Ultimate Cheesy Frito Pie Casserole: Your New Favorite Easy Weeknight Meal
Say hello to your new favorite comfort food: the Frito Pie Casserole! This incredibly easy and affordable dish is packed with savory taco-seasoned ground beef, an abundance of melted cheese, creamy ranch-style beans, and a generous layer of crunchy Frito corn chips. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights, game days, or any time you’re craving a hearty, flavor-packed meal that’s simple to prepare and loved by everyone.
Why This Frito Pie Casserole Recipe is a Must-Try
This Frito Pie Casserole is more than just a meal; it’s a culinary experience that brings together delightful textures and robust flavors in one convenient dish. Originating from the popular “walking taco” concept – where all the fillings are served directly in a mini chip bag – this casserole takes that fun, customizable idea and scales it up for a family-sized feast. Instead of individual bags, you get a hearty bake, layering seasoned ground beef, zesty tomatoes, rich beans, and plenty of melty cheese, all punctuated by the unmistakable crunch of Frito corn chips. It’s an iconic dish, especially beloved in the Southern United States, and for good reason: it’s incredibly satisfying and utterly delicious.
What truly makes this recipe a winner is its incredible versatility. Much like any great casserole, the ingredients are highly adaptable to your personal preferences and what you have on hand. Feel free to unleash your creativity! Want to dial down the heat? Opt for mild diced tomatoes instead of Rotel and use regular pinto beans. Craving more veggies? Corn, bell peppers, or even a can of green chiles would make fantastic additions. Looking to boost the flavor? A dollop of sour cream, fresh cilantro, or creamy avocado on top can elevate each serving. This dish isn’t just a recipe; it’s a canvas for your culinary imagination, making it perfect for custom meals every time.
Beyond its delicious taste and flexibility, this Frito Pie Casserole stands out as an easy and affordable weeknight meal solution. With minimal prep time and straightforward steps, you can have a comforting dinner on the table without hours in the kitchen. The ingredients are budget-friendly and readily available, proving that you don’t need exotic components to create something truly special. Whether you’re feeding a large family, preparing for a potluck, or just want a satisfying meal with leftovers for lunch, this Frito pie delivers on all fronts – convenience, cost-effectiveness, and mouth-watering flavor. Don’t hesitate to experiment and make it uniquely yours!
Gather Your Ingredients for Frito Pie Casserole
Creating this delicious Frito Pie Casserole requires a few simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create a symphony of flavors and textures. From the hearty ground beef to the zesty tomatoes and the iconic Frito chips, each component plays a crucial role in making this dish a crowd-pleaser. You’ll find a complete list of precise measurements and detailed instructions in the printable recipe card located at the very end of this post, but let’s highlight the key players you’ll need to gather to get started on this fantastic meal.
Ingredient Spotlight: Tips & Swaps for Your Frito Pie
Understanding each ingredient and knowing how to substitute can make all the difference in tailoring this Frito Pie Casserole to your taste and dietary needs. Here’s a closer look:
- The Hearty Filling – Ground Beef & Onions: The foundation of this casserole is savory ground beef, browned with diced yellow onion to create a rich, aromatic base. We recommend using a lean ground beef (80/20 or 90/10) to minimize excess grease. If you’re looking for alternatives, ground turkey or chicken can be excellent leaner options; just ensure they are well-seasoned. For a vegetarian Frito pie, consider using plant-based ground “meat” crumbles or a mixture of finely diced mushrooms and lentils, seasoned appropriately.
- Taco Seasoning: This is where the magic happens, infusing our beef with classic Tex-Mex flavors. Whether you prefer a store-bought packet for convenience or whip up your own homemade taco seasoning blend, adjust the amount to your desired spice level. Homemade versions often allow for more control over salt and heat, letting you create a milder or spicier profile.
- Beans for Body and Flavor: Ranch-style beans add a unique, slightly zesty, and subtly spiced flavor to the casserole, and they are typically added undrained to contribute moisture. However, if you prefer less spice or a different texture, feel free to substitute with canned pinto beans, black beans, or kidney beans. For these alternatives, you might drain and rinse them depending on your preference for a thicker or thinner sauce, though keeping some of their liquid can help maintain moisture.
- Rotel Tomatoes: These diced tomatoes with green chiles are a staple in many Southwestern dishes, providing both acidity and a gentle kick of heat. If you’re sensitive to spice, simply swap them out for regular diced tomatoes or fire-roasted diced tomatoes for a smoky flavor without the heat. Like the beans, Rotel tomatoes are added undrained to ensure enough liquid for the casserole to bake beautifully.
