Flavor-Packed Classic Frito Pie Recipe That Wows Every Time

Nestled in the heart of Texan cuisine, this classic frito pie brings comfort straight to your plate.

Layers of crispy corn chips create a foundation for bold, zesty flavors.

Hearty chili transforms the simple snack into a mouthwatering meal bursting with personality.

Southwestern spices dance across each bite, promising a culinary adventure.

Crumbled cheese melts into warm chili, creating irresistible textures that make your taste buds sing.

Southern hospitality shines through this unpretentious dish that feels like a warm embrace.

Classic Frito Pie With A Satisfying Crunch

• Quick Family Feast: This Frito pie transforms a simple ground beef mixture into a crowd-pleasing meal that kids and adults will devour in minutes.
• Minimal Cooking Skills Required: Home cooks of all levels can nail this recipe with basic skillet and oven techniques, making it perfect for beginners wanting a delicious dinner.
• Versatile Comfort Food: The recipe allows easy customization with different seasonings, toppings like sour cream or jalapeños, and can work for casual dinners, game nights, or potluck gatherings.
• Lightning-Fast Preparation: From start to finish, this dish takes less than 40 minutes, with most time spent in simple cooking steps like browning beef and layering ingredients, ideal for busy weeknights.

What Fills a Classic Frito Pie

• Ground Beef: Rich meat base with deep savory flavor, choose lean cuts for less grease.
• Taco Seasoning, Cajun Seasoning: Spicy blend that gives classic southwest kick, select low-sodium options for healthier choice.

• Onion: Aromatic base that adds sweetness and depth, fresh onions provide best flavor.
• Garlic: Intense flavor enhancer, fresh garlic cloves are more potent than pre-minced.
• Corn: Sweet kernel addition that provides texture and subtle sweetness.
• Black Beans: Protein-rich legume with creamy texture, canned beans work perfectly.
• Diced Tomatoes: Moisture and tangy element, fire-roasted variety adds extra complexity.

• Shredded Cheese: Melty topping that binds ingredients, choose sharp cheddar for bold taste.
• Fritos: Crunchy corn chips that create signature base, original style recommended.
• Enchilada Sauce: Spicy liquid that moistens and flavors entire dish, red sauce preferred.
• Olive Oil: Cooking fat for sautéing vegetables, extra virgin provides best flavor.

Classic Frito Pie Layering Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook ground beef until it’s completely browned.

Transfer the cooked beef to a separate plate and set aside.

Step 2: Saute Aromatic Base

Drizzle olive oil into the same skillet.

Toss in diced onions and cook until they turn translucent and soft.

Add minced garlic and continue cooking for another minute to release its fragrant notes.

Step 3: Create Flavor-Packed Filling

Return the browned beef to the skillet.

• Taco seasoning
• Cajun seasoning
• Enchilada sauce
• Corn kernels
• Black beans
• Diced tomatoes

Simmer the mixture for 2-3 minutes to marry the flavors.

Step 4: Prepare Baking Station

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Step 5: Layer Crunchy Foundation

Spread half of the Fritos across the bottom of a 9×13-inch casserole dish.

Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheese over the chips.

Step 6: Build Delicious Layers

Pour the skillet mixture evenly over the Fritos and cheese.

Top with remaining Fritos and another blanket of shredded cheese.

Step 7: Bake to Melty Perfection

Slide the casserole into the oven and bake for 20 minutes.

Watch for the cheese to become golden, bubbly, and irresistibly melted.

Step 8: Serve and Devour

Pull out the piping hot Frito pie and serve immediately.

Get ready for a flavor explosion that’ll make taste buds dance!

Frito Pie Tips For Best Layering

• Use fresh Fritos for maximum crispiness and avoid soggy texture by layering chips strategically.
• Experiment with different seasoning combinations like smoked paprika or chili powder to customize heat levels and taste profile.
• Substitute ground beef with lean turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter protein option without sacrificing deliciousness.
• Replace meat with additional beans, grilled vegetables, or meat substitutes to accommodate different dietary preferences.
• Grate cheese fresh instead of using pre-shredded to ensure smoother melting and richer flavor throughout the Frito pie.

Store Frito Pie Without Losing Its Crunch

• Store leftover Frito pie in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Warm at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent Fritos from burning and maintain moisture.
• Heat individual portions for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly and restore crispy texture.
• Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers, storing up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating for best results.

