); Chopped green onions and sour cream for garnish

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There’s something magical about a bubbling, melty casserole that instantly draws everyone to the table, and Frito Pie is that kind of dish. This iconic Tex-Mex bake is all about comfort—crunchy Fritos layered with a bold beef and chili bean filling, then smothered in gooey cheddar cheese. It’s fast, fun, and practically foolproof, making it a guaranteed hit at any gathering or weeknight dinner. If you’re ready for a supremely satisfying crowd-pleaser, keep reading because Frito Pie is going to become your new obsession!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for Frito Pie couldn’t be easier to gather, but each one is a hero in its own right. These essentials come together for a colorful, flavor-packed meal that’s hearty and irresistibly cheesy.

Ground beef: Adds a rich, meaty base that soaks up the seasoning beautifully—swap for turkey or plant-based crumbles if you like.
Yellow onion (diced): Gives a subtle sweetness and a gentle bite, becoming tender and aromatic as it cooks with the beef.
Taco seasoning: The key to instant Tex-Mex flavor; use your favorite blend or a homemade mix for even more personalization.
Chili beans (canned): Packed in a rich, seasoned sauce for extra flavor and creaminess—perfect for that classic chili undertone.
Diced tomatoes with green chilies: A can of these adds tang, gentle heat, and a pop of color; don’t drain—the juices help bind everything together.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into an oozy, golden blanket that brings everything together; sharp or mild, it’s all good.
Fritos corn chips: The star of the show—crunchy, salty, and absolutely essential for that iconic texture and flavor.
Chopped green onions: Scatter on top for a fresh, zippy finish that pops against the warm, cheesy layers.
Sour cream: A cool, creamy dollop balances out the spices and adds a luxurious touch to each bite.

How to Make Frito Pie

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Preheat

Before you do anything else, crank your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures nothing sticks and makes cleanup a breeze—plus, getting the oven hot now means you can move quickly once everything’s ready.

Step 2: Brown the Beef and Onion

In a large skillet over medium heat, toss in the ground beef and diced onion. Break up the beef as it cooks and let it sizzle until the meat is fully browned and the onion is soft and fragrant. Don’t forget to drain off any extra grease—this keeps your Frito Pie from turning out too heavy.

Step 3: Add Seasoning, Beans, and Tomatoes

Next, sprinkle in your taco seasoning, then pour in the chili beans (with their flavorful sauce) and the undrained diced tomatoes with green chilies. Give everything a good stir, then let the mixture simmer together for about 5 minutes. This step allows all those bold, zesty flavors to mingle and intensify.

Step 4: Layer the Fritos

Spread half the Fritos right on the bottom of your greased baking dish. This creates the crunchy foundation that sets Frito Pie apart from any other casserole. Resist the urge to snack on the chips—okay, maybe just one or two!

Step 5: Add Meat Mixture and Cheese

Spoon the hot, savory beef and bean mixture over your bed of Fritos, spreading it evenly so every bite will be loaded with flavor. Sprinkle a generous helping of shredded cheddar over the top—it’s all about that irresistible melted cheese layer!

Step 6: Top with More Fritos

For extra crunch, top the cheese layer with the remaining Fritos. They’ll get deliciously toasty and golden as the pie bakes, providing that signature texture everyone looks forward to.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Pop your dish in the oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling around the edges. Your kitchen will smell absolutely amazing by now—good luck keeping everyone away until it’s ready!

Step 8: Rest and Garnish

Once baked, let your Frito Pie rest for about 5 minutes before digging in. This little pause makes it easier to serve, and lets the layers settle. Finish it off with a sprinkle of chopped green onions and a generous dollop of sour cream for the final, perfect touch.

How to Serve Frito Pie

Garnishes

There’s real joy in piling on the goodies! Chopped green onions add a punchy pop of color and bite, while sour cream cools things down and creates a lovely contrast to the bold, spicy pie. Feeling adventurous? A few jalapeño slices or a splash of hot sauce will bring extra excitement to each helping.

Side Dishes

Frito Pie is a meal in itself, but if you’re looking to round out the table, try serving it with a crisp green salad, creamy coleslaw, or grilled corn on the cob. These fresh, crunchy sides balance out the heartiness of the pie and keep things lively.

Creative Ways to Present

Take a cue from classic fairs and serve Frito Pie right in the chip bag for a playful, no-plate-needed experience—just spoon the hot filling right into individual bags! Or, try baking in mini ramekins for personal portions that are cute, fun, and perfect for parties. No matter how you serve it, don’t forget plenty of napkins!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got extra Frito Pie? Just let it cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. It’ll keep happily in the fridge for up to 3 days. The chips will soften a bit, but the flavors get even richer and more irresistible.

Freezing

Frito Pie freezes surprisingly well! To freeze, assemble the casserole but leave off the top layer of Fritos. Wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge, add fresh chips, and bake as directed.

Reheating

To reheat, bake leftovers in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, for about 20 minutes, or until hot all the way through. For a quick meal, pop individual portions in the microwave. If you want to revive any lost crunch, scatter a few fresh Fritos on top just before serving.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or a vegetarian substitute for the beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles work beautifully in Frito Pie. The core flavors come from the seasoning, beans, and chips, so feel free to switch up the protein to suit any taste or dietary need.

How spicy is this Frito Pie recipe?

The heat level is pretty mild as written, but you can amp it up by choosing hot diced tomatoes with green chilies, adding chopped jalapeños, or sprinkling extra chili powder or hot sauce into the sauce. Spice lovers—make it your own!

What’s the best way to keep Fritos crunchy?

Frito Pie is all about being served fresh from the oven, so don’t assemble until you’re almost ready to bake. Also, leave off the top Fritos until just before baking for maximum crunch. If making ahead, add a sprinkle of fresh chips when reheating.

Can I make Frito Pie in advance?

Yes! Prepare the filling ahead and store in the fridge, then layer with Fritos and cheese right before baking. This makes dinner prep lightning-fast, and ensures those chips stay nice and crisp.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Frito Pie can be naturally gluten-free, as long as you use certified gluten-free taco seasoning and check that your brand of Fritos fits your needs. Always double-check package labels just to be safe!

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for an easy, fun, and incredibly satisfying meal, Frito Pie deserves a place on your table. This recipe is equal parts nostalgia and flavor explosion—perfect for sharing with family, friends, or anyone in need of a warm, cheesy pick-me-up. Jump in and give it a try—it just might become a new favorite in your kitchen!

Frito Pie Recipe

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4.8 from 8 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Frito Pie recipe is a Tex-Mex classic that combines flavorful taco-seasoned ground beef, chili beans, and gooey cheddar cheese all layered with crunchy Fritos corn chips. Baked to perfection, this dish is a comforting and satisfying meal the whole family will love.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Filling:

1 pound ground beef
1 small yellow onion, diced
1 packet taco seasoning
1 can chili beans (15 oz)
1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies (10 oz, undrained)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

For Assembly and Garnish:

1 bag Fritos corn chips (9.25 oz)
Chopped green onions and sour cream for garnish

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook the Beef Mixture: Brown the ground beef and onion in a skillet. Drain excess grease and add taco seasoning, chili beans, and diced tomatoes. Simmer for 5 minutes.
Layer and Bake: Spread half the Fritos in the baking dish. Top with the beef mixture and cheddar cheese. Add remaining Fritos on top. Bake for 15–20 minutes.
Serve: Let it rest for 5 minutes before garnishing with green onions and sour cream.