Frito Pie Recipe
If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food that brings together bold Tex-Mex flavors, crunchy corn chips, and ooey-gooey melted cheese, this Frito Pie Recipe is about to become your new weeknight favorite. Imagine layers of savory seasoned beef, zesty chili beans, and tangy tomatoes all nestled between heaps of Fritos and blanketed in a duo of melty cheeses. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or craving a nostalgic classic, this dish is easy to make, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to disappear fast at any table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Frito Pie Recipe lies in its straightforward, no-fuss ingredients. Each one plays a special role, from adding depth of flavor to creating that irresistible crunch and creamy finish.
- Olive oil: A splash to start the beef off right and add flavor.
- Ground beef: The hearty base that makes every bite filling and satisfying.
- Onion (finely chopped): Adds sweetness and depth to the meat mixture.
- Garlic (minced): Brings a punch of aromatic flavor you shouldn’t skip.
- Chili beans in sauce: Adds a creamy, spicy element and helps thicken the filling.
- Diced tomatoes with green chiles: Gives a tangy brightness and a subtle kick.
- Chili powder: The key spice for that classic chili flavor.
- Ground cumin: Adds earthy warmth and a hint of smokiness.
- Smoked paprika: Lends depth and a gentle smoky note.
- Salt: Essential for bringing all the flavors together.
- Black pepper: For just the right amount of heat.
- Fritos corn chips: The star of the show, providing crunch in every bite.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully and adds classic cheesy goodness.
- Shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Creamy and mild, balancing out the cheddar.
- Sour cream: A cool, tangy topping to balance the spices.
- Sliced green onions: Adds freshness and a pop of color on top.
- Pickled jalapeños: For those who love an extra spicy kick.
How to Make Frito Pie Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Onion
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and finely chopped onion, then cook until the beef is no longer pink and the onions are soft and fragrant, about six minutes. This step builds a flavorful, savory base that sets the tone for the whole dish.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Simmer
Once the beef is browned, toss in the minced garlic, stirring for about a minute until it’s aromatic. Drain any excess grease if necessary. Next, stir in the chili beans (with their sauce), diced tomatoes with green chiles, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Reduce the heat and let everything simmer together for ten minutes. This melds the flavors and helps the mixture thicken, ensuring every bite is packed with that classic Frito Pie Recipe magic.
Step 3: Preheat and Layer
While your beef mixture simmers, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and get ready to layer: Spread half the Fritos on the bottom, followed by half the beef mixture, then sprinkle with half of each cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining Fritos, beef, and cheeses. These layers guarantee both crunch and gooeyness in every forkful.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Slide the baking dish into the oven and bake for 15 minutes. You’re looking for that cheese to be melted and bubbly, with the top temptingly golden. Don’t wander too far—the aroma will make you hungry the second it hits the air!
Step 5: Add Toppings and Serve
Once baked, remove your Frito Pie Recipe from the oven and immediately top with dollops of sour cream, a sprinkle of green onions, and as many pickled jalapeños as you like. Serve it up warm and watch it disappear faster than you can say “seconds, please!”
How to Serve Frito Pie Recipe
Garnishes
The finishing touches can turn your Frito Pie Recipe from delicious to downright irresistible. Top with cool sour cream, crisp green onions, and tangy pickled jalapeños for a burst of color and flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, try a squeeze of lime or a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro for extra brightness.
Side Dishes
Pair your Frito Pie Recipe with simple sides to round out the meal. A crisp green salad, creamy guacamole, or some sweet corn on the cob all complement the richness of the pie. If you’re serving a crowd, chips and salsa or a bowl of black beans will keep everyone satisfied.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in small bowls or—my personal favorite—right in the Fritos bags for a playful, portable snack. Perfect for game day or backyard parties, this method lets everyone customize their toppings and enjoy the Frito Pie Recipe with minimal cleanup.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (a rare event in my house!), let your Frito Pie Recipe cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to three days. The flavors continue to meld, making the next day’s lunch just as tasty.
Freezing
To freeze, assemble the Frito Pie Recipe up to the point of baking, but hold off on the toppings. Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
Reheating
Reheating is a breeze—simply pop portions into the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or use the microwave for a quick fix. If the chips have softened, a few minutes under the broiler will bring back some of that signature crunch.
FAQs
Can I substitute ground turkey or chicken in this Frito Pie Recipe?
Absolutely! Both ground turkey and chicken work great as lighter alternatives to beef, and they soak up all those Tex-Mex spices beautifully. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning to taste, since leaner meats can use a bit more flavor.
Is this Frito Pie Recipe spicy?
It’s got a nice gentle kick from the chili powder and diced tomatoes with green chiles, but it’s not overwhelmingly spicy. For more heat, add extra pickled jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. To keep it mild, use regular diced tomatoes instead of the ones with chiles.
Can I make this recipe gluten free?
Yes! Most of the ingredients in this Frito Pie Recipe are naturally gluten free. Just double-check your chili beans, spice blends, and chips to ensure they’re certified gluten free and you’ll be good to go.
How do I keep the Fritos from getting soggy?
The key is to layer the chips right before baking and serve the pie soon after it comes out of the oven. For extra crunch, sprinkle a handful of fresh Fritos on top just before serving.
What’s the best way to serve Frito Pie at a party?
Serving in individual Frito bags or small cups is not only fun but also practical for parties! Set up a topping bar with sour cream, cheese, onions, jalapeños, and let guests build their own perfect Frito Pie Recipe creation.
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably joyful about digging into a bubbling, cheesy Frito Pie Recipe—especially when you know it’s this easy to make at home. Don’t wait for a special occasion; gather your favorite people, whip up this hearty classic, and watch everyone come back for seconds!
Print
Frito Pie Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This classic Frito Pie recipe is a comforting Tex-Mex casserole featuring a savory beef chili layered with crunchy Fritos and melted cheese, topped with sour cream, green onions, and pickled jalapeños for a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings, it’s easy to prepare and full of bold, satisfying taste.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Chili Mixture
- 1 can (15 ounces) chili beans in sauce
- 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chiles
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Casserole Assembly
- 4 cups Fritos corn chips
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions
- 1/4 cup pickled jalapeños
Instructions
- Cook the beef mixture: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and finely chopped onion and cook until the beef is browned and onions are softened, about 6 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Drain any excess grease if needed.
- Add the chili ingredients: Stir in the chili beans with sauce, diced tomatoes with green chiles, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Reduce heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly and for the flavors to meld.
- Preheat oven and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a 9×13-inch baking dish, start assembling the casserole by layering half of the Fritos corn chips evenly on the bottom.
- Layer the casserole: Spoon half of the warm beef chili mixture over the Fritos layer, then sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses evenly on top.
- Repeat layers: Add the remaining Fritos chips, then the remaining beef mixture, and finally top with the rest of the shredded cheese, spreading it evenly across the dish.
- Bake the casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
- Add toppings and serve: Remove from the oven and immediately top the casserole with dollops of sour cream, sliced green onions, and pickled jalapeños. Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
- For a fun twist, serve Frito pie in individual servings using small bowls or even individual Frito corn chip bags.
- Ground turkey or chicken can be used in place of ground beef for a lighter option.
- Adjust the amount of jalapeños to your preferred spice level.
- To make it vegetarian, omit the meat and add extra beans or a plant-based meat substitute.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 810mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