- The Iconic Frito Corn Chips: These aren’t just a topping; they’re an integral part of the Frito Pie experience. The Fritos layered on the bottom soften slightly as they bake, creating a delightful, almost dumpling-like texture that soaks up the savory beef and bean mixture. The Fritos on top, however, retain some of their crunch, providing a satisfying contrast. While Fritos are traditional, if you’re in a pinch, other corn chips could work, but nothing quite replicates the classic Frito flavor and texture.
- Cheesy Goodness: Shredded medium cheddar cheese is a fantastic choice for its meltability and classic flavor. Don’t shy away from other cheese blends like Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or a Mexican blend. These will also melt beautifully and add their own delicious nuances to the casserole.
- Optional Add-ins & Toppings:
- Vegetables: Stir in a can of drained corn, sliced bell peppers (especially red or green), or even some sautéed zucchini into the meat mixture for added nutrition and texture.
- Spice Boosters: For extra heat, add a dash of your favorite hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the meat mixture. Freshly sliced jalapeños or serrano peppers can also be added as a topping.
- Fresh Garnishes: Beyond the diced tomatoes, olives, parsley, and jalapeños mentioned in the recipe, consider a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, a scoop of guacamole or fresh diced avocado, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, or green onions for a vibrant finish.
- Sauces: A drizzle of salsa or a tangy ranch dressing can add another layer of flavor.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Your Frito Pie Casserole
These step-by-step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this delicious Frito Pie Casserole. For the complete printable version of this recipe, including all precise measurements and instructions, you can Jump to Recipe at the bottom of this post.
- Grease a 9×13 casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring it’s ready for baking.
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and diced onion over medium heat. Break up the beef as it cooks until it’s fully browned and the onions are tender and translucent. Drain any excess fat.
- Once the beef is browned, stir in the taco seasoning, water, undrained ranch-style beans, and undrained Rotel tomatoes. This combination forms the rich, flavorful sauce for the casserole.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- In your prepared casserole dish, spread half of the Frito corn chips evenly across the bottom. This layer will absorb moisture and become delightfully soft. Then, sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the chips.
- Carefully spoon and spread the cooked meat and bean mixture evenly over the Fritos and cheese layer. This will be the hearty core of your casserole.
- Finish by topping the meat mixture with the remaining Frito chips and then a final generous layer of shredded cheese. This top layer of Fritos will maintain a pleasant crunch.
- Cover the casserole dish loosely with aluminum foil. Bake for approximately 20 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through.
- Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven. Garnish generously with your desired fresh toppings such as diced tomatoes, sliced olives, fresh parsley, and spicy jalapeños. Serve immediately and enjoy the warm, comforting flavors!
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for Frito Pie
The Fritos added to the bottom of the baking dish serve a dual purpose as the casserole’s flavorful base. As the Frito Pie bakes, this bottom layer of corn chips absorbs the delicious, savory juices from the meat and bean mixture. This process transforms them from crunchy chips into a wonderfully soft, almost doughy layer, providing an unexpected and comforting texture contrast to the crispier chips on top. It’s a key element that makes Frito pie so unique and satisfying.
Absolutely! This Frito Pie Casserole is a fantastic make-ahead option. You can fully assemble the casserole a day in advance, including the meat mixture, beans, tomatoes, and the bottom layer of Fritos and cheese. However, to prevent the top Frito layer from becoming soggy overnight, we recommend adding these crunchy chips and the remaining cheese just before baking. Cover the assembled casserole tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, pull the casserole from the fridge to sit at room temperature while your oven preheats, then add the final Frito and cheese topping and bake as directed.
While this Frito Pie Casserole is truly at its best when enjoyed fresh, leftovers can certainly be stored and savored! Transfer any remaining casserole into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Please note that the Frito topping will inevitably soften as it sits in the refrigerator, losing its initial crispness. If you desire that signature crunch when reheating, simply add a fresh handful of Frito chips to your portion before serving.
A common mistake when making Frito pie is letting the meat mixture be too dry. The Fritos are quite absorbent, especially the bottom layer. Be generous with the liquids! Don’t be afraid to add all the juices from the canned beans and Rotel tomatoes, and even a bit of extra water if your meat mixture seems overly thick. This ensures a moist, flavorful casserole that doesn’t dry out in the oven.
This recipe, with Ranch-style beans and Rotel tomatoes, has a pleasant level of spice. If you prefer a milder version, simply swap the Ranch-style beans for plain canned pinto beans and use regular diced tomatoes instead of Rotel. For those who love extra heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper, a dash of hot sauce, or a few extra finely diced fresh jalapeños to the meat mixture.
