If you have a craving for something comforting, indulgent, and packed with bold southwestern flavors, this Frito Pie Recipe is hands-down the answer. Combining crispy Fritos corn chips with a hearty, savory taco meat filling layered under melted cheese, this dish hits all the right notes—from crunchy to cheesy to spicy. Whether you’re serving up a casual family dinner or hosting friends, this Frito Pie Recipe is a crowd-pleaser that brings warmth, nostalgia, and a burst of flavor in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple but essential ingredients that come together beautifully. Each one plays its part in building layers of texture, vibrant color, and deep, satisfying flavor that defines this Frito Pie Recipe.
- Olive oil: Adds a fruity base for sautéing vegetables without overpowering the dish.
- Unsalted butter: Brings a rich, creamy mouthfeel and helps soften the onions perfectly.
- Medium yellow onion (diced): Offers sweetness and a subtle crunch when cooked just right.
- Garlic cloves (minced): Imparts a warm, aromatic depth that wakes up the entire filling.
- Ground chuck (1 lb.): Provides juicy, flavorful protein that’s ideal for taco filling.
- Ground black pepper (¼ tsp): Adds mild heat and balances the savory elements.
- Taco seasoning packet (1.25 oz): Gives the dish that classic Tex-Mex spice blend for authenticity.
- Worcestershire sauce (1 tsp): Introduces a subtle umami kick and a touch of tanginess.
- Apple cider vinegar (2 tsp): Brightens the meat with a gentle acidic contrast.
- Black beans, drained (1 can, 15 oz.): Adds hearty texture and fiber for a filling experience.
- Tomato sauce (1 can, 8 oz.): Forms a rich, smooth base that ties the filling together.
- Petite diced tomatoes (1 can, 16 oz.): Brings fresh tomato bursts and vibrant color to the mix.
- Kosher salt: Enhances all flavors but use sparingly due to the saltiness of chips and cheese.
- Fritos Corn Chips (1 bag, 9.25 oz.): The star crunch element that layers the dish with crispy delight.
- Mexican-style shredded cheese (2-3 cups): Melts beautifully to create gooey pockets of cheesy goodness throughout.
- Optional toppings: Lettuce, scallions, raw onions, fresh tomatoes, black olives, fresh cilantro, sour cream, avocados, guacamole, hot sauce bring personalized freshness and flavor punch.
How to Make Frito Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish
Begin by heating your oven to 350°F and lightly spraying a 7×11-inch baking dish with cooking spray. This simple prep ensures your Frito Pie layers bake evenly without sticking to the dish, making serving and cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the diced onions and cook until they turn translucent and tender, roughly 3 to 4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds until fragrant—this delicate step builds a flavorful base for your filling. Transfer the mixture to a paper towel-lined plate to soak up excess moisture.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Chuck
In the same skillet, cook the ground chuck until nicely browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat through a mesh colander to keep the filling from becoming greasy. Return the beef to the pan and add your onion and garlic mixture back in along with salt, pepper, taco seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes. Stir these ingredients together to marry the flavors.
Step 4: Simmer the Filling
Bring the mixture to a low boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and add drained black beans. Let everything simmer, stirring often, for 15 to 20 minutes. This allows the filling to thicken and most of the liquid to evaporate, resulting in a rich, hearty consistency. Taste and adjust salt carefully, keeping in mind how salty the Fritos and cheese will be.
Step 5: Layer Your Frito Pie
In your prepared baking dish, create a base layer with 2 cups of Fritos corn chips in an even layer. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese over the chips, then add half of the taco meat mixture. Top it with another cup of cheese followed by 2 more cups of chips. This layering achieves the perfect balance of crispy crunch and gooey, savory filling beneath.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place the assembled dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the casserole is hot throughout and the cheese is melted and bubbling. Your kitchen will start to smell incredible, a sure sign that this Frito Pie Recipe is about to make someone very happy.
Step 7: Add Fresh Toppings and Serve
Once out of the oven, jazz up your Frito Pie with fresh toppings like chopped tomatoes, lettuce, black olives, scallions, cilantro, or whatever you love on your tacos. These add freshness, texture, and color, making every spoonful a fun and flavorful experience.
How to Serve Frito Pie Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes make this dish shine even brighter, so consider adding dollops of sour cream, creamy slices of avocado, spicy hot sauce, or vibrant fresh cilantro. These little extras bring layered flavor and refreshing contrast that perfectly complement the rich filling and crunchy chips.
