This family-friendly Frito pie recipe is a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner. It layers seasoned ground beef with chili-style sauce, plenty of melted cheese, and crunchy corn chips. The dish is easy to customize with vegetables, cheeses, and toppings to suit every appetite.
Frito Pie Ingredients
You’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 onion, diced finely
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup chili sauce
- 1 cup medium salsa
- 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1½ cups Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 1½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 4 cups corn chips
Substitutions and Additions
Vegetables: This recipe is very adaptable — stir in frozen or fresh corn, diced tomatoes, jalapeños, green chiles, sliced black olives, or chopped bell peppers to add color and texture.
Toppings: Offer a selection of toppings so everyone can build their own plate. Popular options include guacamole, sour cream, salsa, queso, diced red or white onion, green onions, chopped tomatoes, pico de gallo, and shredded lettuce.
Cheese: Feel free to swap the Monterey Jack and cheddar for a Mexican cheese blend or add a drizzle of crema or queso fresco at the end.
Beans: Kidney beans work well, but pinto beans, black beans, or chili beans are all great alternatives depending on taste and pantry stock.
How To Make This Frito Pie Bake
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray or grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish and set it aside.
Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook and crumble the ground beef until it’s no longer pink. Drain any excess grease, return the beef to the skillet, then add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent and tender.
Tip: You can brown and store ground beef ahead of time to save prep time on busy evenings.
Step 3: Stir in the taco seasoning, chili sauce, salsa, rinsed kidney beans, chili powder, pepper, salt, onion powder, and garlic powder. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook 3–5 minutes so the flavors meld.
Step 4: Transfer the beef mixture to the prepared casserole dish and spread it into an even layer with a spatula.
Step 5: Sprinkle half of the shredded Monterey Jack and cheddar over the meat, then layer the corn chips evenly on top of the cheese. Finish by sprinkling the remaining cheese over the chips.
Step 6: Bake the casserole for 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbling. Ovens vary, so check near the lower end of the time range.
How To Serve
Serve the Frito pie hot with an assortment of taco-style sides and toppings. Spanish rice, guacamole, extra salsa, and a spoonful of sour cream complement the casserole well. A crisp Mexican corn salad or a simple green salad adds freshness to the meal.
Let guests add their favorite garnishes at the table so everyone can customize their serving.
Storage
In the fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire casserole in the oven until heated through.
In the freezer: To freeze, assemble up to the point of adding the cheese and leave off the chips. Let cool completely, cover tightly, and freeze for up to three months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator, add cheese and chips, then bake until the cheese is melted.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe for Frito Pie
This easy Frito pie combines savory seasoned beef, melty cheese, and crunchy corn chips into a comforting casserole the whole family will enjoy. It’s ready in about 30 minutes, requires minimal prep, and is highly customizable—ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
What Is Frito Pie?
Frito pie is a hearty, layered dish featuring seasoned ground beef, cheese, and corn chips. It’s a popular, comforting casserole-style meal in many regions of the United States.
Why Do They Call It Frito Pie?
The name comes from the prominent use of crunchy Frito-style corn chips in the recipe, which provide texture and a salty contrast to the savory meat and melted cheese.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of beans? Yes. Pinto beans, black beans, or chili beans all work well and can change the texture and flavor slightly.
Is this dish spicy? Not inherently. The heat level depends on the taco seasoning and salsa you choose. Use mild versions or reduce the chili powder to keep it mild.
Can I use canned or leftover chili? Absolutely. Using canned chili or leftover chili will speed up prep and still produce a delicious result.
Is Frito pie specific to any region? Frito pie is commonly enjoyed across the Midwest, Southwest, and Southern United States, including Texas.
Are Frito pie and walking tacos the same? They share the same basic ingredients, but traditional Frito pie is served on a plate while a walking taco is typically served and eaten directly from a single-serve chip bag.
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