Name: Frito Pie Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 medium yellow onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 teaspoons chili powder; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chiles; 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 4 cups Fritos corn chips; Optional toppings: sour cream, jalapeños, green onions, cilantro

I have a serious soft spot for comfort food, and Frito Pie hits all the right notes. It’s hearty, cheesy, crunchy, and packed with bold, Tex-Mex-inspired flavors. Whether I’m throwing together a quick weeknight dinner or feeding a crowd on game day, this dish never fails to bring smiles to the table. It’s the kind of meal that reminds me of childhood potlucks and cozy evenings at home.

What I love most about this Frito Pie is how easy it is to make—no fancy ingredients, no complicated steps. Just layers of seasoned ground beef, beans, melty cheese, and of course, that unmistakable crunch from corn chips. It’s messy in the best way possible and deeply satisfying with every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Frito Pie Recipe

This dish is comfort food at its finest. The contrast between the savory beef and beans, the gooey melted cheese, and the crispy corn chips is absolute magic. It’s quick to assemble, customizable, and totally crave-worthy. Plus, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser with minimal cleanup.

What Kind of Fritos Should I Use?

I usually go for the classic Fritos Original Corn Chips for their perfect thickness and salty flavor. However, the Chili Cheese variety can add an extra layer of depth if you’re looking to spice things up a bit. Avoid the scoops-style chips, as they don’t layer quite as well and can get soggy faster.

Options for Substitutions

Meat: Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian version.
Beans: Pinto or kidney beans work great, but black beans are a solid alternative.
Cheese: Cheddar is the go-to, but pepper jack adds a kick, or mix in mozzarella for extra stretch.
Chips: No Fritos? Tortilla chips or even Doritos will still give you that craveable crunch.
Toppings: Sour cream, diced tomatoes, jalapeños, or avocado slices are all welcome additions.

Ingredients for This Frito Pie Recipe

Ground Beef – The hearty base of the pie, providing richness and flavor.
Yellow Onion – Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed with the beef.
Garlic – Brings an aromatic bite to the savory mix.
Chili Powder – For that classic Tex-Mex flavor and a bit of heat.
Ground Cumin – Adds warmth and earthiness.
Diced Tomatoes with Green Chiles – A tangy and spicy element that enhances the overall flavor.
Kidney Beans – Brings creaminess and makes the dish more filling.
Salt & Pepper – Essential for seasoning and balance.
Cheddar Cheese – Melts beautifully for that gooey top layer.
Fritos Corn Chips – The signature crunch that defines this dish.
Optional Toppings – Sour cream, jalapeños, chopped green onions, or fresh cilantro for garnish.

Step 1: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s no longer pink. Break it apart with a spoon as it cooks so it browns evenly. Drain the excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy.

Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Add the chopped yellow onion and minced garlic to the same skillet. Cook for 3–4 minutes, or until the onions are translucent and the garlic is fragrant. This builds the savory base of the dish.

Step 3: Season and Simmer

Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat the beef and onion mixture in the spices. Add the diced tomatoes with green chiles and kidney beans (drained and rinsed). Simmer everything together for about 10 minutes so the flavors meld.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a layer of Fritos corn chips. Spoon the beef and bean mixture over the chips, then sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese on top.

Step 5: Bake Until Bubbly

Bake uncovered for about 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbling. Keep an eye on it to avoid overbaking.

Step 6: Add Toppings and Serve

Once out of the oven, let the Frito Pie sit for a few minutes to set. Top with sour cream, jalapeños, chopped green onions, or anything else you love. Serve hot and dig in!

How Long to Prepare the Frito Pie Recipe

Prep Time: Preparing the ingredients—chopping onions, garlic, and opening cans—takes about 10 minutes. Browning the beef and sautéing the aromatics adds another 10 minutes, making total prep time roughly 20 minutes.

Cook Time: Simmering the filling takes around 10 minutes, and baking in the oven takes another 15–20 minutes. So, you’re looking at 25–30 minutes of cook time. In total, the Frito Pie comes together in just under an hour.

Tips for Perfect Frito Pie

Drain the Fat: After browning the beef, drain off the excess fat so the dish doesn’t turn out greasy.
Layer Wisely: Start with Fritos on the bottom, then meat and cheese. Don’t overdo the chips—they’ll absorb moisture and lose crunch if you use too many.
Shred Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly.
Let It Sit: Give the dish 5 minutes to rest after baking so everything can settle and thicken.
Customize Toppings: Add freshness and flavor with cold toppings like sour cream or diced avocado right before serving.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Using Watery Tomatoes: Drain some of the liquid if your diced tomatoes are too watery, or the filling will be runny.
Soggy Chips: Layer the Fritos just before baking. Letting them sit in the meat mixture too long makes them soggy.
Overbaking: Keep an eye on the oven—once the cheese is melted and bubbly, it’s done.
Underseasoning: Don’t forget to taste and adjust salt and spices before layering.
Skimping on Cheese: The cheese holds everything together. Don’t be shy with it!

What to Serve With Frito Pie?

1. Classic Coleslaw

The crisp and tangy crunch of coleslaw is the perfect contrast to the warm, cheesy richness of the pie.

2. Guacamole and Chips

Adds creaminess and a fresh bite—plus, it complements the Tex-Mex flavor profile perfectly.

3. Mexican Street Corn (Elote)

Sweet, smoky, and a little spicy—this is a fun and flavorful side.

4. Simple Green Salad

A fresh salad with lime vinaigrette offers a refreshing, light contrast to the hearty casserole.

5. Sweet Cornbread

Slightly sweet and crumbly cornbread is always a hit alongside savory, spicy dishes like Frito Pie.

Storage Instructions

Refrigeration: Store leftover Frito Pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep in mind that the chips will lose some crunch over time, but the flavors remain delicious.

Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying. You can also use the microwave, but the texture will be softer.

Freezing: If you want to freeze it, only freeze the meat and bean mixture. Assemble the rest (chips and cheese) fresh when you’re ready to eat for best results.

Estimated Nutrition

Per Serving (based on 6 servings):

Calories: ~520
Protein: 24g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Fiber: 6g
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 890mg
Cholesterol: 85mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the meat and bean mixture in advance, then assemble and bake when ready to serve.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely. Swap the ground beef for meatless crumbles or extra beans and veggies.

What kind of cheese melts best for Frito Pie?

Sharp cheddar is a classic choice, but a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack works beautifully.

How do I keep the chips crunchy?

Add them just before baking, and don’t overbake the casserole.

Can I use a slow cooker instead?

You can make the beef and bean mixture in a slow cooker, but you’ll still want to layer and bake it in the oven to melt the cheese and crisp the chips.

Conclusion

Frito Pie is a nostalgic, crowd-pleasing casserole that’s easy to love and even easier to make. With layers of bold flavor, melty cheese, and crunchy chips, it checks all the boxes for a satisfying meal. Whether you’re serving it up on a busy weeknight or dishing it out at a potluck, this recipe delivers serious comfort in every bite. Don’t forget the toppings—they turn a simple casserole into a flavor explosion!