Frito Pie Recipe

Frito Pie is the ultimate comfort food experience—a fabulous one-dish wonder that brings together crunchy Fritos, a hearty beef and bean filling, melted cheese, and just the right amount of Tex-Mex zip. It’s the kind of meal that makes weeknights exciting and casual gatherings feel special. Loaded with bold flavors, satisfying textures, and a touch of nostalgia, this Frito Pie is always a hit, whether you’re serving hungry kids or dishing up plates at your next game day party.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of supermarket staples to make Frito Pie, but each one truly shines and builds layers of flavor, crunch, and color. Gather these ingredients for an unbeatable casserole that covers all the craveable bases.

• Ground beef: Brings heartiness, rich flavor, and plenty of protein—feel free to swap for ground turkey or plant-based crumbles if you like.
• Yellow onion: Diced and sautéed, onion adds sweetness and extra depth to the filling.
• Taco seasoning: This handy packet delivers Tex-Mex spices with zero fuss, seasoning everything in one go.
• Chili beans: Canned chili beans make the filling extra savory and satisfying, with an extra boost of fiber.
• Diced tomatoes with green chilies: Don’t drain them! The juice melds everything together and the green chilies add mild heat.
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into gooey perfection, offering tangy, creamy richness in every bite.
• Fritos corn chips: The star of the show! Their classic salty crunch defines what makes Frito Pie so irresistible.
• Chopped green onions and sour cream: These cool, fresh garnishes balance the warm flavors and add pops of color and zest.

How to Make Frito Pie

Step 1: Prep and Sauté

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion together. Stir occasionally as the beef browns and the onion softens and turns fragrant. Once the beef is fully cooked and no pink remains, drain off any excess grease—no one wants an oily casserole!

Step 2: Build Flavor

Stir in the taco seasoning, chili beans, and the entire can of diced tomatoes with green chilies (juice and all). This is where the magic happens: the spices, beans, and tomatoes blend into a deeply savory, hearty filling. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes so the flavors meld and concentrate.

Step 3: Layer the Frito Pie

Scatter half of your Fritos into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. (Try not to eat too many—tempting as it is!) Spoon the warm beef mixture evenly over the Fritos, making sure every bite will have a good mix of filling and crunch. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the beef filling, then top with the rest of the Fritos. This double layer of chips keeps every forkful satisfyingly crispy.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Goodness

Pop the casserole into your preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, just until the cheese melts into bubbling perfection and the Fritos on top begin to turn golden. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before digging in—this helps the layers set up so serving is easier.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Right before serving, sprinkle on the chopped green onions and add a dollop of cool, tangy sour cream. The contrast of warm, cheesy filling and fresh toppings is what puts this Frito Pie over the top!

How to Serve Frito Pie

Garnishes

Go all out with toppings! Classic green onions and sour cream lend color and richness, but you can also add pickled jalapeños for heat, diced tomatoes for freshness, or a spoonful of salsa for zest. Each garnish brings an extra layer that makes the Frito Pie uniquely yours.

Side Dishes

This Frito Pie is hearty on its own, but it plays well with a simple green salad tossed in lime vinaigrette or some sweet, juicy corn on the cob. A side of black beans or refried beans is another flavorful choice, turning dinner into a real Tex-Mex feast.

Creative Ways to Present

Try scooping Frito Pie into individual bowls or cups for a party-friendly twist—kids and grown-ups alike get a kick out of pie-in-a-bag style servings. Or, go fancy with a cast-iron skillet presentation for rustic table appeal. However you dish it up, it’s always fun and inviting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover any leftover Frito Pie tightly and refrigerate for up to three days. The chips will lose a bit of crunch as the casserole sits, but the zesty flavors only deepen with time, making leftovers a lunchtime treat.

Freezing

Frito Pie can be assembled and frozen before baking—just hold off on adding the top layer of Fritos until you’re ready to cook. Wrap well and freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready to bake, top with fresh Fritos and bake straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Reheating

To reheat slices, use a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes until heated through and the cheese gets gooey again. For small portions, the microwave is fine, though the chips may turn softer. For best results, always garnish after reheating so everything tastes bright and fresh.

FAQs

Can I use another type Main Course

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives work well and soak up all the Tex-Mex flavors in this casserole just like ground beef does.

How spicy is this dish?

With standard taco seasoning and mild diced green chilies, Frito Pie has a gentle warmth but isn’t very spicy. For more heat, toss in sliced jalapeños or use hot seasoned beans or tomatoes.

Do Fritos stay crunchy after baking?

The Fritos on top keep their signature crunch right out of the oven, while the ones underneath soak up savory goodness and get a little softer. The contrast is all part of the Frito Pie charm!

Is Frito Pie gluten-free?

It can be! Check your brand of taco seasoning and Fritos to ensure there’s no added gluten, and this recipe easily fits a gluten-free diet.

Can I make Frito Pie ahead for a party?

Yes! Assemble in advance without the top Frito layer, refrigerate, then add Fritos right before baking so everyone enjoys that crave-worthy crunch fresh from the oven.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried a homemade Frito Pie, now is the time! It’s fun, nostalgic, and so simple—perfect for sharing with friends or family. Every batch brings the comfort of bubbling cheese, zesty filling, and loads of crispy Fritos. Give it a try, and this Tex-Mex favorite just might become a go-to in your kitchen, too.

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