Perfect Pairings & Topping Ideas for Your Frito Pie
This Frito Pie Casserole is undeniably hearty and filling all on its own, making it a complete meal perfect for a hungry crowd or a cozy family dinner. However, if you’re looking to round out your meal or offer more variety, there are several delicious side dishes and an array of toppings that can elevate the experience even further. Think of this casserole as a canvas waiting for your creative touches!
For side dishes, consider something that offers a fresh contrast to the rich and savory casserole. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette is always a welcome addition, providing a refreshing bite. Another classic pairing is a warm slice of cornbread, which beautifully complements the Tex-Mex flavors. For a lighter, zestier option, a simple coleslaw or a side of steamed, lightly seasoned green beans can be delightful.
When it comes to toppings, the possibilities are virtually endless, allowing everyone to customize their plate to perfection. We’ve suggested freshly chopped tomatoes, sliced black olives, vibrant parsley, and a scattering of zesty jalapeños. But don’t stop there! Here are even more fantastic choices:
- Creamy Delights: A generous dollop of sour cream or a spoonful of plain Greek yogurt can add a wonderful tang and cool contrast to the warm, spicy flavors.
- Fresh & Healthy: Cubed avocado or a scoop of homemade guacamole brings a creamy, rich texture and healthy fats. Freshly chopped cilantro and green onions add bright, herbaceous notes and a pop of color.
- Extra Kick: A drizzle of your favorite hot sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes will satisfy those who love extra heat.
- Salsas & Relishes: A spoon of fresh tomato salsa, corn salsa, or even a spicy pico de gallo can add another layer of fresh, vibrant flavor and moisture.
- Pickled Accents: In addition to jalapeños, consider pickled red onions or a dash of pickled banana peppers for a tangy, zesty crunch.
Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner, a lively game day gathering, or a potluck with friends, this Frito Pie Casserole, served with your chosen sides and a medley of toppings, is sure to be a hit. Enjoy creating and savoring this comforting and adaptable dish!
Explore More Delicious Casserole Recipes
If you love the ease and comfort of this Frito Pie Casserole, you’re in for a treat! Casseroles are the ultimate go-to for hearty, satisfying meals that often come together with minimal fuss, making them perfect for family dinners and gatherings. Here are some more of our favorite casserole recipes that we think you’ll enjoy, each bringing its own unique flavors and textures to your table:
- Taco Pie: All the flavors of a taco in a convenient, sliceable pie format.
- Taco Casserole: A classic, layered dish brimming with taco goodness.
- Dorito Casserole: For those who love a cheesy, crunchy twist with Dorito chips.
- Southwest Ground Beef Casserole: A robust and flavorful option with a Southwestern flair.
- Chicken Enchilada Casserole: Layers of chicken, tortillas, and enchilada sauce for a Mexican-inspired delight.
These recipes are designed to be as delicious and straightforward as our Frito Pie Casserole, offering you more fantastic options for comforting, crowd-pleasing meals. Happy cooking!
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Frito Pie
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 9.25 ounces Frito corn chips 1 bag
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ medium yellow onion diced, about 1 cup
- ¼ cup taco seasoning
- ½ cup water
- 15 ounces ranch style beans undrained
- 10 ounce Rotel tomatoes 1 can, undrained
- 2 cups shredded medium cheddar cheese
- 2 medium tomatoes diced
- 2.25 ounce sliced black olives 1 can, drained
- jalapeno slices optional as garnish
- 1 Tablespoon freshly chopped parsley optional as garnish
Things You’ll Need
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13×9 baking dish
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Aluminum foil
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Large skillet
Before You Begin
- Don’t be afraid to add all the juices from the canned beans and tomatoes, as well as some additional water when you’re mixing up the meat mixture. You want plenty of moisture in the meat mixture when it goes into the oven – the Fritos absorb a lot of moisture and you don’t want it too dry.
- This dish has some spice to it. To reduce the spice, use canned pinto beans instead of the Ranch style beans and/or regular diced tomatoes instead of Rotel tomatoes.
- A can of corn can also be stirred in with the meat and bean mixture.
- Other toppings that would go great with this casserole include chopped cilantro, raw bell peppers, sour cream, and avocados.
Instructions
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Grease a 9×13 casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
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Over medium heat, cook the ground beef and onion in a large skillet until the meat has browned and the onions are soft.
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Stir in the taco seasoning, water, beans, and Rotel tomatoes.
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Bring mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes longer, stirring regularly.
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Add half of the Fritos corn chips to the bottom of the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of the cheese over the chips.
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Spread the meat mixture over the chips and cheese. Then top with the remaining chips and cheese.
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Cover with aluminum foil and bake for approximately 20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the casserole is hot and bubbly.
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Garnish with diced tomatoes, olives, parsley, and jalapenos.
Nutrition
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The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.