Frito Pie

This ain’t just any ol’ Frito Pie, boos! You’ve got a hearty beef and bean base (kinda like chili), all jazzed up with seasonings and topped with a generous layer of gooey cheese and crunchy Fritos. It’s comfort food with a lil’ kick, perfect for game day, a family dinner, or just because. Once you take a bite, you’ll be HOOKED!

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Frito Pie is a Southwestern/Tex-Mex classic, y’all. Inspired by the OG Frito pie recipe, AKA walking taco or “tostilocos“, this version gets a huge upgrade. Instead of serving it in a mini Fritos bag, we’re goin’ big with a baking dish! And don’t let the name fool ya – this ain’t really a pie. It’s more like a taco casserole (like my Dorito casserole!) that has just the right amount of crunchiness, beefiness, and cheesiness in every bite. Seconds will be served, I guarantee you that!

The Low Down On This Frito Pie

Cuisine Inspiration: Southwestern/Tex-Mex
Primary Cooking Method: Baking
Dietary Info: Contains dairy and gluten, but you can change that!
Key Flavor: Bold, savory, cheesy, and slightly spicy
Skill Level: Easy, boos!

• Crowd Pleaser: When you’ve got a bunch of folks to feed, casseroles like this easy frito pie are the way to go. Whip up a big ol’ batch, pop it in the oven, and you’re golden!
• Meal in One: You don’t need a bunch of sides with this dish. It’s got your protein, veggies, and carbs all packed into one tasty meal!
• Minimal Prep: Ain’t nobody got time for a complicated meal on a busy night. With this recipe, you just chop a bit, sauté a bit, and then let the oven do the rest. Easy peasy!
• Kid-Friendly: The kiddos will go NUTS for this one. It’s cheesy, crunchy, and packed with flavor without being too spicy. Plus, they’ll love the Fritos on top.

Ingredients to make Frito Pie

• Fritos Scoops: It wouldn’t be Frito pie recipe without ’em! The Scoops variety is perfect to hold everything together and keep that crunch we want.
• Olive Oil: For sautéing the veggies. You could use any neutral oil you have on hand.
• Yellow Onion: Adds a nice, savory base. If you’re out, a white onion will do just fine.
• Bell Pepper: Red or green, your choice! Adds sweetness and a pop of color.
• Garlic: Fresh is best, but you can sub with garlic powder if needed.
• Kosher Salt and Black Pepper: For seasoning. Don’t be shy with the salt!
• Chili Powder: Dark chili powder gives a deeper flavor. If you only have regular, that works too.
• Ground Cumin: Brings a warm, earthy taste.
• Oregano: Mexican oregano if you’ve got it, but regular oregano is okay as well.
• Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: For that extra boost of flavor.
• Ground Beef: I use 80/20 for a good balance of flavor and fat. You can totally go leaner if you like.
• Diced Tomatoes: Fire-roasted if you can find them, for a smoky kick.
• Ranch Beans: These are essentially pinto beans in a tomato-based sauce. You can use regular pinto beans in a pinch, just add a bit more seasoning.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a nice depth of flavor. Don’t have it? A splash of soy sauce can step in.
• Enchilada Sauce: Mild for this recipe. If you want more heat, go with medium or hot.
• Canned Corn: Fire-roasted adds extra flavor, but regular canned corn is just fine.
• Fresh Cilantro: Adds a fresh, bright note.
• Fiesta/Mexican Blend Cheese: Lots of it! I love it cheesy. Feel free to use cheddar or any melty cheese you have.
• Green Onions: For a fresh garnish on top!

How to make Frito Pie

Step 1: Crush the fritos and layer them

1. Reserve a cup of Fritos and gently crush them. Set aside.
2. Layer in about half of the remaining Fritos, completely covering the bottom of a baking dish.

Step 2: Cook the filling

1. Add olive oil, onion, and bell pepper to a large skillet. Season with kosher salt and cook over medium-high heat until just starting to caramelize.
2. Add garlic and spices and continue to cook for a minute.
3. Add ground beef and break it up into small chunks. Cook until beef is almost cooked through.
4. Add in diced tomatoes, Ranch beans, enchilada sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Continue cooking until the sauce starts to thicken, but is still thin enough that when you run a spoon through it, it comes back together fairly quickly.
5. Add corn and cilantro.
6. Stir together, and remove from heat.

step 3: assemble the casserole and bake

1. Pour about half of the meat mixture on top of the Fritos layer.
2. Layer on half of the cheese.
3. Layer on the remaining half of the Fritos.
4. Sprinkle the remaining half of the cheese.

