Frito Pie Recipe

This irresistibly comforting Frito Pie brings together seasoned ground beef, zesty tomatoes, and hearty beans layered with crunchy corn chips and melty cheese. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser that transforms simple ingredients into a satisfying meal in just 30 minutes – perfect for busy weeknights when you need dinner on the table fast!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Kitchen Magic: From start to finish in just 30 minutes – this is the dinner solution you need when time is tight but you refuse to compromise on flavor.
• Family Favorite: The combination of seasoned meat, crunchy chips, and gooey cheese makes this dish irresistible to both kids and adults. It’s always a clean-plate club when Frito Pie is served!
• Customizable: The basic recipe is fantastic on its own, but the optional toppings bar lets everyone personalize their portion exactly how they like it.
• Comforting Yet Special: This dish hits that perfect sweet spot between everyday comfort food and something that feels like a treat. It’s casual enough for a Tuesday but fun enough for game day gatherings.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Olive oil and butter: This dynamic duo creates the perfect base for sautéing, combining butter’s rich flavor with olive oil’s higher smoke point.
• Yellow onion: Provides a sweet aromatic foundation that mellows as it cooks, building depth in the dish.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds that unmistakable punchy flavor that makes the whole dish come alive.
• Ground chuck: The 80/20 fat ratio in chuck gives you the perfect balance of flavor and texture without making the dish greasy.
• Taco seasoning: Your flavor shortcut! This spice blend brings complex Mexican-inspired seasoning without measuring multiple spices.
• Worcestershire sauce: Just a splash adds remarkable umami depth and a subtle tanginess that enhances the meat.
• Apple cider vinegar: This secret ingredient brightens the entire dish with a touch of acidity that balances the richness.
• Black beans: Adds hearty texture, fiber, and protein while absorbing all the delicious seasonings.
• Tomato sauce and diced tomatoes: Creates the perfect saucy base with both smooth and chunky textures.
• Fritos corn chips: The star of the show! These thick, hearty corn chips maintain their crunch even when baked with toppings.
• Mexican-style shredded cheese: Melts beautifully and brings that stretchy, gooey texture we all crave.
• Optional toppings: Fresh elements like lettuce, tomatoes, and avocado add brightness, while sour cream and olives add richness and depth.

Variations

Try these delicious twists on the classic Frito Pie:

• Breakfast Frito Pie: Replace the ground beef with browned breakfast sausage and top with scrambled eggs and extra cheese for a morning version.
• Vegetarian Delight: Skip the meat and double up on beans, or add plant-based ground “beef” with extra vegetables like bell peppers and corn.
• Buffalo Chicken: Substitute shredded chicken tossed in buffalo sauce for the beef mixture, and use blue cheese instead of Mexican blend.
• Green Chile Version: Add a can of diced green chiles to the meat mixture and use pepper jack cheese for a southwestern kick.
• Walking Taco Style: Instead of a casserole, serve individual portions by scooping the hot meat mixture directly into single-serving Fritos bags, topped with cheese and garnishes.

How to Make Frito Pie

Step 1: Prepare Your Base

Preheat your oven to 350°F and give a 7×11-inch baking dish a quick spray with cooking spray. Meanwhile, warm olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat until the butter melts.

Step 2: Build Your Flavor Foundation

Add diced onion to the skillet and cook until it becomes translucent and tender, about 3-4 minutes. Toss in the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds until it becomes wonderfully fragrant. Transfer this aromatic mixture to a paper towel-lined plate and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Meat Mixture

In the same skillet, brown the ground chuck, breaking it up as it cooks. Once browned, drain the excess fat using a mesh colander and return the meat to the skillet. Add back your onion and garlic mixture, then stir in black pepper, taco seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes.

Step 4: Simmer and Thicken

Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Add the drained black beans and stir to combine. Let the mixture simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and most of the liquid evaporates. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, keeping in mind that Fritos and cheese will add saltiness.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Create the first layer by spreading 2 cups of Fritos evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Top with 1 cup of shredded cheese, followed by all of your meat mixture. Sprinkle another cup of cheese on top, then finish with the remaining 2 cups of Fritos for that perfect crunchy topping.

Step 6: Bake Until Bubbly

Bake for 15-20 minutes until the casserole is thoroughly heated and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving with all your favorite toppings.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Skip the Simmer: That 15-20 minutes of simmering allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken properly. Worth every minute!
• Layer Strategy: Keep the bottom layer of Fritos thick enough to support the weight of the toppings and provide that crucial crunch factor.
• Cheese Choices Matter: While pre-shredded Mexican blend works perfectly, freshly grated cheese melts even better. Try combining Monterey Jack and sharp cheddar for outstanding flavor.
• Serving Temperature: Frito Pie is best served hot from the oven when the cheese is at peak meltiness and the contrast between warm filling and crunchy chips is most pronounced.
• Toppings Bar: For gatherings, set up a toppings bar so everyone can customize their portion – this turns a simple casserole into an interactive meal experience.

How to Serve

Frito Pie shines as a complete meal on its own, but these serving suggestions take it to the next level:

Topping Station

Set out small bowls of chopped lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced black olives, chopped scallions, fresh cilantro, sour cream, guacamole, and hot sauce for a DIY topping bar that lets everyone customize their portion.

Side Dishes

Pair with a simple side salad dressed with lime vinaigrette for a fresh contrast to the rich casserole. A light cucumber and tomato salad also works beautifully.

Beverage Pairings

Serve with Mexican-style beer with lime, a crisp margarita, or refreshing homemade limeade to complement the bold flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Make Ahead

Prepare the meat mixture up to two days ahead and store in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat the mixture on the stovetop, then assemble and bake the casserole as directed.

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Frito Pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Note that the Fritos will soften over time, but the flavor remains delicious.

Freezing

The meat mixture freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating and assembling with fresh Fritos and cheese.

Reheating

For best results, reheat leftover Frito Pie in a 325°F oven until warmed through (about 15 minutes). If you prefer using a microwave, heat in 30-second intervals, though the chips won’t retain their crunch.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of chip instead of Fritos?
Absolutely! While traditional Fritos have the perfect thickness and corn flavor for this dish, you can substitute tortilla chips or even Doritos for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that thinner chips may soften more quickly during baking.

How can I make this recipe healthier?
Try using lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, opt for low-sodium taco seasoning and beans, increase the bean-to-meat ratio, and load up on fresh vegetable toppings. You could also use baked Fritos or reduce the amount of chips and cheese.

Can I make this in advance for a party?
Definitely! Prepare the meat mixture up to two days ahead and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the mixture, then assemble with fresh chips and cheese before baking. This makes party prep so much easier!

Is there a way to keep the bottom layer of Fritos crunchy?
The key is making sure your meat mixture isn’t too wet before assembling. Be thorough during the simmering step to reduce excess liquid, and let the mixture cool slightly before layering. Also, serve promptly after baking for maximum crunch factor.

Final Thoughts

This Frito Pie recipe transforms simple ingredients into a memorably delicious meal that brings everyone to the table with smiles. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or anytime you need a reliable crowd-pleaser. The combination of savory seasoned beef, crunchy corn chips, and melty cheese creates that magical comfort food experience we all crave. So grab your ingredients, take just 30 minutes of your time, and treat yourself and your loved ones to this satisfying dish!

Print