Side Dishes
Serve your Frito Pie Recipe alongside simple sides like a crisp green salad, Mexican street corn, or a light cucumber-lime salad to balance the richness. These sides keep the meal feeling fresh and provide a variety of flavors on the table.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving individual portions of Frito Pie in small ramekins or mason jars layered with chips, meat, and cheese. You could also turn this into a party dip by layering it in a large skillet for easy scooping. Presentation really amps up the fun and invites guests to dive in with excitement.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Refrigerate any leftover Frito Pie in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making it even better the next day. Just keep in mind the Fritos may soften as they absorb moisture, so you might want to add fresh chips when reheating.
Freezing
If you want to freeze this dish, assemble it without baking, then cover tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed. Freezing preserves the flavors well but the texture of the chips is best fresh or just before serving.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a microwave for convenience or in a 350°F oven until warm throughout. If the chips have softened, add a handful of fresh Fritos on top after reheating to bring back that signature crunch.
FAQs
Can I make this Frito Pie Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the ground chuck for a plant-based protein or add extra beans and veggies like bell peppers and mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian version that’s just as satisfying.
What type of cheese works best in this recipe?
Mexican-style shredded cheese blends like a combination of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and queso quesadilla melt beautifully and provide the perfect balance of flavor and gooey texture.
Is this Frito Pie Recipe spicy?
It has a mild to medium spice level depending on the taco seasoning and any added hot sauce. You can easily adjust the heat by choosing mild seasoning or adding extra chili powder or jalapeños.
Can I prepare this recipe for a large crowd?
Yes! Simply double or triple the ingredients and bake in a larger casserole dish. It’s perfect for potlucks and parties where everyone wants a comforting, shareable dish.
What can I use instead of Fritos Corn Chips?
If you want a different crunch, tortilla chips or homemade corn chips work well. Just remember actual Fritos bring a unique corn flavor and texture that’s iconic to this recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Frito Pie Recipe is one of those comforting, soul-satisfying dishes that never fails to bring smiles to the table. Its wonderful blend of crunchy chips, cheesy layers, and hearty seasoned meat make it perfect for family dinners, casual get-togethers, or anytime you want a flavor-packed meal that feels like a warm hug. Don’t wait to give it a try—you’ll love how easy and delicious it is to make your own slice of Tex-Mex magic at home.
Print
Frito Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Description
This delicious Frito Pie recipe layers seasoned ground beef, beans, tomato sauce, and cheese over crispy Fritos corn chips, then bakes it to perfection. Topped with fresh vegetables and your favorite taco toppings, it’s a flavorful and satisfying Tex-Mex casserole perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Meat Mixture
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb ground chuck
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
- 1 packet taco seasoning (1.25 oz)
- 1 tsp Worcestershire Sauce
- 2 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 can black beans, drained (15 oz)
- 1 can tomato sauce (8 oz)
- 1 can petite diced tomatoes (16 oz)
- Kosher salt, to taste
Casserole Layers
- 1 bag Fritos Corn Chips (9.25 oz)
- 2–3 cups Mexican-style shredded cheese
Toppings
- Lettuce
- Scallions
- Raw onions
- Fresh tomatoes
- Black olives
- Fresh cilantro
- Sour cream
- Avocados or guacamole
- Hot sauce
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 7×11-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and butter. Sauté the diced onion for 3-4 minutes until translucent and tender. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant. Remove the mixture to a paper towel-lined plate and set aside.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Add the ground chuck to the skillet and cook until nicely browned. Drain excess fat using a mesh colander, then return the beef to the skillet.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the sautéed onion and garlic mixture, salt, black pepper, taco seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes to the beef. Stir well to combine.
- Simmer the Mixture: Bring the mixture to a low boil over medium heat, then reduce heat to low. Stir in the drained black beans. Let the mixture simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring often, until it thickens and most liquid evaporates. Adjust seasoning with kosher salt and black pepper carefully, considering the saltiness of the Fritos and cheese.
- Assemble the Frito Pie: In the prepared casserole dish, layer 2 cups of Fritos corn chips evenly on the bottom. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese over the chips, then spread the taco meat mixture on top. Add another 1 cup of cheese, followed by a final layer of 2 cups of corn chips.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the assembled dish in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve with Toppings: Remove from the oven and serve warm topped with fresh chopped tomatoes, lettuce, black olives, scallions, cilantro, sour cream, avocado or guacamole, and hot sauce as desired. Enjoy your hearty and satisfying Frito Pie!
Notes
- Use low-sodium taco seasoning or make your own to control salt content.
- For a spicier version, add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce directly to the meat mixture.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Feel free to customize toppings based on your preferences, like adding sliced black olives or extra cheese.
- Make sure to drain the fat well after browning the beef to avoid a greasy casserole.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated; store uncovered when reheating to retain crispness of Fritos.
