Frito Pie

Why You’ll Love Frito Pie Recipe

This Frito Pie recipe is incredibly simple yet full of rich, comforting flavor. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving a warm and cheesy dish, it’s a fast favorite. With minimal prep, common ingredients, and endless topping options, it’s a fun and versatile meal the whole family can enjoy. Plus, it bakes in just 20 minutes, making it a quick solution for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, diced
1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
1 can (10 oz) chili with beans
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
4 cups Fritos corn chips
Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, sour cream, chopped green onions, salsa

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and diced onion over medium heat until the beef is browned and the onion is softened. Drain any excess grease.

3. Stir in the taco seasoning and cook for another minute.

4. Add the chili with beans to the skillet and mix well. Heat through.

5. In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread half of the Fritos evenly on the bottom.

6. Spoon the beef and chili mixture over the Fritos layer.

7. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the meat.

8. Add the remaining Fritos on top, then finish with the rest of the cheese.

9. Bake for 15–20 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.

10. Let cool for a few minutes, then serve with your favorite toppings.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 6 servings.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Use hot chili or add diced jalapeños directly to the meat mixture.

• Vegetarian: Swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or black beans.

• Cheese Swap: Try pepper jack or a Mexican cheese blend for more flavor.

• Extra Crunch: Layer crushed Fritos on top just before serving to keep them crisp.

• Chili Upgrade: Use homemade chili instead of canned for a more customized taste.

• Kid-Friendly: Leave off spicy toppings and add a dollop of sour cream.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover Frito Pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 10–15 minutes. To microwave, heat individual portions in 30-second intervals until hot, though the chips may lose some crunch.

FAQs

What kind of chili should I use for Frito Pie?

Canned chili with beans works great, but you can also use homemade chili or a no-bean version if preferred.

Can I make Frito Pie ahead of time?

Yes, assemble everything except the top layer of Fritos and cheese. Add those just before baking to keep the chips crispy.

Can I freeze Frito Pie?

It’s not ideal since the Fritos may get soggy, but you can freeze the beef and chili mixture separately and assemble the dish fresh when ready.

Is this dish spicy?

The base recipe is mild, but you can add heat with spicy chili, jalapeños, or hot sauce.

What can I serve with Frito Pie?

It’s great with a side salad, Mexican rice, or a refreshing drink like lemonade or iced tea.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are great lighter options and work just as well.

How do I keep the Fritos from getting soggy?

Bake uncovered and avoid adding wet toppings until just before serving. A final layer of fresh Fritos can add back crunch.

What toppings go best with Frito Pie?

Classic options include diced tomatoes, jalapeños, sour cream, green onions, and salsa. Avocado or guacamole also work well.

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can prepare the beef and chili mixture in a slow cooker, then layer and bake it when ready to serve.

Can I double this recipe for a crowd?

Definitely! Use a larger baking dish or two 9×13 pans, and double all the ingredients accordingly.

Conclusion

Frito Pie is a fun, family-friendly recipe that blends bold Tex-Mex flavors with simple ingredients. It’s quick to prepare, endlessly customizable, and perfect for sharing. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner or looking for an easy weeknight meal, this cheesy, crunchy favorite is sure to be a hit.

Frito Pie

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• Author: Mia
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Diet: Halal

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Description

A hearty and cheesy Tex-Mex casserole made with layers of Fritos corn chips, seasoned beef, chili, and cheddar cheese, baked to perfection and topped with your favorite garnishes.

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Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
• 1 can (10 oz) chili with beans
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 4 cups Fritos corn chips
• Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, sour cream, chopped green onions, salsa

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and diced onion over medium heat until the beef is browned and the onion is softened. Drain any excess grease.
3. Stir in the taco seasoning packet and cook for another minute.
4. Add the can of chili with beans to the skillet and stir until well combined. Cook for a few more minutes until heated through.
5. Spread half of the Fritos in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
6. Spoon the beef and chili mixture evenly over the Fritos layer.
7. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the beef and chili layer.
8. Add another layer of Fritos on top of the cheese.
9. Top with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
12. Serve hot, topped with your favorite optional toppings like diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, sour cream, chopped green onions, or salsa.

Notes

• You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• For extra spice, use spicy chili or add hot sauce to the beef mixture.
• Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 890mg
• Fat: 29g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 70mg