Looking for a quick, family-friendly dinner idea? This Easy Frito Pie Recipe is just what you need! Layers of crunchy Fritos, seasoned ground beef, enchilada sauce, and melted cheese come together in a bubbly, baked casserole that’s perfect for any night of the week.
Why You’ll Love It
When it comes to Tex-Mex dishes, you can’t go wrong. From melted cheese to spicy flavors and creamy toppings like sour cream, this Frito Pie delivers everything your family craves. Made with ground beef, tender pinto beans, and rich red enchilada sauce, it’s the ultimate comfort food. Plus, it’s quick to assemble and packed with flavor!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this easy recipe (exact amounts in the printable recipe card below):
• Ground Beef: Substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
• Onion: Any type—white, yellow, red, or sweet—works.
• Taco Seasoning Mix: Store-bought or homemade (use 2-3 tablespoons).
• Water: Helps blend the seasoning.
• Enchilada Sauce: Use homemade or canned.
• Pinto Beans: Regular or ranch-style beans work well.
• Fritos: The classic corn chips add crunch and body.
• Shredded Cheese: A Mexican blend, cheddar, or colby all work great.
• Green Onion: Adds freshness and a pop of color.
• Toppings: Sour cream, guacamole, or your favorites!
How to Make Frito Pie
Making this dish is as easy as layering and baking. Follow these steps:
1. Prep the Oven and Dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Cook the Beef Mixture: In a skillet, brown the ground beef with diced onion over medium heat. Drain any excess fat. Stir in taco seasoning and water, simmering for 3-4 minutes. Add enchilada sauce and pinto beans, stirring to combine.
3. Assemble the Casserole: Spread 4 cups of Fritos in the bottom of the baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of cheese over the chips, then layer the beef mixture on top. Finish with the remaining cheese.
4. Bake: Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly.
5. Serve: Top with extra Fritos, green onions, sour cream, and guacamole before serving.
Variations and Substitutions
• Beans: Swap pinto beans for black beans, or skip them entirely.
• Vegetarian: Replace ground beef with tofu, meatless crumbles, or roasted veggies like cauliflower.
• Extra Veggies: Add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the beef mixture.
• Seasoning: Try chili seasoning instead of taco seasoning for a new twist.
What to Serve with Frito Pie
Pair your Frito Pie with simple sides and fresh toppings:
Sides:
• Broccoli Salad: A creamy, crunchy contrast to the rich casserole.
• Cilantro Lime Coleslaw: Tangy and refreshing.
• Skillet Corn: Sweet and buttery, this side dish is always a hit.
Toppings:
• Salsa (green or red)
• Avocado crema or sliced avocado
• Pico de Gallo
• Chopped lettuce
• Sliced black olives
• Hot sauce or banana peppers
Storage and Reheating Tips
• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through. Add fresh Fritos for crunch, as the original chips may soften.
• Freeze: While freezing the full casserole isn’t ideal, you can freeze the cooked beef mixture for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and assemble fresh.
With this Easy Frito Pie Recipe, weeknight dinners just got a whole lot tastier and easier. Enjoy!
Walking Taco Bake ( Simple Frito Pie )
This Simple Frito Pie recipe is perfect for a quick and family-friendly meal! It features flavorful ground beef with onions, taco seasoning, and enchilada sauce, layered over Fritos, topped with shredded cheese, and baked to perfection.
Prep Time 30 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 50 minutes mins
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 small onion diced
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 2/3 cup water
- 1 can 10 oz enchilada sauce
- 1 can 15 oz pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 bag 9.25 oz Fritos corn chips, divided
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese divided
- 1 green onion chopped
- Sour cream for garnish
- Prepared guacamole for garnish
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and diced onions over medium heat until the beef is browned. Drain excess fat. Stir in taco seasoning and water; simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently.
Mix in the enchilada sauce and beans.
Layer 4 cups of Fritos in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with 1 cup of cheese. Spread the beef mixture evenly over the Fritos, then top with the remaining cheese.
Bake for 18-20 minutes, until hot and bubbly. Sprinkle the remaining Fritos on top.
Let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions, sour cream, and guacamole.
Enjoy!