Frito Pie is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for game day or a cozy family meal. This delicious dish features a chili-like base of seasoned ground beef, beans, and spices, topped with crunchy Fritos and gooey melted cheese, baked to perfection. The blend of textures and flavors—warm, cheesy, and crispy—makes every bite irresistible.
It’s incredibly versatile too! You can swap proteins, customize toppings, or turn up the heat with jalapeños. Whether you’re serving it for dinner or at a potluck, this Frito Pie is sure to be a hit.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Servings: 6-8
Ingredients:
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 package taco seasoning + water (per package instructions)
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 10 oz diced tomatoes with chilies or salsa
- 1 ½ cups tomato sauce
- 15 oz kidney beans, drained
- 1 cup corn, drained
- 1 bag Fritos® corn chips, divided (about 5 ½ cups)
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend, divided (8 oz)
- ¼ cup green onions, chopped
- Sour cream for serving (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef and onion over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
- Add taco seasoning, chili powder, and water as directed on the package. Simmer until thickened.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans, and corn. Let it simmer for 5 minutes.
- Spread 4 cups of Fritos in the bottom of the casserole dish. Top with 1 cup of shredded cheese.
- Pour the beef mixture over the Fritos and cheese. Add the remaining cheese on top.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven, top with remaining Fritos and green onions. Serve with sour cream if desired.
Notes:
- Swap ground beef with turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Keep the Fritos crunchy by adding them just before serving leftovers.
- For added heat, toss in some diced jalapeños with the meat mixture