Name: Delicious Frito Pie Recipe: A Comfort Food Classic
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 medium yellow onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 teaspoons chili powder; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chiles; 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 4 cups Fritos corn chips; Optional toppings: sour cream, jalapeños, green onions, cilantro

Frito Pie is the ultimate comfort food that combines cheesy goodness, savory beef, and crunchy corn chips into a delightful casserole. This classic Tex-Mex dish is not only incredibly easy to prepare but also a crowd-pleaser at parties and family dinners. Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering or looking for a quick weeknight meal, this Frito Pie recipe is your answer. With layers of seasoned ground beef, beans, and melted cheese, it creates a mouthwatering experience that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Frito Pie

This Frito Pie is beloved for many reasons. First, it’s quick and easy to make—perfect for busy weeknights. Second, it requires minimal ingredients, making it budget-friendly. Third, you can customize it to your taste with various toppings and fillings. Additionally, it’s a great dish for meal prep, as leftovers taste even better the next day. Plus, it’s versatile enough to cater to both meat lovers and vegetarians by using alternatives. With its rich Tex-Mex flavors, it’s no wonder that Frito pie ranks high among comfort foods!

Ingredients for Frito Pie

Gather these items:

1 pound ground beef
1 medium yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chiles
1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
4 cups Fritos corn chips
Optional toppings: sour cream, jalapeños, green onions, cilantro

How to Make Frito Pie Step-by-Step

Step 1: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
Step 2: Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until onions are soft and fragrant.
Step 3: Stir in chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Add diced tomatoes with green chiles and kidney beans. Simmer for 10 minutes to meld flavors.
Step 4: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a 9×13-inch baking dish, layer Fritos chips on the bottom.
Step 5: Spoon the beef and bean mixture over the chips evenly.
Step 6: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top.
Step 7: Bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 8: Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes.
Step 9: Top with desired garnishes like sour cream, jalapeños, green onions, or cilantro.
Step 10: Serve hot and enjoy!

Pro Tips for the Perfect Frito Pie

Keep these in mind:

This recipe is great for meal prep and leftovers.
Feel free to customize toppings based on your preference, such as adding vegetarian Frito pie options or different types of cheese.
Serve with a side salad for a complete meal.
For a spicier version, add chopped jalapeños to the meat mixture.
Consider using Frito chili pie variations by adding more chili or using different beans.

Best Ways to Serve Frito Pie

This hearty dish is not only delicious but can be served in several appealing ways:

Serve in bowls topped with fresh ingredients like green onions and cilantro.
Pair it with sour cream and guacamole for added flavor.
For Frito pie for a crowd, consider doubling the recipe and serving it in a buffet style.

How to Store and Reheat Frito Pie

To store leftovers, let the Frito Pie cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or until heated through. This dish is perfect for meal prep, as the flavors intensify with time!

Frequently Asked Questions About Frito Pie

What’s the secret to perfect Frito Pie?

The secret lies in balancing the flavors and textures. Use quality beef, fresh ingredients, and don’t skimp on the cheese! Experiment with toppings like Chili cheese Fritos for a unique twist.

Can I make Frito Pie ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the meat mixture in advance and assemble it just before baking. This makes it easier for busy weeknights or gatherings.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Frito Pie?

To avoid soggy chips, layer the Fritos just before serving. Also, ensure the beef is well-seasoned and cooked thoroughly for the best flavor.

Variations of Frito Pie You Can Try

Get creative with these variations:

Try a vegetarian Frito pie recipe by substituting ground beef with lentils or mushrooms.
Make a Frito casserole by adding layers of additional vegetables.
For a spicier kick, incorporate hot sauce or spicy sausage.
Experiment with different cheese types, like pepper jack or mozzarella, for varied flavors.

Delicious Frito Pie Recipe: A Comfort Food Classic - Frito Pie - main visual representation

Delicious Frito Pie Recipe: A Comfort Food Classic - Frito Pie - additional detail

For more delicious recipes, check out our Tex-Mex favorites or learn how to make homemade chili. You can also explore meal prep tips to make your cooking easier!