If you’re in the mood for a vibrant, fun, and decidedly Tex-Mex comfort food, this Frito Pie Recipe is about to steal your heart—and your taste buds. It’s one of those magical dishes, loaded with layers of crispy corn chips, spicy beef and bean chili, melty cheddar, and all your favorite toppings. Every bite is crunchy, saucy, cheesy, and just the right amount of messy. This Frito Pie Recipe brings weeknight dinner magic to your table in thirty minutes flat, and you don’t need fancy ingredients or special skills—just a love of bold flavors and a big appetite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how a handful of simple pantry staples come together to create something so crave-worthy. Each item here plays a starring role, whether it’s adding a punch of flavor, extra crunch, that signature bright color, or silky richness.
- Olive oil: A little drizzle gets the skillet started and helps soften the aromatics.
- Ground beef: Choose 80/20 for the perfect balance of juicy and flavorful, but lean works, too!
- Onion (diced): Brings natural sweetness and a touch of savor to the chili.
- Garlic (minced): Don’t skimp—the aroma is unbeatable when it sizzles with the beef.
- Chili powder: Essential for that signature deep, Tex-Mex warmth and color.
- Ground cumin: Adds earthy notes that round out the chili’s flavor profile.
- Smoked paprika: Just a little brings a sultry smokiness you’ll crave in every bite.
- Chili beans (undrained): These bring heartiness plus a luscious, spicy chili sauce.
- Diced tomatoes with green chiles: (like Rotel) This combination adds color, juiciness, and gentle heat.
- Salt and pepper: Essential to bring everything else to life—don’t forget that final taste test!
- Fritos corn chips: The foundation of any Frito Pie Recipe, providing that unmistakable crunch.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: For gooey meltiness and a punch of sharp, savory flavor.
- Sour cream (optional): Dollop on for cool, creamy contrast to the spicy chili.
- Chopped green onions (optional): Sprinkle for fresh color and mild onion bite.
- Pickled jalapeños (optional): Top for tangy heat and a pop of color—totally edible confetti!
How to Make Frito Pie Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Beef and Aromatics
Begin by heating your olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until completely browned—this usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. If there’s extra fat in the pan, go ahead and drain it. Now, toss in your diced onion and garlic, letting everything sauté together for another 3 minutes or so. You’re looking for the onions to soften and that irresistible smell to fill your kitchen!
Step 2: Season and Simmer
Next, sprinkle in your chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, plus a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well so those spices really coat every bit of beef and onion. Now it’s time to add the magic: pour in the undrained chili beans and the can of diced tomatoes with green chiles. Give everything a big, happy stir, then let it simmer on low for 10 to 15 minutes. This thickens the chili and lets all those flavors meld together into something wonderful.
Step 3: Assemble the Frito Pie Recipe
Grab your plates—or if you’re feeding a crowd, a big casserole dish. Scatter a layer of Fritos corn chips to form a crunchy base. Spoon over a generous helping of the hot beef and bean mixture, making sure every chip has a bit of saucy goodness. While it’s piping hot, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese all over, so it melts into dreamy, golden pockets.
Step 4: Add Toppings and Serve
Finish your masterpiece with dollops of sour cream, a flurry of chopped green onions, and as many pickled jalapeños as your heart desires. Serve right away, while the cheese is still gooey and the chips have that satisfying crunch. Trust me, there won’t be leftovers—but if there are, you’re in luck!
How to Serve Frito Pie Recipe
Garnishes
A proper Frito Pie Recipe isn’t complete without a little flair on top. Think generous spoonfuls of cool sour cream to temper the spice, bright-green chopped onions for bite and color, and a few pickled jalapeños for tangy heat. Feel free to customize—even add diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro, or avocado if you like a Tex-Mex twist!
Side Dishes
This dish is a party on its own, but pairing it with a crisp, fresh salad or a simple side of corn on the cob creates a balanced plate. For a little extra comfort, serve with a bowl of cooling coleslaw or some sliced watermelon for summery sweetness. You can’t go wrong with a big pitcher of sweet tea alongside, either.
Creative Ways to Present
For a true Texan experience, try serving your Frito Pie Recipe “walking taco” style: right in individual chip bags, with chili and toppings layered on top—perfect for parties or tailgates! Or bake everything in a casserole dish and bring it bubbling and golden to the table, family-style. You can even set up a DIY topping bar for a choose-your-own-adventure Frito Pie night.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, keep the chili mixture separate from the chips and toppings to preserve the texture. Store the beef and bean topping in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Stash Fritos and garnishes in plastic bags or separate containers at room temperature.
Freezing
The chili portion of your Frito Pie Recipe freezes beautifully! Let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. (Don’t freeze the Fritos or the garnishes—they taste best freshly added!)
Reheating
Warm the chili mixture on the stovetop or in the microwave until piping hot. Layer freshly crisp Fritos on your plate, pour the hot chili over, and add your favorite toppings. This brings the flavors back to life and keeps the chips from getting soggy.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or a vegetarian substitute instead of beef?
Absolutely! This Frito Pie Recipe is super versatile. Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles all work well—just adjust seasonings as desired to match your preferred flavor and texture.
What’s the best way to keep the Fritos crispy?
The trick is to only assemble your Frito Pie Recipe right before serving. Keep the chips, chili topping, and garnishes separate until it’s time to eat for maximum crunchiness!
Can I bake the Frito Pie Recipe in the oven?
Definitely! Layer everything in a baking dish, sprinkle it with cheese, and pop in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. This melts the cheese and gives you a slightly toasted, bubbling Frito Pie casserole effect.
Are there gluten-free options for this recipe?
Great news—the Frito Pie Recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use classic Fritos and double-check your canned beans and tomatoes for any sneaky wheat-based additives.
How can I tame the spiciness if I’m making it for kids or spice-sensitive eaters?
You can reduce or omit the chili powder and skip the pickled jalapeños for a milder version. Using mild diced tomatoes with green chiles and offering sour cream on the side also helps balance the heat.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried this Frito Pie Recipe before, you’re in for a seriously fun and flavor-packed treat. It’s easy enough for a busy weeknight but crowd-pleasing enough for any gathering. Grab those ingredients and make it your own—your taste buds are about to thank you!
Print
Frito Pie Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Frito Pie recipe is a Tex-Mex favorite that combines crunchy Fritos corn chips with a flavorful chili and cheese topping, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the Chili:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 (15-ounce) can chili beans, undrained
- 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chiles (like Rotel)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Assembly:
- 4 cups Fritos corn chips
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup sour cream (optional)
- ¼ cup chopped green onions (optional)
- Pickled jalapeños (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chili: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef, and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed. Add diced onion and garlic, cooking until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and season with salt and pepper. Add chili beans and diced tomatoes; simmer for 10–15 minutes until thickened.
- Assemble: Spread Fritos on each plate or in a baking dish. Spoon the beef and bean mixture over the chips. Top with cheddar cheese, sour cream, green onions, and jalapeños if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- You can make individual servings or layer everything in a casserole dish and bake at 350°F for 10 minutes to melt the cheese.
- Ground turkey or plant-based crumbles can be substituted for beef.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
