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

Scale

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)

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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.