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Frito Pie Recipe

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4 from 59 reviews

A classic Tex-Mex comfort dish, Frito Pie combines seasoned ground beef, beans, and enchilada sauce layered over crunchy Fritos corn chips, then topped with melted cheese and your choice of fresh toppings. Baked until hot and bubbly, this easy meal is perfect for family gatherings or casual dinners.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1/2 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 (1 ounce) packet taco seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 2 (4 ounce) cans diced mild green chilies
  • 1 (15 ounce) can pinto beans or kidney beans, drained
  • 1 (15 ounce) can red enchilada sauce
  • 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese (or cheddar)
  • 3-4 cups Fritos corn chips (or to taste)

Optional Toppings

  • Cilantro
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Sour cream
  • Scallions or red onions
  • Avocado

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and position the oven rack in the middle to ensure even baking.
  2. Cook Beef and Onions: In a skillet or Dutch oven, add the ground beef and chopped onions. Cook over medium-high heat, breaking the meat apart as it cooks, for about 8-10 minutes until the beef is evenly browned. Drain off any excess fat to avoid greasiness.
  3. Add Seasonings and Mix-ins: Stir in the taco seasoning, chili powder, diced mild green chilies, drained beans, and red enchilada sauce. Allow the mixture to warm through for about a minute so the flavors meld.
  4. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the beef and bean mixture into a 9×13 inch casserole dish and spread it out evenly to form a consistent layer.
  5. Add Cheese and Fritos: Sprinkle the shredded Mexican blend cheese evenly over the beef mixture, then top with 3-4 cups of Fritos corn chips, spreading them out to cover the surface.
  6. Bake: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the mixture is hot and bubbly.
  7. Prepare Toppings: While the pie is baking, prepare optional toppings like chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, sour cream, sliced scallions, red onions, or avocado to add fresh flavor.
  8. Serve: Remove the Frito Pie from the oven, garnish with desired toppings, and serve immediately while hot and cheesy.

Notes

  • Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and keep the dish healthier.
  • Beans can be substituted with kidney or black beans based on preference.
  • For a spicier version, use hot green chilies or add jalapeños.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to retain crispness.
  • Try adding other toppings like sliced olives or diced onions for added texture.