This fun and easy Frito Pie combines taco-seasoned ground beef, beans, and tomatoes, all topped with cheddar, Monterey Jack, and crispy, crunchy Fritos. Add your favorite toppings like diced tomatoes, green onions, guacamole, chopped cilantro, or sour cream.
If your family is anything like mine, then this time of year is very busy, and you can’t keep up with the day’s demands. You need some family-friendly recipes that are quick to make, easy on the pocketbook, and yet delicious and wholesome for your loved ones. This Frito Pie is all that and more.
To suit your family’s taste, top with any or all of your classic favorites. It tastes very similar to my walking tacos, taco pie, and Doritos casserole recipe.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- Ground Beef: with a bit of fat in it. Fat is what gives it flavor
- Vegetables: onion, garlic, canned diced tomatoes, green onions
- Seasonings: taco seasoning, chili powder, fresh cilantro
- Beans: kidney beans, black beans, ranch-style beans, or pinto beans
- Corn chips: like Fritos
- Cheese: cheddar and Monterey Jack
- Toppings: such as Pico de Gallo, salsa, shredded lettuce, guacamole, black olives, tomatoes, jalapeno, or sour cream.
How to Make Frito Pie
Start by browning some ground beef. When the ground beef is about halfway browned, add the onion and cook until the beef is browned and the onions are soft. Reduce the heat and add the minced garlic. Cook for 1 minute while stirring.
Now, carefully drain any excess grease from the meat mixture. Add the taco seasoning, chili powder, water, Rotel Tomatoes, and kidney beans. Simmer for about 10 minutes. Layer about 2 cups of Fritos in the bottom of a greased baking dish. Spoon half the ground beef mixture on top. Sprinkle with half the cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack Cheese.
Add 2 more cups of Fritos, followed by the remaining meat and bean mixture. Top with remaining Fritos and cheese. Bake for about 20 minutes or until the cheese is well melted and the casserole is hot. Top with all of your favorite toppings and serve immediately.
Preparation Tips and Storage
- Use a good taco seasoning with plenty of flavor. If I have time, I prefer to make it homemade. However, the Spice Islands brand is my second choice, and I purchase it from Costco.
- If you run short on time, use canned or leftover chili and skip to step 3.
- This recipe has plenty of wiggle room. If you want more cheese or a different kind that also melts well, substitute it. If you don’t like kidney beans but love black beans, ranch-style beans, or pinto beans, go with what you love.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave at reduced power, but the chips will no longer be crunchy.
Serving Suggestions
This is a hearty meal, but if I have heavy eaters or guests, I like to serve it with black bean and corn salad or layered taco salad. Black bean soup and gazpacho are also great choices.
More Casserole Recipes
Frito Pie
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 3 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- ½ cup water
- 1 (10 ounce) can mild Rotel diced tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, drained
- 4-5 cups Fritos corn chips
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 2 green onions sliced
- Sour cream
- Diced tomatoes
- Chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown ground beef. When ground beef is about halfway browned, add the onion and cook until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Reduce the heat to low and add the garlic. Cook for 1 minute; stirring constantly. Drain any excess grease.
- Stir in the taco seasoning, chili powder, water, Rotel Tomatoes, and kidney beans. Simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Layer about 2 cups of Fritos in the bottom of a greased casserole dish. Spoon half the ground beef mixture on top. Sprinkle with half the cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack Cheese.
- Sprinkle with 2 more cups of Fritos, followed by the remaining meat and bean mixture. Top with the remaining Fritos and cheese.
- Bake for about 20 minutes or until the cheese is well melted and the casserole is hot. Top with all of your favorite toppings and serve immediately.
Video
Nutrition
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Isabella J
Your Frito Pie recipe is a delicious twist on a classic comfort food! I love how simple and flavorful it is, making it perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. Plus, the addition of Fritos gives it that extra crunch and texture that’s absolutely irresistible. Thanks for sharing this delightful recipe!
Beth Pierce
The pleasure is all mine, Isabella!
Richmond N
This was some great food. I loved every bite and crispy fritos really sealed the deal.
Toots
I am wondering if this casserole can be frozen?
Beth Pierce
Yes it can.
Jack
The boys and I just love this frito pie. It is easy to make and so delicious. I am going to put it on regular rotation for us. Thanks for sharing!
Beth Pierce
You are most welcome, Jack!
Barb
This Frito Pie was easy and delicious. A new favorite of mine. I topped mine with fresh diced tomatoes, sour cream, and a little shredded lettuce.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Barb! I am so glad that you liked the frito pie!
Riley
Your take on this classic dish is not only mouthwatering but also presented in a way that even a kitchen newbie like me can follow along.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Riley! I am happy that you liked it!
Carol
My husband would love this! I wonder why it called frito pie?
Beth Pierce
Because it is made with fritos, often made in a pie dish, and layered like a pie!
Debbie
Yum – this Frito Pie was delicious. It was the perfect combination of flavors and textures. I topped ours with some fresh Pico de Gallo, sour cream, and avocadoes.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Debbie!
Cindy
My husband and kids love this frito pie. It is always a huge hit. Thanks for sharing the recipe! We love it.
Julie
We love this frito pie! We make at least once a month for as long as I can remember. You have the best recipes!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Julie! I am so glad that you like my recipes.