There is something wonderfully nostalgic and irresistibly comforting about a classic Frito Pie Recipe. This layered casserole combines the crunch of Fritos corn chips, savory seasoned beef, melty cheese, and vibrant salsa components into a cozy dish that bursts with Tex-Mex flavor in every bite. Perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers, this recipe is both easy to make and incredibly satisfying, offering a fantastic way to enjoy all the best parts of a taco in a warm, cheesy pie form.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may look simple, but each one plays a crucial role in building the bold, comforting flavors and appealing textures of this Frito Pie Recipe. From the fragrant sautéed onions to the tangy diced tomatoes, every component adds layers of taste and color.
- Olive oil: Provides a subtle fruitiness and the perfect base to sauté aromatics.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps cook down the onions beautifully.
- Medium yellow onion, diced: Brings sweetness and depth when softened.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the dish with aromatic warmth.
- Ground chuck (1 pound): Forms the hearty, beefy base of the filling.
- Ground black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Adds mild spice and complexity.
- Taco seasoning (1 1.25-ounce packet): Delivers classic southwestern flavors effortlessly.
- Worcestershire sauce (1 teaspoon): Brings umami depth to the meat mixture.
- Apple cider vinegar (2 teaspoons): Provides bright acidity to balance richness.
- Black beans (1 15-ounce can, drained): Adds texture, protein, and fiber.
- Tomato sauce (1 8-ounce can): Creates a smooth, tangy base for the filling.
- Petite diced tomatoes (1 16-ounce can): Adds bursts of fresh tomato flavor.
- Kosher salt: Enhances and balances all the tastes in the dish.
- Fritos Corn Chips (1 9.25-ounce bag): Provide that iconic crunchy layer and a salty counterpoint.
- Mexican-style shredded cheese (2-3 cups): Melts to gooey perfection, tying everything together.
- Chopped lettuce, scallions or raw onions, fresh tomatoes, black olives, cilantro: Fresh garnishes that brighten and add texture contrast.
- Sour cream, avocados or guacamole, hot sauce: Optional toppings that add creaminess and heat as desired.
How to Make Frito Pie Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by setting your oven to 350°F to get it ready for baking your assembled Frito Pie. Grease a 7×11-inch baking dish with cooking spray so that the pie doesn’t stick and can come out smoothly after baking.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the olive oil and butter together. Add the diced yellow onion and sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes until they turn translucent and tender, offering a sweet foundation for your pie. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds until fragrant—this step wakes up all those savory flavors without burning the garlic. Remove the onion and garlic mixture onto a paper towel-lined plate and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Ground Beef
Next, brown the ground chuck in the same skillet until no longer pink. Drain excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy. Return the prepared onion and garlic mixture back into the skillet with the beef, then sprinkle in the black pepper and taco seasoning. Add Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, tomato sauce, and petite diced tomatoes to create a rich and flavorful sauce base for your filling.
Step 4: Combine and Simmer
Mix everything thoroughly and bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat. Lower the heat and stir in the drained black beans. Simmer the filling for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and reduces. Remember to taste and adjust salt carefully because the Fritos and cheese will contribute saltiness.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Layer your Frito Pie starting with 2 cups of corn chips spread evenly at the bottom of your baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese over the chips, then add the taco meat mixture, followed by another cup of cheese. Finally, top with the last 2 cups of corn chips, creating a crunchy, cheesy crust on top.
Step 6: Bake
Bake the assembled casserole for about 15 to 20 minutes or until it is heated through and the cheese is deliciously melted. The oven’s warmth marries all the layers, making your Frito Pie Recipe even more irresistible.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Once out of the oven, top your Frito Pie with chopped fresh tomatoes, crisp lettuce, black olives, chopped scallions, and cilantro for fresh pops of color and flavor. Add a dollop of sour cream, avocado, or guacamole, and a drizzle of hot sauce for extra creaminess and heat if you like.
How to Serve Frito Pie Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes elevate your Frito Pie by adding crunch, acidity, and cooling creaminess. Crisp lettuce balances the warm, hearty filling, while chopped tomatoes and cilantro brighten the dish with fresh flavors. Creamy avocado or sour cream adds luscious texture that soothes the palate, and a sprinkle of black olives lends a briny pop of taste.
