If you’re looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, look no further than this Easy Frito Pie Recipe. Combining crispy corn chips, savory ground beef, zesty enchilada sauce, and melty cheese, this recipe hits every note of deliciousness with every bite. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or bringing it to a potluck, this vibrant casserole is simple to prepare and packed with bold flavor that anyone will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Easy Frito Pie Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each playing a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the seasoned ground beef to the crispy Fritos and creamy cheese, these components come together perfectly to create that iconic pie everyone craves.
- 1 pound lean ground beef: The hearty base packed with satisfying protein and flavor.
- 1 small onion (peeled and diced): Adds a sweet and aromatic undertone when sautéed.
- 1 ounce taco seasoning (1 pouch or homemade): Infuses bold, spicy notes that bring the dish to life.
- 2/3 cup water: Helps blend the seasoning smoothly into the beef mixture.
- 10 ounces enchilada sauce (1 can): Adds tangy richness and a hint of warmth.
- 15 ounces pinto beans (1 can, drained and rinsed): Boosts texture and makes the pie extra wholesome.
- 1 (9.25 ounce) bag Fritos corn chips (divided): The signature crunchy base and topping that defines the dish.
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese (divided): Melts beautifully to create gooey, cheesy pockets throughout.
- 1 green onion (chopped): A fresh, crisp garnish that brightens every mouthful.
- Sour cream and/or guacamole (optional for topping): Creamy additions that bring cooling contrast and extra flavor.
How to Make Easy Frito Pie Recipe
Step 1: Get Your Oven and Dish Ready
Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF to ensure it’s perfectly hot when it’s time to bake. Meanwhile, prepare a 9×13-inch glass baking dish by spraying it lightly with non-stick cooking spray—this simple step guarantees your pie comes out effortlessly without any sticking drama.
Step 2: Brown the Beef and Onions
Crumble your ground beef into a large skillet and toss in the diced onions. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the beef is fully browned and the onions have softened and sweetened. Once done, drain any excess fat for a leaner, cleaner taste.
Step 3: Season and Simmer
Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the beef and pour in two-thirds of a cup of water. Stir to distribute the spices evenly and let the mixture come to a simmer. Cook for about 3-4 minutes while stirring often to develop those wonderful layered flavors.
Step 4: Add Enchilada Sauce and Beans
Pour in the enchilada sauce and toss in the rinsed pinto beans. Stir everything together well to combine the saucy, spicy elements with the rich meat and beans, creating a hearty filling for your pie.
Step 5: Layer the Fritos, Cheese, and Meat
Grab your prepared baking dish and start by spreading 4 cups of Fritos in an even layer on the bottom. Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded Mexican cheese blend over the chips. Spread the meat mixture evenly over this cheesy chip base, then top with the remaining cup of cheese. This layering is the secret to the perfect texture contrast in every bite.
Step 6: Bake Until Hot and Bubbly
Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s hot and bubbling around the edges and the cheese has fully melted into a golden, gooey layer.
Step 7: Add Final Crunch and Toppings
After baking, sprinkle the remaining Fritos on top of the casserole to keep that iconic crunch on the surface. Let the pie cool just a bit before serving, then garnish with chopped green onions and dollops of sour cream or guacamole if you like. These toppings add a fresh, creamy balance to each savory slice.
How to Serve Easy Frito Pie Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Easy Frito Pie Recipe, fresh garnishes are a must. Chopped green onions lend a crisp, vibrant pop of color, while creamy sour cream or cool guacamole adds an irresistible richness that complements the spicy layers perfectly. Don’t be shy—these finishing touches take the dish from fantastic to unforgettable.
Side Dishes
This dish is hearty on its own, but pairing it with simple sides like a crisp green salad or a bowl of fresh salsa can brighten the meal and provide a refreshing counterpoint. For a picnic or game day spread, consider serving alongside corn on the cob or a chilled Mexican-style street corn salad for a burst of freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress your guests? Serve the Easy Frito Pie Recipe in individual ramekins for personal portions or transform it into a layered dip for casual gatherings. Adding colorful bowls of toppings nearby lets everyone customize their serving, creating a fun, interactive dining experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Easy Frito Pie can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This allows the flavors to meld even more, and reheating is just as satisfying as the first time.
