This Frito Pie recipe brings together crunchy Fritos, flavorful ground beef, and melted cheddar cheese in one hearty, crowd-pleasing meal. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or game day gatherings, offering layers of bold, Tex-Mex inspired flavors. Customize it with your favorite toppings like sour cream, jalapeños, or fresh veggies to create a dish everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Simple Ingredients: You probably have most of the ingredients in your pantry or fridge.
Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s for game day or a busy weeknight, this dish is a hit with both kids and adults.
Customizable: You can top it with your favorite taco garnishes, and it’s easy to modify based on your dietary preferences.
Quick and Easy: Ready in under 40 minutes, Frito pie is a perfect go-to for a weeknight dinner when you need something comforting but don’t want to spend too much time in the kitchen.
Key Ingredients:
Ground Beef Substitutes: You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even ground plant-based meat if you’re looking for a vegetarian option.
Beans: If you can’t find ranch-style beans, you can substitute with pinto beans or black beans, just make sure they are drained and rinsed.
Corn: For a fresher flavor, use fresh corn kernels if in season. Otherwise, canned or frozen corn works just as well.
Cheese: Cheddar cheese is the classic choice, but you can swap in Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a spicier kick. For an extra cheesy version, consider adding a layer of Velveeta or queso blanco before baking.
Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparation
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking once you’ve assembled the pie.
Step 2: Layer the Base
Prepare the Fritos:
In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread ¾ of the Fritos evenly across the bottom. This will form a crunchy base for the Frito pie.
Step 3: Cook the Meat
Brown the Ground Beef:
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb of ground beef and 1 chopped onion to the skillet. Cook until the beef is fully browned and the onion is soft, about 7-10 minutes.
Drain the Fat:
Drain any excess fat from the skillet to prevent the dish from becoming too greasy.
Step 4: Season the Meat
Add Taco Seasoning:
Stir in 1 packet of taco seasoning. Mix thoroughly until the seasoning is well combined with the beef and onions.
Step 5: Mix in Vegetables
Add Diced Tomatoes, Beans, and Corn:
To the seasoned beef, add 1 can of diced tomatoes (drained), 1 can of black beans (drained and rinsed), and 1 cup of corn kernels. Stir well to combine all the ingredients evenly.
Step 6: Assemble the Pie
Layer the Beef Mixture:
Pour the beef and vegetable mixture over the Fritos in the baking dish. Spread it into an even layer, ensuring it covers the base completely.
Step 7: Add the Cheese
Sprinkle Cheddar Cheese:
Evenly sprinkle 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the beef mixture. The cheese will melt and create a deliciously gooey topping.
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Step 8: Bake the Frito Pie
Bake:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
Step 9: Serve and Garnish
Garnish with Toppings:
After baking, remove the Frito pie from the oven. Sprinkle the remaining Fritos on top for an extra crunch.
Add Your Favorite Toppings:
Serve the Frito pie with your favorite taco toppings such as:
Sour cream
Sliced jalapeños
Chopped tomatoes
Shredded lettuce
Chopped cilantro (optional)
Serving Suggestions:
While Frito Pie can certainly stand alone as a meal, you can serve it with some sides to round out the dinner:
Mexican Rice: A side of Mexican rice complements the Tex-Mex flavors of the pie.
Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans add extra heartiness to the meal.
Guacamole: Serve with a side of fresh guacamole or chips and salsa for a snack before or alongside your pie.
Salad: A crisp green salad with a tangy lime vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pie.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips:
Refrigerate: Store any leftover Frito pie in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Freeze: You can freeze Frito pie, but do so before adding the final layer of Fritos. Wrap the assembled (but not baked) pie in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge, top with Fritos, and bake as directed.
Meal Prep Tip: The beef mixture can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to assemble the dish, simply spread the Fritos, layer the beef, and bake!
Recipe Variations:
Chili Frito Pie: Use your favorite chili instead of the taco-seasoned beef for a heartier, spicier version. You can even use leftover homemade chili for this recipe.
Vegetarian Frito Pie: Swap out the ground beef for black beans, pinto beans, or a meat substitute like textured vegetable protein (TVP). Use vegetarian taco seasoning and be sure to opt for vegetarian-friendly beans.
Spicy Frito Pie: If you love heat, mix in jalapeños or chipotle peppers into the beef mixture, or use spicy taco seasoning. You can also swap the cheddar cheese for pepper jack.
Conclusion:
This Frito Pie Recipe is a nostalgic, comforting dish that combines the best of Tex-Mex flavors with the irresistible crunch of Fritos. Whether you’re making it for a casual dinner, a potluck, or a game-day feast, this dish is sure to be a hit. With its easy assembly and flexibility to customize, Frito pie will quickly become a family favorite.
Frito Pie
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies (10 ounces), drained
- 1 can ranch-style beans (15 ounces)
- 1 cup corn kernels fresh, canned, or frozen
- 1 bag Fritos (10.25 ounces), divided
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spread ¾ of the Fritos in a 9x13 inch baking dish to form the base.
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown 1 pound of ground beef and 1 chopped onion for 7-10 minutes. Drain excess fat.
- Add 1 packet of taco seasoning to the cooked beef. Stir to combine.
- Add 1 can of diced tomatoes, 1 can of ranch-style beans, and 1 cup of corn to the seasoned beef. Stir well.
- Pour the beef mixture over the Fritos in the baking dish and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese over the beef mixture.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven, sprinkle with remaining Fritos, and serve with toppings such as sour cream, jalapeños, or chopped tomatoes.