May 1, 2023

Frito Pie Casserole (with step by step photos)

Frito Pie Casserole is a classic comfort food that has been enjoyed by families for generations. This easy-to-make casserole is made with simple ingredients like chili, corn chips, and cheese. The combination of flavors and textures is sure to satisfy all of your hearty and delicious meal cravings!

A mouthwatering Frito pie casserole in a cast iron skillet. A long-handled spoon lifts a serving of the cheesy dish out of the skillet.

What is Frito Pie?

Frito Pie is a classic American dish that originated in the Southwest. It is typically made by layering Fritos corn chips, chili, cheese, and other toppings in a baking dish. The dish is then baked until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Frito Pie is a popular dish to serve at parties, potlucks, and family gatherings.

When layering Fritos into the dish they end up soggy when baked, so I choose to make the chili in the skillet first, add the cheese to melt, and then top with Fritos and other toppings.

Making Frito Pie this way ensures the Fritos stay crispy adding a wonderful crunch to this dish. It also ensures your leftovers will be extra delicious without soggy Fritos. I like that!

Two serving bowls of Frito pie casserole on a white background. A portion of the cast iron skillet recipe is visible in the photo.
Taste and Texture

The taste and texture of this easy Frito Pie recipe is a perfect combination of savory, crunchy, and cheesy. The corn chips add a crunchy texture to the dish, while the chili and cheese provide a rich and savory flavor. The dish is perfect for those who love comfort food and crave something that is hearty and satisfying.

A collection of ingredients needed for Frito pie casserole on a white wood background.
Ingredients You'll Need

The ingredients for Frito Pie Casserole are easy to find and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. The following ingredients are needed to make the dish:

  • Ground Beef - I use 80/20 ground chuck for the best flavor
  • Chili seasonings - chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, salt & pepper
  • Diced onion - For best results use a small yellow onion
  • Minced garlic
  • Chili beans - because this dish is made quickly in a skillet, I use chili beans in the sauce for best results
  • Diced tomatoes - use your favorite can of diced tomatoes with the liquid
  • Tomato sauce - use your favorite can of tomato sauce
  • Shredded Mexican cheese - I use bagged shredded Mexican cheese in this recipe
  • Fritos corn chips - Use as many or as little corn chips as you like

Optional Toppings (but highly recommended):

  • Fresh cilantro
  • Guacamole
  • Sour Cream
  • Fresh tomatoes
  • Green Onions
  • Cowboy Candy (Candied jalapenos) - these add a touch of sweetness to this recipe. I highly recommend using candied jalapenos as a topping for this recipe.

How to Make Frito Pie

Prep: Preheat oven and gather ingredients needed

Hands holding a white bowl with seasonings and pouring the seasonings into the mixing bowl with the ground beef
Seasonings and ground beef in a glass mixing bowl, ready to be mixed in

A hand holding a wooden spoon, mixing seasoning into ground beef in a glass bowl. Another hand is holding the glass bowl steady.

Season: Measure and add seasonings to ground beef. Gently mix to combine

Ground beef cooking in a skillet with onions and garlic, creating a flavorful aroma.
Chili Beans being added to browned ground beef in a cast iron skillet, creating a hearty and delicious mixture.
Diced tomatoes being added to browned ground beef in a cast iron skillet, enhancing the flavors and creating a delicious base.
Tomato sauce added onto browned ground beef in a cast iron skillet, enriching the mixture with a rich and savory tomato flavor
A hand holding a wooden spoon stirring ingredients into browned ground beef in a cast iron skillet, creating a flavorful and well-blended mixture.
Cook: Brown beef in a hot skillet with onions and garlic. Mix in beans, tomatoes, and sauce and place in the oven for 20 minutes until bubbly.

Shredded cheese being sprinkled from a white bowl onto a cooked beef mixture in a cast iron skillet, melting and creating a delicious cheesy topping.
Shredded cheese covering the cooked beef mixture in a cast iron skillet, for a gooey and melted cheese topping
A hand placing a cast iron lid on the skillet with the shredded cheese and beef mixture, allowing the cheese to melt and blend with the flavors.
Melted cheese atop a chili mixture in a cast iron skillet, creating a luscious and gooey layer over the savory dish
Cheese: Remove from oven, top with cheese, cover until cheese is melted

A delectable chili mixture topped with melted cheese, Fritos, fresh tomatoes, cowboy candy, green onions, sour cream, guacamole, and fresh cilantro in a cast iron skillet set on a white wood background
Serve: Top with Fritos and your choice of toppings and enjoy!

Variations

There are many variations of Frito Pie Casserole that you can try.