Freezing
If you want to prepare this recipe ahead of time or save leftovers longer, freezing is a great option. Place the cooled pie in a freezer-safe dish and cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap. It will keep well for up to 2 months without losing its delicious flavor.
Reheating
To bring your Easy Frito Pie back to life, thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. Then reheat in the oven at 350ºF until warmed through and bubbly again, usually about 15-20 minutes. You can also use a microwave for quicker reheating, but the oven will best preserve the texture and crispness.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat substitute or simply increase the amount of beans and add extra veggies like bell peppers and corn to keep it hearty and flavorful.
What if I don’t have enchilada sauce?
You can substitute with salsa or a mix of tomato sauce and chili powder for a similar tangy and spicy profile. Just adjust the seasoning to taste to keep the bold flavors.
Is it possible to use a different kind of cheese?
Yes, feel free to swap the Mexican blend cheese with cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a spicy pepper jack to vary the flavor. Whatever melts well will work perfectly.
How spicy is this dish?
The spice level depends largely on the taco seasoning and enchilada sauce you use. You can easily control the heat by choosing mild versions or adding extra chili powder or hot sauce if you prefer it fiery.
Can I prepare this Easy Frito Pie Recipe ahead of time?
Definitely. Assemble the pie fully, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for a few hours or overnight before baking. This helps the flavors to blend beautifully and makes dinner prep a breeze.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Easy Frito Pie Recipe—its combination of crunchy, cheesy, and savory comforts wrapped into one effortless meal. Whether you’re feeding a family, hosting friends, or just craving a satisfying dish, this recipe is sure to become your new favorite go-to. Give it a try and get ready for the compliments to start rolling in!
Print
Easy Frito Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Description
This Easy Frito Pie is a deliciously cheesy and hearty casserole that combines seasoned ground beef, beans, tangy enchilada sauce, and crunchy Fritos corn chips. Baked to perfection and topped with melted Mexican blend cheese, this crowd-pleasing dish is perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. Garnished with green onions, sour cream, and guacamole, it offers layers of flavor and texture in every bite.
Ingredients
Meat Mixture
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 small onion, peeled and diced
- 1 ounce taco seasoning (1 pouch or homemade)
- 2/3 cup water
- 10 ounces enchilada sauce (1 can)
- 15 ounces pinto beans, drained and rinsed (1 can)
Assembly and Toppings
- 1 (9.25 ounce) bag Fritos corn chips (divided)
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese (divided)
- 1 green onion, chopped
- Sour cream and/or guacamole for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Prepare a 9×13-inch glass baking dish by spraying it with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Cook Beef and Onions: Crumble the ground beef into a large skillet. Add the diced onions and cook over medium heat, stirring often, until the beef is fully browned and the onions are softened. Drain off any excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Add Seasoning: Stir in the taco seasoning mix and water. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring often to ensure the flavors meld and the sauce slightly thickens.
- Incorporate Sauce and Beans: Add the enchilada sauce and rinsed pinto beans to the skillet. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly, creating a rich, flavorful filling.
- Layer the Casserole: Pour 4 cups of the Fritos corn chips into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded Mexican blend cheese evenly over the chips. Spread the meat and bean mixture evenly over the cheese layer. Top the casserole with the remaining cheese.
- Bake: Bake the assembled casserole at 350ºF for 18-20 minutes until it is hot and bubbly, and the cheese is melted and slightly golden around the edges.
- Add Final Toppings and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and immediately sprinkle the remaining Fritos over the top for a crunchy contrast. Let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions, and serve with sour cream and guacamole, if desired.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add chopped jalapeños to the beef mixture or sprinkle with hot sauce before serving.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef to reduce fat content.
- To make it vegetarian, omit the meat and add extra beans and vegetables like corn or bell peppers.
- If preferred, use homemade enchilada sauce for a fresher taste.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
