Easy Frito Pie Casserole Recipe – A Cheesy, Crunchy Dinner Hit!

Table of Contents: Frito Pie Casserole

The Ultimate Comfort Food That’s Ready in Minutes!

Imagine digging into a warm, cheesy, crunchy casserole that’s packed with bold flavors and requires minimal effort. That’s exactly what this Frito Pie Casserole delivers—a mouthwatering Tex-Mex inspired dish that combines savory ground beef, melty cheese, zesty seasonings, and crispy Fritos for the ultimate comfort food experience.

Perfect for busy weeknights, game-day gatherings, or potluck dinners, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s the kind of dish that brings back nostalgic memories of county fairs and family cookouts. And the best part? You probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry!

If you love quick and satisfying meals like our Taco, you’ll adore this Frito Pie Casserole. It’s just as easy to make but with an irresistible crunch that takes it to the next level. Ready to whip up this cheesy, crunchy masterpiece? Let’s get started!


What is Frito Pie Casserole?

Ever wondered why it’s called Frito Pie Casserole? Well, let’s just say it’s the love child of a classic Frito pie and a gooey, baked casserole. The name might sound a little quirky, but trust me, once you taste it, you’ll understand why it’s a legend in its own right.

Originating from Texas (where everything is bigger and bolder), this dish was traditionally served straight from the Fritos bag—yes, really! But we’ve taken it up a notch by baking it into a hearty, cheesy casserole that’s perfect for feeding a hungry family.

As the saying goes, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and this dish will win over everyone at the table. So, grab your ingredients, and let’s make some magic happen!


Why You’ll Love This Frito Pie Casserole

1. Irresistible Crunch & Cheesy Goodness

The star of this dish? The crispy Fritos that stay perfectly crunchy even after baking. Paired with layers of seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and zesty toppings, every bite is pure comfort.

2. Budget-Friendly & Quick to Make

Skip the takeout—this casserole costs just a few dollars to make and comes together in under 30 minutes. It’s a lifesaver on busy nights when you need something hearty and delicious fast.

3. Customizable Toppings for Everyone

From fresh jalapeños to cool sour cream, you can load up your Frito Pie Casserole with all your favorite Tex-Mex toppings. It’s like a fiesta in every bite!

If you loved our Chicken Casserole With Pasta and Broccoli, you’ll flip for this Frito-packed version. Ready to make it? Let’s dive into the recipe!


How to Make Frito Pie Casserole

Frito Pie Casserole
Frito Pie Casserole

Quick Overview

This Frito Pie Casserole is a breeze to prepare—brown the beef, layer the ingredients, bake, and enjoy! It’s ready in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for last-minute dinners.

Key Ingredients

1 lb ground beef (or turkey for a lighter option)
1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade blend)
1 can (15 oz) chili beans (undrained for extra flavor)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
4 cups Fritos corn chips
1/2 cup diced onions
1/2 cup diced tomatoes
1/4 cup sliced jalapeños (optional)
Sour cream & cilantro for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat & Prep – Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 baking dish.
2. Cook the Beef – Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Drain excess fat, then stir in taco seasoning and chili beans. Simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Layer the Casserole – Spread half the Fritos in the baking dish. Top with the beef mixture, then sprinkle with cheese. Add the remaining Fritos and another layer of cheese.
4. Bake to Perfection – Bake for 10-12 minutes until the cheese is bubbly.
5. Garnish & Serve – Top with fresh onions, tomatoes, jalapeños, and a dollop of sour cream. Dig in while it’s hot!


What to Serve With Frito Pie Casserole

This dish is a meal on its own, but if you want to round it out, try pairing it with:
Mexican Street Corn Salad – Adds a creamy, tangy contrast.
Avocado Lime Ranch Salad – A fresh, crisp side.
Chilled Margaritas or Iced Tea – The perfect drink to balance the bold flavors.


Top Tips for Perfecting Frito Pie Casserole

Keep it Crispy – Add extra Fritos right before serving for maximum crunch.
Spice it Up – Use hot taco seasoning or extra jalapeños for a kick.
Make it Ahead – Assemble the casserole (without baking) and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking.


Storing and Reheating Tips

Refrigerate – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat – Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to maintain crispiness.
Freeze – Freeze unbaked casserole for up to 2 months. Thaw before baking.


People Also Ask: Frito Pie Casserole

Frito Pie Casserole
Frito Pie Casserole

What is Frito pie made of?

Frito pie typically includes Fritos corn chips, seasoned ground beef, beans, cheese, and toppings like onions, jalapeños, and sour cream. Our casserole version bakes it all together for extra gooey goodness!

Is Frito pie a Texas thing?

Absolutely! Frito pie originated in Texas and is a staple at fairs, cookouts, and school cafeterias. It’s a beloved comfort food with deep Tex-Mex roots.

How do you keep Frito pie from getting soggy?

The trick is to layer half the Fritos at the bottom and add the rest just before serving. Baking it uncovered also helps maintain crunch.

What toppings go on Frito pie?

Popular toppings include diced onions, tomatoes, jalapeños, sour cream, cilantro, guacamole, and even a drizzle of hot sauce for extra heat.


Conclusion

This Frito Pie Casserole is the ultimate easy, cheesy, crunchy dinner that’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re serving it for a casual weeknight meal or a game-day feast, it’s guaranteed to disappear fast!

Got leftovers? No problem—just reheat and enjoy the next day. And if you loved this recipe, be sure to check out our Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Bake: Easy, Flavorful & Family-Approved for another quick and delicious meal idea.

Now, grab those Fritos and get cooking—your taste buds will thank you! 🎉

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Frito Pie Casserole

Frito Pie Casserole


  • Author: Crystal
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

A Tex-Mex inspired casserole made with layers of chili, crunchy Fritos, and melted cheese — the ultimate comfort food.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 1 can (15 oz) chili beans
  • 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 1 bag (10 oz) Fritos corn chips
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1/2 cup sour cream (for serving)
  • 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 baking dish.
  2. In a skillet, cook ground meat and onion until browned. Drain excess fat.
  3. Stir in taco seasoning, chili beans, and diced tomatoes. Simmer 5 minutes.
  4. Spread half of the Fritos in the bottom of the baking dish.
  5. Pour meat mixture over chips and sprinkle with 1 cup cheese.
  6. Top with remaining Fritos and cheese.
  7. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
  8. Garnish with sour cream and green onions before serving.

Notes

For extra spice, add jalapeños on top before baking.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Casserole
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 portion
  • Calories: 480
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 780mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 22g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: frito pie casserole, chili casserole, cheesy bake, comfort food

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