Easy Frito Pie
Add Preferred SourceFrito Pie is one of those no-fuss meals that hits the spot every time. Made with layers of crunchy corn chips, seasoned beef, beans, and melted cheese, it’s quick to pull together and is perfect for game nights, casual dinners, or feeding a crowd. Whether you’re making it for a party or just a fun dinner at home, it’s always a hit.
This dish brings that classic Tex-Mex flavor with a hearty, comforting twist. It’s often served straight from the chip bag at fairs and events, but it’s just as satisfying in a bowl loaded with toppings. The contrast of crispy chips, melty cheese, and saucy beef is what makes it hard to resist.
One of the best things about Frito Pie? You can easily make it your own. Throw on some jalapeños for spice, a dollop of sour cream for richness, or guac to cool things down. It’s great as a DIY dinner setup or a low-effort party meal.
Ingredients
- Lean ground beef – You can use any kind of ground beef but you’ll end up removing a lot of fat. I almost always cook with 80/20 ground beef.
- Onion – Diced. I cook with yellow aka brown onions but any kind of onion will work in this casserole.
- Taco seasoning – Keep it low sodium to control the salt in this dish.
- Pinto beans – Drained and rinsed.
- Red enchilada sauce – You can use your favorite brand.
- Fritos – You’ll need 8-10 cups of Fritos in total, but save 1 cup for serving.
- Cheddar – Shredded. About 8 ounces, shredded. I like the flavor of sharp cheddar but any kind will work.
Optional Toppings
- Diced white onion
- Sliced scallions – AKA green onions.
- Pickled jalapeños
- Sour cream
- Pico de gallo
How To Make Frito Pie
Scroll down for the full recipe card with exact measurements and printable instructions.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it apart as it browns, until fully cooked. Drain excess grease if needed, adding a small splash of oil if the beef is very lean.
Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook for another 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens and becomes translucent.
Stir in the taco seasoning, beans, and enchilada sauce until well combined. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through and slightly thickened.
To assemble, add a layer of Fritos to each serving bowl or plate. Spoon the hot beef and bean mixture over the chips, then sprinkle cheddar cheese on top.
Finish with additional Fritos and any desired toppings, and serve immediately while hot.
Chef Jenn’s Tips
- Want more crunch? Add a second layer of Fritos just before serving.
- Sharp cheddar adds bold flavor, but Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack are great too.
- For a fun twist, serve right in a mini Frito bag—slice it open and fill it up!
- Hosting? Set out all the toppings and let guests build their own bowl.
Serving Suggestions
Frito Pie is hearty enough to stand alone, but you can serve it with a crisp salad or some elote-style corn for a full meal. A cold glass of lemonade or hibiscus tea makes a great drink pairing.
Storage
Store the beef and bean mix in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat and serve it over fresh Fritos to keep that signature crunch. Add toppings right before serving to keep things fresh and crunchy.
Frito Pie
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 cup onion diced
- 1 ounce packet taco seasoning
- 30 ounces pinto beans drained and rinsed
- 19 ounces red enchilada sauce
- 18 ounces package Fritos
- 2 cups Cheddar shredded
Instructions
- Warm a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it apart as it browns. Drain the grease if needed. If your beef is very lean, add a splash of oil to help it cook evenly.
- Toss in the diced onion and cook for another 4–5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the taco seasoning, beans, and enchilada sauce. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring now and then.
- Add a layer of Fritos to each serving bowl or plate.
- Spoon the hot beef and bean mixture over the chips.
- Sprinkle cheddar cheese on top and load up with any optional toppings you like.
- Finish with a few extra Fritos on top and serve right away.
Notes
Chef Jenn’s Tips
- Want more crunch? Add a second layer of Fritos just before serving.
- Sharp cheddar adds bold flavor, but Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack are great too.
- For a fun twist, serve right in a mini Frito bag—slice it open and fill it up!
- Hosting? Set out all the toppings and let guests build their own bowl.
Nutrition
A Note on Nutritional Information
Nutritional information for this recipe is provided as a courtesy and is calculated based on available online ingredient information. It is only an approximate value. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site cannot be guaranteed.
