Frito Pie Casserole

Name: Frito Pie Casserole
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 medium onion (chopped); 1 jalapeno (diced); 1 pkg taco mix; 1 15 oz can can chili beans; 1 15 oz can can black beans (rinsed and drained); 1 cup frozen corn (thawed); 1 9¼ oz bag Fritos corn chips (divided); 1 10 oz can enchilada sauce; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

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Frito Pie Casserole is a bold and flavorful taco bake with Fritos, beans, taco seasonings, and cheese. Since it bakes in about 20 minutes, it’s also ideal for a quick weeknight dinner.

If you love the Southwest flavors in my Easy Taco Casserole and Southwest Skillet, you’ll definitely love this cheesy and crunchy Frito Pie Casserole recipe!

frito pie casserole in red dish on table

Why You’ll Love It

First of all, it’s absolutely packed with yumminess! And then there’s the fact you can whip it together in 30 minutes—a terrific quick meal for busy days. It’s a comforting dish with gooey melted cheese and a satisfying corn chip crunch. What’s not to love?!

Ingredients

Fritos – It wouldn’t be a Frito pie casserole without Frito corn chips, now would it?
Ground beef – I usually use an 85/15 blend but you could also use 80/20.
Enchilada sauce – Use a red enchilada sauce for Frito pie.
Taco seasoning – Use mild or spicy according to preference.
Cheese – Shredded Mexican blend, Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack or Cheddar will all work well.

Directions for Frito Chili Pie

Step 1: Cook ground beef and onions until beef is thoroughly cooked. Drain off grease.

cooking ground beef and onion in frying pan

Step 2: Add beans, corn, seasoning, jalapenos and enchilada sauce.

Step 3: Stir in and heat through for several minutes.

Step 4: Layer the ingredients beginning on the bottom with Fritos, meat mixture, cheese, and top with more Fritos.

Step 5: Bake the Frito Pie Casserole for 15-20 minutes. Top with jalapeno slices (or other topping suggestions) if desired.

Variations

Ground beef – You could also use ground turkey or ground chicken.
Cheese – Shredded Mexican blend, Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack or Cheddar will all work well.
Beans – Chili beans, black beans, pinto beans, kidney beans or ranch-style beans
Taco seasoning – You could substitute fajita seasoning.
Spice it up by adding red pepper flakes or ground red pepper.
Customize the Frito chili pie filling with other add-ins. Try diced tomatoes, diced peppers, chopped green chilies, or black olives.

Serving Suggestions

Additional topping ideas: sour cream, diced tomatoes, green onions, lettuce, guacamole, sliced black olives, cilantro, taco sauce, and salsa.
This Frito pie casserole recipe would be delicious served with my Mexican watermelon salad or a cool and creamy grape salad.

Recipe FAQ

What is Frito Pie?

Frito pie isn’t technically a pie (although you could bake it in a pie dish and it would look more like one). It’s a taco casserole with Fritos corn chips.

Can Frito pie casserole be turned into walking tacos?

Yep! Prepare the filling as directed, simmering on the stove, but instead of layering in a casserole dish, scoop the hot filling on top of the Fritos in single-serving bags of Fritos corn chips. Everyone can top their Frito Pie in a Bag as desired with cheese, jalapenos, etc.

What flavor of Fritos should I use?

I’m a fan of the classic original flavor of Fritos, but you could absolutely make this with any Frito flavor you enjoy.

Can I make it ahead and bake it later?

You could make the filling and refrigerate ahead of time, yes, but I don’t recommend layering the ingredients until just before baking. If you layer ahead of time, the Fritos will lose their distinctive crunch.

How do I store Frito chili pie casserole?

Store covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.