This fun and easy Frito Pie combines taco-seasoned ground beef, beans, and tomatoes, all topped with cheddar, Monterey Jack, and crispy, crunchy Fritos. For even more deliciousness, add your favorite toppings like diced tomatoes, green onion, guacamole, chopped cilantro, or sour cream.
What’s In This Post
A Blast From The Past
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 and Doritos casserole recipe.
Ingredients Needed
- 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 Galo, 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
- Use a good taco seasoning with plenty of flavor. If I have time, I prefer to make it homemade. However, Spice Islands brand is my second choice, and I purchase it from Costco.
- You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or pork for the beef.
- 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.
Serving Suggestions
This is a hearty meal by itself, but if I have heavy eaters or guests, I like to serve with black bean and corn salad or layered taco salad. Black bean soup and gazpacho are also great choices as an alternative to salad.
Storage and Reheat
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They can also be reheated in the microwave at reduced power, but the chips will no longer be crunchy.
Freeze individual portions in sturdy freezer containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat in the microwave at reduced power.
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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Karen W
This was out of this world delicious. The kids loved it. We will make it again, thank you!
Lavanda Michelle
I appreciate how quick and easy it is to make, and my family absolutely loved it. The crispy Fritos and melty cheese were a hit.
Clark
I assembled a Frito Pie with care, layering crunchy corn chips, seasoned chili, and melted cheese. As I took the first bite, the flavors melded. A symphony of savory, spicy, and cheesy notes. With each forkful, I felt like a culinary maestro, turning humble ingredients into a harmonious masterpiece.
Jupiter Hadley
I wish they sold Fritos in the UK! This looks like such a fun recipe to follow.
Mary Lou
This was so fun! This was a huge hit was my husband and the kids. Thank you, Beth!
Beth Pierce
The pleasure is all mine, Mary Lou!
Tanya
The combination of taco-seasoned ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses was deliciously irresistible. I personalized it with my favorite toppings like diced tomatoes, green onion, guacamole, and sour cream. This fun and easy recipe is definitely one to try for a delightful and satisfying meal! I highly recommend it.
LisaLisa
Now this is a recipe I need to try out. My kids love Frito’s, but I have yet to create a Frito pie .This looks yummy.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Lisa! Enjoy!
Catalina
I made the Frito Pie for dinner, and it was fantastic! The layers of flavors and textures were perfect, and it was so comforting and satisfying.
April D
This is such comfort food. Absolutely delicious.
Claudia
Oh, yum! I love this recipe. It’s so good and easy, and it’s such a classic for dinner or parties. Fantastic recipe!
Sandra Z
This is my family’s new favorite dinner! It’s very easy to make and always turns out really good!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Sandra! I am so happy that the family liked it.
Erin
Everyone loved it! We had so much fun adding our own favorite toppings! I’m already planning my next Frito pie night!
Krystle
One of my all time favorites. The ROTEL takes it to the next level, yum!
Amanda
This is delicious! Everyone devoured it and I will be making again very soon!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Amanda. I am so glad that everyone liked it.
DK
I love frito pies! It brings me back to my childhood! This recipe was so good and brought that classic flavor back!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, DK! So glad that you liked the frito pie!
Eva
Comfort food at its finest! The kids gobbled it up. Thanks for another delicious recipe!
Beth Pierce
My pleasure, Eva!