Side Dishes
Serve your Frito Pie with light and complementary sides like a simple mixed greens salad tossed with lime vinaigrette or Mexican street corn salad for a festive touch. A bowl of fresh salsa or pickled jalapeños also pairs nicely, adding brightness and a kick to the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the Frito Pie recipe in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets to delight guests with personal pies. You can also deconstruct the concept by layering the components in a big taco salad bowl for a fresh, make-your-own style dinner that still captures the dish’s essence.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Frito Pie, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep in mind the Fritos may soften slightly overnight, but reheating will help regain some crispness.
Freezing
This dish freezes nicely. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers, separating layers if possible for easier reheating. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your Frito Pie in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, roughly 15-20 minutes, which helps retain crispness on top. Avoid microwaving to preserve texture, but if short on time, use medium power and add a few extra chips on top post-heating for crunch.
FAQs
Can I make Frito Pie Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the ground beef for sautéed mushrooms, crumbled tofu, or a meat substitute. Keep the black beans and seasonings to maintain that hearty, flavorful filling.
What if I can’t find taco seasoning?
No worries! You can create your own blend using chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and a pinch of cayenne. This will give you fresh, customized flavor.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, feel free to experiment with cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend for the melty cheese layers. Choose what melts well and suits your taste preferences.
Is Frito Pie Recipe spicy?
This recipe has mild to moderate heat thanks to the taco seasoning, but you can easily adjust spiciness with more hot sauce or by adding diced jalapeños for extra kick.
How do I make Frito Pie gluten-free?
Make sure your taco seasoning and other canned ingredients are gluten-free, then use original Fritos or certified gluten-free corn chips. This meal is naturally gluten-free friendly with those swaps.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like digging into a warm, cheesy, crunchy Frito Pie Recipe that brings together all your favorite Mexican-inspired flavors in one comforting dish. Whether for a casual weeknight or sharing with friends, this recipe is guaranteed to become a beloved go-to. Go ahead and make some today—you’ll feel that cozy satisfaction that only a truly great casserole can provide!
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 flavorful Frito Pie recipe layers seasoned ground beef, beans, diced tomatoes, and melted Mexican cheese over crunchy Fritos corn chips, baked to bubbly perfection and topped with fresh taco fixings. A comforting, easy-to-make casserole perfect for casual family dinners or game day gatherings.
Ingredients
Meat and Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground chuck
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 (1.25-ounce) packet taco seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce
- 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
Beans and Tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained
- 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (16-ounce) can petite diced tomatoes
- Kosher salt, to taste
Casserole Assembly
- 1 (9.25-ounce) bag Fritos Corn Chips
- 2 to 3 cups Mexican-style shredded cheese
Toppings (Optional)
- Chopped lettuce
- Chopped scallions or diced raw onions
- Chopped fresh tomatoes
- Black olives
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Sour cream
- Avocado or guacamole
- Hot sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Heat the oven to 350°F and lightly spray a 7×11-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Sauté the aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the olive oil and butter. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent and tender. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Remove the onion and garlic to a paper towel-lined plate and set aside.
- Cook the ground beef: Add the ground chuck to the skillet and cook until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat using a mesh colander, then return the beef to the skillet. Add the sautéed onion and garlic, ground black pepper, taco seasoning, Worcestershire Sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Stir to combine.
- Add the tomato components: Pour in the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes, stirring well to combine all ingredients.
- Combine and simmer: Bring the mixture to a low boil over medium heat. Reduce heat to low and add the drained black beans. Stir well and simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens and most of the liquid evaporates. Season with kosher salt and extra black pepper as needed, keeping in mind the saltiness of the corn chips and cheese.
- Assemble the casserole: Spread 2 cups of Fritos corn chips evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded Mexican cheese. Layer the taco meat mixture over the cheese, then sprinkle another 1 cup of cheese on top. Finish with another 2 cups of Fritos corn chips.
- Bake: Bake the assembled casserole in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese has melted.
- Serve and garnish: Top the baked Frito Pie with chopped tomatoes, lettuce, black olives, scallions or diced onions, fresh cilantro, sour cream, avocado or guacamole, and hot sauce as desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Drain the black beans thoroughly to prevent excess moisture in the casserole.
- Feel free to customize the toppings to your preference for added freshness and flavor.
- Use Mexican-style shredded cheese blend for best melting and flavor.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the meat mixture.
