What You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make this Easy Frito Pie Recipe (the exact measurements and full recipe instructions are below in the printable recipe card):
Ground Beef: You could also use ground turkey if you prefer, or even ground chicken! Leaner ground meats make the casserole less greasy.
Onion: Dice up some onion; any kind (red, white, sweet, yellow) will do.
Taco Seasoning Mix: You can use any taco seasoning packet that you like, or make your own taco seasoning blend and use 2-3 tablespoons, or to taste.
Water: A little water helps create the right consistency.
Enchilada Sauce: Try our Homemade Enchilada Sauce or use canned.
Pinto Beans: Use plain pinto beans, or substitute saucy “ranch style” beans. You basically can’t go wrong here!
Fritos: Classic Fritos corn chips give this casserole body and crunch.
Shredded Cheese: My favorite cheese for Frito Pie is Mexican blend, but shredded cheddar or colby cheese would also be great.
Green Onion: A little bit of chopped green onion goes a long way.
Sour Cream and Guacamole: These two classic toppings add freshness and creaminess to the dish.
How to Make Frito Pie
Assembling this casserole dish is so simple! First, you’ll need to quickly make the ground beef “chili” mixture, and from there, it’s just about layering and baking. The baked casserole is topped with extra Fritos and served with sour cream, green onion, and guacamole.
Prep the Oven and Baking Dish. To start, preheat your oven to 350ºF. Prepare a 9×13-inch glass baking dish by spraying it with non-stick cooking spray, and set it aside while you cook the beef.
Make the Beef Mixture. Crumble the ground beef into a large skillet, add the onions, and cook both together over medium heat until the beef is fully browned. Stir often to cook the beef evenly and prevent sticking. Drain off the excess fat, and then stir in the taco seasoning mix and water. Bring to a simmer, and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring often. Finally, add the enchilada sauce and beans.
Assemble the Casserole. Line the bottom of the baking dish with about 4 cups of the Fritos. Sprinkle a cup of the cheese over the Fritos. Next, evenly spread all of the meat mixture over the chips and cheese. Finally, top with the remaining cheese.
Bake, Cool, and Top. Bake the assembled casserole at 350ºF for 18-20 minutes until hot and bubbly. Take it out of the oven, and allow it to cool slightly before serving. Sprinkle the top of the casserole with the remaining Fritos.
Enjoy! Serve the Frito Pie with chopped green onions, sour cream, and guacamole.
Substitutions and Variation Ideas
It’s easy to make this recipe your own! There are so many great substitutions and variations you can try. Here are a few of our favorite substitution and variation ideas:
Chili Seasoning: Substitute chili seasoning for the taco seasoning, for a subtle twist.
No Onions: For those who don’t prefer onions, simply leave them out when making this recipe.
Beans: You can use black beans in this recipe instead of pinto beans, or just omit the beans if you don’t like them!
Veggies: Stir just about any finely chopped veggies into the meat mixture for a little extra nutrition: spinach, bell peppers, mushrooms, whatever you like!
Vegetarian: Make a vegetarian Frito Pie by substituting tofu or other meatless crumbles for the beef, or simply by using a vegetable alternative like hashbrown potatoes or chopped caulifower florets.
What Goes with Frito Pie?
When it comes to serving this easy Frito Pie, I like to go with simple sides and a bounty of fresh, colorful toppings. These are all easy options that go perfectly with this fun Tex-Mex dish.
Side Dishes
Broccoli Salad: Creamy, crunchy Broccoli Salad is a wonderful contrast to the hearty, meat-and-cheese layers of Frito pie.
Coleslaw: This tangy Cilantro Lime Coleslaw is a delicious accompaniment to any spicy dish.
Corn: Sweet, buttery corn is always a hit, especially this amazing Honey Butter Skillet Corn! It’s a bright, flavorful side dish that’s sure to bring a smile.
Toppings
Green or Red Salsa
Avocado Crema
Pico De Gallo
Chopped Lettuce
Chopped Avocado
Sliced Black Olives
Hot Sauce
Bacon Bits
Banana Pepper Rings.