  • Similar to Walking Tacos, you can make a Walking Frito Pie: Using individual bags of Fritos, pour the chili cheese mixture into each bag. Add any additional toppings to your liking and enjoy.
  • Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or ground chicken to make the dish healthier.
  • Try different types of beans, such as black beans or kidney beans.
  • Add Bell peppers and corn for more color and texture to the dish.

Two serving bowls of Frito pie casserole on a white background. A portion of the cast iron skillet recipe is visible in the photo

Recipe Tips

Here are some tips to help you make the perfect Frito Pie Casserole:

  • Use a 10" skillet with a lid to make the dish.
  • Season the beef before adding it to the skillet to ensure it is seasoned uniformly.
  • Use a paper towel to soak up excess fat from the meat mixture if needed.
  • Use Mexican cheese blend for a more authentic flavor.
  • Add in your favorite toppings to customize the dish to your liking.

Storage

Refrigerator - Frito Pie Casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To store, let the dish cool completely and then transfer to an airtight container. To reheat, simply pop it in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Freezer - If you want to freeze the dish, let it cool completely and then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Frito Pie Casserole can be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, let the dish thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake in the oven until warmed through.

Reheating

To reheat Frito Pie Casserole, simply place it in the oven at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave it for 1-2 minutes, but keep in mind that the corn chips may become soggy.

A mouthwatering Frito pie casserole in a cast iron skillet. A long-handled spoon lifts a cheesy serving out of the skillet.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

Q: Can I make Frito Pie Casserole in advance?

A: Yes, you can make the dish ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it until you are ready to serve. Don't add Fritos or other toppings until ready to serve.

Q: Can I use different types of cheese?

A: Yes, you can use any type of cheese that you like such as Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or Cheddar Cheese. However, Mexican cheese blend is recommended for a more authentic flavor.

Q: Can I make this dish vegetarian?

A: Yes, you can swap out the ground beef for vegetarian crumbles or omit it altogether.

In conclusion, Frito Pie Casserole is a classic American dish that is easy to make and sure to satisfy any cravings you may have for a hearty and delicious meal. With just a few simple ingredients and some optional toppings, you can create a dish that is perfect for any occasion. So why not give it a try and see for yourself how delicious Frito Pie Casserole can be?

More Easy Casserole Recipes You Need!


frito pie, frito pie casserole, frito pie casserole recipe
dinner
American
Yield: 6
Author: Life Tastes Good
Frito Pie Casserole

Frito Pie Casserole

Prep time: 10 MinCook time: 20 MinTotal time: 30 Min
This yummy Frito Pie Casserole is a combination of chili, corn chips, cheese and more! Just a few simple ingredients and you’re in for a treat!

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon oil
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup onion, diced
  • 1/2 tablespoon garlic, minced
  • 15 ounce can chili beans
  • 14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes
  • 8 ounce can tomato sauce
  • 2-3 cups shredded Mexican cheese
  • 1 bag Fritos corn chips
Optional Toppings
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Guacamole or sliced avocado
  • Sour Cream
  • Fresh tomatoes
  • Green Onions
  • Candied jalapenos

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Season beef with 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper, and gently mix to combine.
  3. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a 10" large skillet over mid-high heat and brown the ground beef.
  4. Add 1 cup diced onions and 1/2 tablespoon minced garlic. Cook until the meat mixture is browned all the way through and the liquid has mostly evaporated. Use a paper towel to soak up excess fat if needed.
  5. Add chili beans, canned tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Stir to combine.
  6. Place the skillet in the oven and bake for 20 minutes until bubbly.
  7. Remove from the oven and top chili with 2-3 cups shredded cheese. Put the lid on the skillet until the cheese is melted. About 5 minutes.
  8. Serve topped with Fritos and your favorite toppings.

Notes

  1. Similar to Walking Tacos, you can make a Walking Frito Pie: Using individual bags of Fritos, pour the chili cheese mixture into each bag. Add any additional toppings to your liking and enjoy.
  2. Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or ground chicken to make the dish healthier.
  3. Try different types of beans, such as black beans or kidney beans.
  4. Add Bell peppers and corn for more color and texture to the dish.

Nutrition Facts

Calories

684.96

Fat (grams)

43.57 g

Sat. Fat (grams)

15.72 g

Carbs (grams)

43.81 g

Fiber (grams)

7.63 g

Net carbs

36.16 g

Sugar (grams)

10.92 g

Protein (grams)

32.04 g

Sodium (milligrams)

1700.63 mg

Cholesterol (grams)

99.19 mg

Nutrition label disclaimer: Nutrient values are estimates only. Variations may occur due to product availability and food preparation. To obtain the most accurate representation of the nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.

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