5. Place in oven and bake until the mixture is hot and bubbling slightly. Then, remove from the oven and garnish with green onions. Let sit for a few minutes, garnish each serving with crushed Fritos, and enjoy!

Tips for making the best chili frito pie

1. Drain the Excess Moisture: After cooking the ground beef and veggies, be sure to drain off any excess liquid. This way, when you add the beans and sauces, the filling won’t come out too watery.
2. Make It a One-Pot Wonder: Save yourself some dishes and use an ovenproof skillet for the whole shebang. Cook everything up on the stovetop, then slide that same skillet right into the oven. Less mess y’all!
3. Don’t Overbake: Most of the ingredients are already cooked, so you just need to heat it until it’s hot and bubbly. Overbaking can dry it out, and nobody wants a dried-out pie.
4. Rest Before Serving: Let your Frito pie casserole sit for about 5 minutes after it comes out of the oven. This helps it set up a bit, making it easier to serve and letting those flavors get to know each other even better.

Popular substitutions & additions

• Switch Up the Protein: Sometimes I like to change things up and use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. And if I’m feelin’ extra fancy, I’ll use chorizo for a nice spicy kick!
• Use Different Cheeses: While I loooove the good ol’ fiesta blend, you can mix it up with sharp cheddar, pepper jack, or even crumble in some queso fresco.
• Add More Heat: If you like things REAL spicy, toss in some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. And as mentioned above, you can also use hot enchilada sauce instead of mild for that extra punch.
• Veggie Boost: Want to sneak in some extra veggies? Go for it! Throw in some diced zucchini, corn, or even a handful of spinach. It’s a great way to get more greens in there.

What to serve with this easy frito pie

• Frito pie is pretty hearty on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, serve it with some Mexican rice or a side of red beans. They soak up all that tasty sauce and add a little extra Tex-Mex flair.
• Craving something fresh? Whip up some homemade salsa verde or a fresh batch of guacamole. They add a nice, refreshing contrast to the rich, beefy goodness of the pie.
• You can’t go wrong with some Mexican cornbread or a basket of warm, buttery hot water cornbread. Perfect for soppin’ up every last bit of that savory goodness!
• Wanna add a Southern flair? Serve it with a side of collard greens or some creamed corn, baby!

How to store & reheat Frito Pie

Once your chili Frito pie has cooled down, cover it up nice and tight with some aluminum foil or stick it in an airtight container. Place it in the fridge, and it’ll be ready and waiting for your next craving!

To reheat, you can pop the whole dish back in the oven at 350°F until it’s heated through, usually about 15-20 minutes. For individual portions, the microwave works just fine – simply heat on high for 1-2 minutes until it’s nice and warm.

How long will Frito Pie last in the fridge?

This casserole will stay good in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Perfect for meal preppin’ or enjoyin’ those tasty leftovers throughout the week.

Can I freeze frito pie casserole?

If you want to freeze it, make sure it’s completely cooled, then wrap it up real good in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or use a freezer-safe container. It’ll stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to dig in, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat like I mentioned above.

Frequently asked questions

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prep the beef and bean mixture a day or two in advance. Just store it in the fridge, and when you’re ready to bake, layer it with the Fritos and cheese, then pop it in the oven.

Can I make this easy Frito pie recipe vegetarian?

Yep, you can! Swap out the ground beef for a meatless alternative like crumbled tofu or a plant-based ground meat substitute. You can also add extra beans or veggies to bulk it up.

How can I make this Frito pie dairy-free?

Just swap out the cheese for your fave dairy-free cheese alternative. There are plenty of great options that melt well! Everything else in the recipe stays the same.

There you have it, boos! This Frito Pie is a real winner, perfect for any night of the week when you need a hearty, easy, and delicious meal that’ll bring everyone to the table. Give it a try, and I guarantee it’ll become a family favorite in no time. Oh and don’t forget to share your experience with me – I love hearing how y’all put your own spin on it!

More favorite casserole recipes

• Squash Casserole
• Lemon Chicken and Rice Casserole
• Easy Breakfast Casserole Recipe (With How To Video)
• Dorito Casserole
• Broccoli Cheese Casserole
• Biscuits and Gravy Casserole
• Southwestern Chicken Casserole

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