Crunchy Matches For Frito Pie

• Pair Crisp Mexican Lager: Light, refreshing beer like Corona or Modelo perfectly cuts through the rich, spicy Frito pie, balancing its hearty flavors and cleansing the palate.
• Serve Fresh Zesty Salsa: Homemade pico de gallo or chunky salsa verde adds bright, tangy notes that complement the warm, cheesy casserole and provide a cool contrast to the dish's warmth.
• Blend Creamy Guacamole Side: Smooth, rich avocado dip offers a cool, silky texture that softens the pie's bold spices and adds a luxurious layer of flavor to each bite.
• Match Chilled Margarita: Classic lime margarita with salt rim delivers a zingy, citrusy kick that enhances the Tex-Mex flavors and provides a refreshing counterpoint to the heavy, cheesy dish.

Frito Pie Topping Ideas

• Vegetarian Corn Chip Casserole: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans for a protein-packed meatless version. Use dairy-free cheese for vegan option.
• Low-Carb Frito Alternative: Swap Fritos with crushed pork rinds or sliced zucchini chips. Reduce corn and beans to lower carbohydrate content for keto diet followers.
• Spicy Southwest Upgrade: Add diced jalapeños, green chiles, and increase Cajun seasoning for extra heat. Top with fresh cilantro and sliced green onions for bright flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Comfort Dish: Verify all seasonings and sauce are gluten-free. Use certified gluten-free corn chips like late July or Mission brands as base ingredient.

FAQs

• What type of ground meat works best for Frito Pie?

Ground beef is ideal, but you can also use ground turkey or ground chicken for a leaner option. The key is to fully brown the meat and drain excess fat for the best texture.

• Can I make this recipe spicy?

Yes, you can increase the heat by adding extra Cajun seasoning, using a spicy enchilada sauce, or incorporating diced jalapeños into the meat mixture. Adjust the spice level to your preference.

• Is this dish kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Kids love Frito Pie because of its crunchy chips, cheesy topping, and mild flavors. You can even reduce the seasoning if you want a milder version for children.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

Use lean ground meat, low-fat cheese, add more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini, and choose baked Fritos or a whole grain tortilla chip alternative for a more nutritious version.

Classic Frito Pie Recipe

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4.6 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty comfort meets Texan charm in this classic frito pie, a soulful symphony of crunchy corn chips nestled beneath a blanket of spicy ground beef and melted cheese. Fiery flavors and simple ingredients promise a delightful bite you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Primary Protein:

• 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef

Vegetables and Beans:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, smashed and sliced
• 1 cup corn
• 1 cup black beans
• 1 cup diced tomatoes

Seasonings and Sauces:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
• 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
• 1 cup red enchilada sauce

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 bag Fritos
• 3 cups shredded cheese

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Instructions

1. Brown ground beef thoroughly in a skillet over medium heat until no pink remains, then transfer to a separate plate.
2. Heat olive oil in the same skillet and sauté diced onions until they become translucent, then add minced garlic and cook briefly.
3. Reintroduce the ground beef to the skillet and incorporate taco seasoning, Cajun seasoning, enchilada sauce, corn, black beans, and diced tomatoes, creating a robust filling.
4. Allow the mixture to simmer, melding the flavors together and creating a rich, hearty base.
5. Preheat the oven to 350°F, preparing for the layering process.
6. Create the first layer in a 9×13-inch casserole dish by evenly spreading half of the Fritos, then generously sprinkle shredded cheese over the chips.
7. Carefully pour the seasoned meat mixture across the initial Fritos and cheese foundation.
8. Complete the dish by topping with remaining Fritos and an additional layer of shredded cheese.
9. Bake until the cheese becomes fully melted and develops a tempting golden-brown bubbling texture.
10. Remove from the oven and let rest briefly before serving, allowing the layers to set and flavors to integrate.

Notes

• Boost crispiness by briefly toasting Fritos in the oven before layering to maintain their crunch throughout the dish.
• Reduce meat content by substituting half the ground beef with plant-based crumbles for a lighter, vegetarian-friendly version.
• Control sodium levels by using low-sodium taco seasoning and choosing reduced-fat cheese to make the recipe more heart-healthy.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting Cajun seasoning or adding jalapeños for those who enjoy extra spice in their Frito pie.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 570
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 34 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 48 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg