The Quick & Hearty Frito Pie Recipe That Everyone Adores

Frito pie represents a culinary marvel that converts ordinary snack chips into a mouthwatering comfort meal.

Southern kitchens have long celebrated this crowd-pleasing dish that merges crunchy textures with robust flavors.

Casual dining takes on new excitement when you layer these crisp corn chips with seasoned meat and melted cheese.

Family gatherings instantly become more vibrant with this playful recipe that breaks traditional meal boundaries.

Regional cuisine shines through in every delicious bite of this unpretentious creation.

Combining straightforward ingredients ensures a delightful experience that connects people through shared enjoyment.

Tips for Even Melting and Max Crunch

• Maximize Crunch: Reserve some Fritos to sprinkle on top right before serving to maintain maximum crispiness and texture.
• Perfect Meat Preparation: Thoroughly drain ground beef to prevent a watery casserole and ensure a rich, concentrated flavor profile.
• Cheese Melting Trick: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow cheese to set and create a more appealing presentation.
• Customize Heat Level: Swap regular taco seasoning with spicy versions or add diced green chilies for those who love extra kick.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble the entire dish in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.

Best Ways to Reheat Without Losing the Layers

• Refrigerate leftover Frito Pie in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Store the casserole separately from crispy Fritos to maintain their crunch. When ready to reheat, remove from refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes. Warm in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, covering with aluminum foil to prevent excessive drying. Sprinkle fresh Fritos on top just before serving to restore the original crispy texture. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the chips soggy and cheese rubbery. For best results, add fresh toppings like sour cream or jalapeños after reheating to keep their vibrant flavor and texture.

Perfect Pairings for a Frito-Packed Plate

• Pair with Zesty Cerveza: Grab a crisp, cold Mexican beer like Modelo Especial or Corona to cut through the rich, spicy flavors of the Frito Pie. The light, refreshing beer balances the hearty beef and cheesy layers perfectly.
• Serve with Cooling Sidekick: Whip up a quick side of fresh pico de gallo or a tangy coleslaw to provide a bright, crunchy contrast to the warm, cheesy casserole. These fresh additions will complement the dish's robust textures.
• Create a Tex-Mex Drink Combo: Mix a quick ranch water cocktail with tequila, lime juice, and sparkling mineral water to echo the southwestern flavors in the Frito Pie. The citrusy, light drink will refresh your palate between bites.
• Add Creamy Counterpoint: Prepare a simple guacamole or lime-infused sour cream as a cool, creamy topping. These smooth additions will temper the dish's spiciness and add an extra layer of delicious complexity.

Twists on a Classic That Keep Things Wild

• Southwestern Spice Fusion: Replace ground beef with shredded chicken and add green chiles for a zesty southwestern flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Bean Bonanza: Swap ground beef with black beans and plant-based meat substitute, incorporating bell peppers for added texture and nutrition.
• Chili Cheese Crunch: Use spicy chili instead of regular ground beef mixture, top with pepper jack cheese and crushed spicy Fritos for an extra kick.
• Tex-Mex Protein Power: Incorporate ground turkey instead of beef, add quinoa for increased protein, and sprinkle with additional Mexican-style cheese blend for a healthier alternative.

Why Frito Pie Is Crunchy, Cheesy, and Totally Addicting

• Crave the Crunch: Frito Pie delivers an irresistible textural experience with crispy corn chips providing a satisfying base and topping that adds exciting crunch to every bite.
• Speed and Simplicity: This one-pan meal comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings without complicated cooking techniques.
• Flavor Explosion: Packed with bold Tex-Mex inspired seasonings, the combination of taco-spiced ground beef, beans, and melted cheese creates a mouthwatering dish that satisfies hearty appetites and delivers maximum taste with minimal effort.
• Customizable Comfort: Easily adaptable with optional toppings like sour cream, jalapeños, or fresh tomatoes, this recipe allows personal creativity while maintaining its delicious core, making it a crowd-pleasing meal for family dinners or casual get-togethers.

The Only Ingredients You’ll Need for Tex-Mex Joy

• Fritos Corn Chips: Classic corn chips that provide a crispy foundation and delightful corn flavor for the Frito pie.

• Ground Beef: Lean ground beef creates a hearty and flavorful base for the dish, best chosen with moderate fat content.
• Onion: Fresh onion adds depth and aromatic sweetness to the meat mixture, enhancing overall flavor.

• Taco Seasoning Packet: Pre-mixed spice blend that delivers authentic Mexican-inspired taste to the ground beef.
• Diced Tomatoes: Canned tomatoes add moisture and tangy flavor to the meat mixture.
• Ranch-Style Beans: Southwestern-style beans that contribute richness and additional protein to the dish.
• Corn: Sweet corn kernels bring texture and a subtle natural sweetness to the casserole.

• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese melts beautifully and provides a creamy, tangy layer of flavor.

• Sour Cream: Cool and creamy topping that balances the dishs spiciness.
• Jalapeños: Fresh or pickled peppers for those who enjoy extra heat.
• Fresh Tomatoes: Adds bright, fresh flavor and additional moisture to the Frito pie.

How to Layer a Pie That Packs Flavor in Every Bite

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 2: Create Frito Base

Layer 3/4 of the Fritos in a 9×13 inch baking dish.

Step 3: Cook Beef and Onions

• Ground beef
• Chopped onion

Cook for 7-10 minutes, then drain excess fat.

Step 4: Season the Meat

Mix 1 packet of taco seasoning into the cooked beef until well combined.

Step 5: Add Hearty Ingredients

• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 can ranch-style beans
• Corn

Blend thoroughly to combine flavors.

Step 6: Layer the Beef Mixture

Spread the beef mixture evenly over the Fritos in the baking dish.

Step 7: Cheese It Up

Sprinkle 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese across the top.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 9: Final Touches

Remove from oven and top with remaining Fritos.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

• Sour cream
• Jalapeños
• Fresh tomatoes

Tip: Customize your Frito Pie with your favorite additional toppings for an extra flavor punch!

Frito Pie Recipe

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4.8 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Southwestern comfort arrives with this classic Frito Pie, a hearty Texas-style dish layering crisp corn chips with spicy ground beef, melted cheese, and zesty toppings. Comfort meets convenience in this quick, crowd-pleasing meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
• 1 small finely chopped onion

Beans and Vegetables:

• 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) ranch-style beans
• 1 cup (150 grams) corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
• 1 can (10 ounces / 283 grams) diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained

Seasonings and Toppings:

• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 ½ cups (170 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 ¼-ounce (35 grams) bag of Fritos, divided

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), positioning the rack in the center for even heat distribution.
2. Arrange 3/4 of the Fritos corn chips in a uniform layer across the bottom of a 9×13 inch (23×33 centimeter) baking dish, creating a crispy foundation.
3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and combine of ground beef with one finely chopped onion, cooking for 7-10 minutes until the meat browns completely and loses its pink color.
4. Drain excess fat from the meat mixture using a colander, then return to the skillet.
5. Sprinkle one full packet of taco seasoning over the ground beef, stirring thoroughly to ensure even coating and flavor integration.
6. Add one 14.5-ounce (411 grams) can of diced tomatoes, one 15-ounce (425 grams) can of ranch-style beans, and one cup (240 milliliters) of corn kernels to the seasoned beef mixture.
7. Stir the ingredients together until well combined and the flavors meld uniformly.
8. Carefully distribute the beef mixture evenly across the Fritos base in the baking dish, creating a consistent layer.
9. Generously sprinkle 1½ cups (340 grams) of shredded cheddar cheese over the entire surface.
10. Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese melts completely and develops a slightly golden, bubbly texture.
11. Remove from the oven and garnish with the remaining Fritos for added crunch.
12. Serve immediately, offering optional toppings such as sour cream, chopped jalapeños, or fresh diced tomatoes to enhance the dish’s flavor profile.

Notes

• Elevate your Frito Pie game with this crowd-pleasing casserole that transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering meal.
• Customize toppings to match your flavor preferences, making this dish perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
• Prep time is minimal, allowing you to whip up a delicious dinner in under 30 minutes from start to finish.
• Corn and beans add extra nutrition and texture, turning this comfort food into a more balanced meal option.
• Leftovers reheat beautifully, making it an excellent choice for meal prep or next-day lunch.
• Swap ground beef for ground turkey or plant-based crumbles to create a lighter or vegetarian version of this classic recipe.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking, Frying
• Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 451 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 1100 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 23 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg