Get ready to fall in love with the Easy Frito Pie Casserole Recipe, a Tex-Mex favorite that transforms humble pantry staples into a bubbly, cheesy, and utterly addictive one-pan dinner. With layers of crunchy Fritos, savory chili beef, and gooey cheddar cheese, every spoonful delivers an incredible mix of flavors and textures. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family on a weeknight or hosting a relaxed get-together with friends, this casserole is a total crowd-pleaser that requires minimal prep and delivers maximum comfort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Easy Frito Pie Casserole Recipe so special is just how simple the ingredients are, yet each one packs a punch that brings the whole dish alive. Every item on this list not only serves a purpose, it also adds a layer of nostalgia, bold flavor, or irresistible crunch that sets this casserole apart.
- Ground beef (1 pound): The hearty foundation for the chili base, bringing rich, savory flavor and satisfying protein.
- Onion (1 small, diced): Adds subtle sweetness and depth, softening beautifully into the meat as it cooks.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Infuses the whole dish with delicious aroma and a classic savory undertone.
- Chili beans (1 15-ounce can, undrained): Give you built-in seasoning and creamy texture – leave the liquid for extra flavor.
- Diced tomatoes with green chilies (1 10-ounce can): Add tang, color, and just the right hit of heat.
- Tomato sauce (1 8-ounce can): Makes the chili mixture saucy and cohesive without being soupy.
- Chili powder (1 tablespoon): Essential for that warm, bold flavor; use your favorite blend.
- Ground cumin (1 teaspoon): Brings earthy background notes that round out the Tex-Mex profile.
- Salt (½ teaspoon) and black pepper (¼ teaspoon): To season every layer for the most balanced taste.
- Fritos corn chips (3 cups, divided): The star of the show, for unbeatable crunch on the bottom and golden topping.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1½ cups): Melts into a gooey, bubbly layer that holds everything together.
- Sliced green onions and sour cream (optional): Classic garnishes for freshness and creamy coolness.
How to Make Easy Frito Pie Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Skillet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), so it’s ready to go. Next, grab a large skillet and set it over medium heat. Toss in the ground beef and diced onion, and cook, stirring regularly, until the beef is nicely browned and the onion has softened—about 6 to 8 minutes. If there’s excess fat, drain it off and discard.
Step 2: Build the Chili Mixture
Add the minced garlic to your skillet and let it cook for about a minute, just until fragrant. Pour in the chili beans (liquid and all), diced tomatoes with green chilies, tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together thoroughly and let it simmer for 5 to 10 minutes, giving it time to thicken and let all those flavors meld.
Step 3: Layer the Casserole
Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and scatter half of the Fritos across the bottom—this creates that amazing crunchy base everyone loves. Spoon the beef and chili mixture evenly over the chips, making sure you reach all the corners. Top with the rest of your Fritos, then finish off with a generous blanket of shredded cheddar cheese over everything.
Step 4: Bake Until Bubbly
Slide your casserole into the oven, uncovered, and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is melted and bubbling, and the top is just beginning to turn golden. The aromas will have everyone flocking to the kitchen!
Step 5: Top and Serve
Let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving (if you can wait that long!) so it sets up a bit. Spoon out heaping portions and finish each one with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of sliced green onions, if you like. Every bite is pure Tex-Mex comfort.
How to Serve Easy Frito Pie Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
The right toppings make this Easy Frito Pie Casserole Recipe even more festive and delicious. Classic sliced green onions add a pop of color and mild bite, while a generous spoonful of sour cream provides cool creaminess that’s the perfect match for the warm, zesty casserole underneath. Other fun options include diced avocado, chopped cilantro, or pickled jalapeños for extra zing!
Side Dishes
This casserole is filling and bold enough to stand alone, but a few sides can round out the meal. Serve it with a crisp green salad or some tangy coleslaw for a refreshing contrast. Mexican rice, refried beans, or grilled corn also make fantastic Tex-Mex partners. You can even keep things simple with a bowl of fresh fruit or a platter of crunchy veggies.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or game days, try scooping the casserole into individual ramekins or serving cups for easy, mess-free portions. You can also turn this dish into a build-your-own bar: let everyone serve themselves from the pan and top their slices just how they like. Or, for a fun twist, layer leftovers onto baked potatoes or inside taco shells—talk about reinventing comfort food!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Easy Frito Pie Casserole Recipe can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The chips will soften a bit, but the flavors mingle even more, making the next-day bites deliciously satisfying.
Freezing
If you need to freeze the casserole, cool it completely, then wrap tightly or transfer to a freezer-safe dish. It keeps well for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze before adding the final layer of Fritos and cheese. Add them fresh just before baking after thawing.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through (about 20 to 30 minutes if reheating the whole dish). For single servings, pop them in the microwave in 30-second bursts. If the top needs a little crisping, finish under the broiler for a minute or two.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef in this Easy Frito Pie Casserole Recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works perfectly and makes the casserole a bit lighter. You may want to add a splash of olive oil during cooking to keep it moist, and taste for seasoning since turkey is milder than beef.
Is there a vegetarian version of this Easy Frito Pie Casserole Recipe?
Definitely! You can omit the ground beef and use extra beans (black, pinto, or more chili beans) and even toss in some sauteed bell peppers or corn. You’ll still get all those wonderful flavors and plenty of satisfaction.
What kind of cheese melts best for the topping?
Cheddar is classic for this recipe, but Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or a Mexican blend all melt beautifully and add their own character. Feel free to use what you love or mix a couple for extra flavor.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to the point before adding the top layer of Fritos and cheese. Cover and refrigerate, then add the chips and cheese just before baking so everything stays fresh and crispy.
How do I make this dish gluten-free?
Good news—the Easy Frito Pie Casserole Recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free Fritos and double-check that your chili beans and other ingredients don’t contain any hidden gluten. Always read product labels to be sure!
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready for hearty comfort food that never lets you down, give the Easy Frito Pie Casserole Recipe a try. It’s weeknight-friendly, endlessly adaptable, and flat-out delicious for any crowd or occasion. Pull up a chair, grab a fork, and dig into this iconic Tex-Mex favorite—you might just find yourself making it a new family tradition!
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Easy Frito Pie Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Frito Pie Casserole Recipe is a delicious Tex-Mex-inspired dish that combines flavorful ground beef, beans, and spices, topped with crunchy Fritos and gooey cheddar cheese. It’s a comforting and satisfying meal that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Ground Beef Mixture:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15-ounce) can chili beans (undrained)
- 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Assembly:
- 3 cups Fritos corn chips, divided
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Sliced green onions and sour cream for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook Beef: In a skillet, cook ground beef and onion until browned. Add garlic and cook. Stir in beans, tomatoes, sauce, and seasonings. Simmer.
- Layer: Spread half of the Fritos in a baking dish. Pour beef mixture over chips. Top with remaining Fritos and cheddar cheese.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes until cheese is melted.
- Serve: Top with green onions and sour cream if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute the chili beans with black beans or kidney beans if preferred.
- For a spicier version, add a chopped jalapeño 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: 520
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
