There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about Frito Pie – that perfect combination of crunchy corn chips, savory chili, and melted cheese that takes you back to childhood sporting events and casual gatherings. This easy Frito Pie recipe brings that comfort food classic right to your family dinner table with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal, a crowd-pleasing game day snack, or a fun dinner that the whole family will devour, this Frito Pie delivers every time. The beauty lies in its simplicity – layers of flavor that come together in under an hour, creating that perfect balance of textures and tastes that makes comfort food so irresistible.
Why You’ll Love This
- Quick prep time – ready in just 45 minutes from start to finish
- Uses simple pantry staples you likely already have on hand
- Versatile recipe that can be easily customized to your taste preferences
- Perfect for feeding a family of four with minimal cleanup
- Great for casual entertaining – serve it buffet-style and let everyone add their own toppings
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 small onion, peeled and diced
- 1 package taco seasoning mix
- 2/3 cup water
- 1 can (10 ounce) enchilada sauce
- 1 can (15 ounce) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 bag (9.25 ounce) Fritos corn chips, divided
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese, divided
- 1 green onion, chopped
- Sour cream for garnish
- Prepared guacamole for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Spray a 9×13-inch glass baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
- Crumble the ground beef into a large skillet. Add the diced onions and cook over medium heat, stirring often, until the beef is fully browned. Drain off any excess fat.
- Stir in the taco seasoning mix and water. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring often.
- Add the enchilada sauce and pinto beans to the skillet, mixing well.
- Pour 4 cups of Fritos into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle evenly with 1 cup of shredded cheese. Spread the meat mixture evenly over the chips, then top with the remaining cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes until heated through and bubbling.
- Sprinkle the remaining Fritos over the top of the casserole. Let cool slightly before serving. Serve with chopped green onions, sour cream, and guacamole.
Tips & Variations
- For a healthier version, use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef
- Make it vegetarian by omitting the meat and adding an extra can of beans (black beans work well) or using plant-based ground meat substitute
- Spice it up by adding a tablespoon of chili powder or a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture
- The chili portion can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days – just reheat and assemble with fresh Fritos when ready to serve
- For a walking taco variation, use individual snack-sized bags of Fritos, cut open on the side, and spoon the chili directly into the bag
- Try different chip varieties like Fritos Scoops or Chili Cheese Fritos for a flavor twist
Serving Suggestions
Frito Pie is practically a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness. For a more substantial spread, serve alongside Mexican street corn (elote) or a simple side of seasoned black beans.
For beverages, try serving with ice-cold Mexican beer, homemade limeade, or a classic margarita for the adults. For a family-friendly option, horchata or Mexican Coca-Cola makes a perfect complement to this casual comfort food.
Notes
- The key to great Frito Pie is serving it immediately after assembly – the contrast between the hot chili and crunchy chips makes the dish special
- If making for a party, keep the chili hot in a slow cooker and let guests assemble their own portions
- Leftover chili (without the chips) can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months
FAQs
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the meat and onions first, then transfer to a slow cooker with the remaining chili ingredients. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, then assemble with Fritos when ready to serve.
How do I keep the Fritos from getting soggy?
The key is to assemble just before serving. If making ahead, store the chili separately and combine with fresh Fritos right before eating.
Can I use canned chili instead of making it from scratch?
Absolutely! For an even quicker version, use 2 cans of your favorite chili as a substitute for the homemade chili portion of this recipe.
Is Frito Pie gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe can be gluten-free as long as you check that your taco seasoning and Fritos are certified gluten-free (most are, but always verify packaging).
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