If you’re looking for true crowd-pleasing comfort food, look no further than this Easy Frito Pie Casserole Recipe. Imagine a golden bed of crunchy corn chips layered with zesty beef, hearty chili beans, a blanket of gooey cheddar, and all the toppings you crave—it’s Tex-Mex magic! Whether you’re feeding hungry kids, hosting a game night, or just craving a cozy, low-effort dinner, this casserole delivers maximum flavor with minimal fuss. Once you try it, you’ll see why Easy Frito Pie Casserole Recipe is destined to become your go-to weeknight hero.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This is comfort food at its finest, built from humble but bold ingredients you probably already have in your pantry or fridge. Each element brings a unique pop of texture, richness, or color to this irresistible casserole.
- Ground beef (1 pound): Rich, savory ground beef forms the heart of this dish, soaking up every bit of Tex-Mex flavor.
- Onion (1 small, chopped): Adds sweetness and depth, softening as it cooks to meld with the beef.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): For an added aromatic punch—don’t skip it!
- Taco seasoning (1 packet, 1 oz): Instantly transforms basic beef into a fiesta of flavor—use your favorite store-bought or homemade blend.
- Chili beans in sauce (1 can, 15 oz): These bring both creaminess and a subtle kick; the saucy beans tie everything together.
- Diced tomatoes with green chilies (1 can, 10 oz): They add zippy brightness, moisture, and a hint of heat.
- Tomato sauce (1 can, 8 oz): Gives the casserole its saucy, hearty texture so the flavors can meld.
- Corn chips (Fritos, 3 cups): The star of the show! Their salty crunch is essential for authentic Frito Pie flavor.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (2 cups): Melts into that signature stretchy, bubbling cheese-pull you can’t resist.
- Green onions (2, sliced): Sprinkle on top for a fresh, colorful finish and gentle onion flavor.
- Sour cream & jalapeños (optional garnish): Cool and creamy or spicy and bold—top your way!
- Salt and pepper to taste: Season the beef mixture to perfectly balance all those robust flavors.
How to Make Easy Frito Pie Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Beef, Onion, and Garlic
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and giving a 9×13-inch baking dish a light grease. In a large skillet over medium heat, crumble in the ground beef and toss in the chopped onion. You’ll want to cook them together until the beef loses its pink and the onions soften, about 5–7 minutes. Stir in the garlic right at the end and let it bloom for a minute—your kitchen will smell incredible! Drain off any excess fat for a lighter, less greasy casserole.
Step 2: Spice and Simmer
Keep the momentum going by adding taco seasoning to the beef mixture. Stir to evenly coat everything with those bold spices. Next, pour in the chili beans (including the sauce!), diced tomatoes with green chilies, and tomato sauce. Mix well and let the whole skillet simmer for 5–7 minutes, stirring now and then, until it’s thickened and bubbling. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed!
Step 3: Layer the Crunch
Scatter half of the corn chips into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. This bottom layer becomes wonderfully crisp around the edges and soaks up just enough sauce to stay flavorful but still crunchy in every bite.
Step 4: Build the Casserole
Pour the warm, savory beef and bean mixture evenly over the bed of chips. Sprinkle on half of the shredded cheddar—this will melt into gooey goodness as it bakes. Top with the remaining corn chips for extra crunch, then shower the rest of the cheese over everything to create that golden, irresistible top crust.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is melted and bubbly, the edges are golden, and you can barely wait another second to dig in.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
To bring your Easy Frito Pie Casserole Recipe over the top, sprinkle sliced green onions across the bubbly cheese. Dollop with sour cream and scatter jalapeños if you love a kick—now get ready for the “oohs” and “aahs” around the table!
How to Serve Easy Frito Pie Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
This casserole loves a finishing flourish! A handful of sliced green onions brings brightness and color, while dollops of cool sour cream balance out the spices. If you’re a heat-seeker, toss on some sliced jalapeños for an extra pop. Fresh diced tomatoes or a sprinkle of chopped cilantro also make lovely, fresh toppers.
Side Dishes
Round out your Tex-Mex feast with easy sides: think a zippy corn salad, guacamole, or a simple tossed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette. Warm skillet corn or black beans always hit the spot, and don’t forget some extra corn chips on the side for scooping up every last bite!
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving a party or want to up the fun factor, try baking individual portions in ramekins or mini cast iron skillets. For a casual gathering, scoop portions into paper boats or bowls for a laid-back, hands-on vibe. You can even set up a toppings bar so everyone can build their own version of Easy Frito Pie Casserole Recipe with all their favorite fixings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The casserole keeps beautifully for 3–4 days. The chips will naturally soften after sitting, but the flavor gets even richer as it rests—making for delicious lunches or next-day dinners!
Freezing
The Easy Frito Pie Casserole Recipe is freezer-friendly, too. Assemble the casserole up to the point just before baking (but don’t add the final layer of corn chips and cheese). Wrap tightly in foil or plastic and freeze for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge, top with chips and cheese, and bake as directed.
Reheating
To reheat, simply cover the dish with foil and bake in a 350°F oven until bubbly and warmed through, about 20 minutes. For a quick option, individual servings heat well in the microwave. Add a fresh sprinkle of cheese and a few extra chips if you want to revive some crunch!
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Both ground turkey and chicken work beautifully in this recipe, offering a lighter alternative while still soaking up all that Tex-Mex flavor from the seasonings and sauces.
How spicy is this Easy Frito Pie Casserole Recipe?
It’s just zippy enough for most palates, but not overwhelmingly hot. If you want a spicier casserole, add fresh jalapeños or extra chili powder to the beef mixture—or keep things mild by using plain diced tomatoes instead of tomatoes with chilies.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the beef mixture and assemble everything (except for the final chips and cheese) up to a day in advance. When ready to bake, just add your last layer of chips and cheese and pop it in the oven.
What’s the best way to keep the chips from getting soggy?
Layering the chips on both the bottom and the top helps: the bottom absorbs just enough sauce for flavor, and the top stays super crunchy under the cheese. For extra crunch, you can sprinkle a few more fresh chips over each serving just before eating!
Can I add extra toppings?
Definitely! The beauty of the Easy Frito Pie Casserole Recipe is its flexibility—top each portion with things like avocado slices, hot sauce, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, or black olives to suit everyone’s taste at the table.
Final Thoughts
Warm, crispy, cheesy, and endlessly customizable, the Easy Frito Pie Casserole Recipe is the ultimate weeknight comfort food. If you’ve never tried this nostalgic favorite, now’s your perfect excuse. Gather the family, share a pan, and watch it become a new regular at your table. Trust me—everyone will want seconds!
Print
Easy Frito Pie Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Frito Pie Casserole is a Tex-Mex-inspired dish featuring layers of seasoned ground beef, chili beans, tomatoes, corn chips, and gooey cheddar cheese. A comforting and satisfying meal the whole family will love!
Ingredients
Ground Beef Mixture:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
- 1 can (15 oz) chili beans in sauce
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Layering:
- 3 cups corn chips (Fritos)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Sour cream and jalapeños, for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook Beef: In a skillet, cook beef and onion until browned. Add garlic, cook for 1 minute, then drain excess fat.
- Season and Simmer: Stir in taco seasoning, chili beans, tomatoes, and sauce. Simmer for 5–7 minutes.
- Layer: Spread half of corn chips in dish, top with beef mixture and half of cheese. Repeat layers.
- Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes until cheese is melted. Garnish with green onions, sour cream, and jalapeños.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with turkey or chicken.
- For extra heat, add cayenne pepper or jalapeños to the beef mixture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: about 1½ cups
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 960 mg
- Fat: 29 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 37 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
