Frito Pie Recipe

This easy Frito Pie Recipe brings together seasoned ground beef, Ranch beans, enchilada sauce, sweet corn, melted cheese, and crunchy Fritos in one hearty Tex-Mex casserole. It’s a comforting family dinner that’s also perfect for game days, potlucks, and casual gatherings.

Frito pie is a Southwestern classic, but despite its name, it isn’t really a pie. Think of it as a cheesy taco-inspired casserole with savory beef, beans, and layers of crunchy corn chips. Instead of serving everything in individual Fritos bags, this version is assembled in a 9×13-inch baking dish.

The filling gets its flavor from chili powder, cumin, oregano, garlic, onion, and a little Worcestershire sauce. Once layered with cheese and corn chips, the casserole bakes until hot and bubbling. It’s a satisfying alternative to traditional taco night or a dish like sheet pan chicken fajitas.

What Is Frito Pie?

Frito pie is a Southwestern and Tex-Mex-inspired dish that combines corn chips, chili-style meat filling, and cheese. Although it’s called a pie, it doesn’t have a traditional pastry crust.

Some versions are served in individual bags of Fritos, often called walking tacos. This recipe takes a family-style approach by layering the chips, seasoned beef and beans, and shredded cheese in a baking dish.

The result is a hearty casserole with cheesy, savory layers and a crunchy Fritos topping. It’s a convenient option for feeding a group without assembling individual servings.

Why You’ll Love This Frito Pie

• Big Tex-Mex flavors: Chili powder, cumin, enchilada sauce, and Ranch beans give the filling its savory taste.
• Crunchy and cheesy: Fritos and shredded Mexican-blend cheese create the signature layers.
• Family-style preparation: Everything is assembled in one 9×13-inch baking dish.
• Great for gatherings: This casserole works well for game days, potlucks, and casual dinners.
• Make-ahead option: The beef and bean filling can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before assembly.

For a party menu with more Southwestern-inspired flavors, serve this casserole alongside Rotel dip and your favorite fresh toppings.

Frito Pie Ingredients

This recipe uses familiar ingredients to create a savory filling with plenty of texture. The quantities below follow the original recipe.

For the Corn Chip Layers

• 15-ounce bag Fritos Scoops: Forms the crunchy base, middle layer, and finishing topping.
• 8 ounces shredded fiesta or Mexican-blend cheese: Melts between the filling and corn chip layers.

For the Beef and Bean Filling

• 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used to cook the vegetables.
• 1 yellow onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup): Adds savory flavor.
• 1 red or green bell pepper (about 1 cup): Adds another layer of flavor and texture.
• 2 garlic cloves, minced: Season the filling.
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Seasons the vegetables and meat.
• ½ teaspoon coarse ground black pepper: Adds peppery flavor.
• 2 tablespoons chili powder, preferably dark: Gives the casserole its chili-inspired seasoning.
• 1½ teaspoons ground cumin: Adds warm, earthy flavor.
• 1 teaspoon oregano, preferably Mexican: Complements the chili spices.
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Reinforces the garlic flavor.
• ½ teaspoon onion powder: Complements the fresh onion.
• 1 pound 80/20 ground beef: Forms the hearty meat filling.
• One 15-ounce can diced tomatoes, preferably fire-roasted: Adds moisture and tomato flavor.
• One 15-ounce can Ranch beans: Adds beans and additional seasoning.
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds savory depth.
• ½ cup mild canned enchilada sauce: Brings the filling together.
• ½ cup canned corn, preferably fire-roasted: Adds sweetness and texture.
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro: Finishes the filling.
• 4 green onions, chopped: Used for garnish.

How to Make Frito Pie

This easy Frito pie comes together in three main stages: preparing the corn chips, cooking the beef and bean filling, and layering everything in a baking dish.

Step 1: Crush the Fritos and Layer Them

1. Reserve 1 cup of Fritos and gently crush them. Set aside for serving.
2. Layer about half of the remaining Fritos across the bottom of a prepared 9×13-inch baking dish, completely covering the base.

This first layer gives the casserole its characteristic corn chip texture beneath the filling.

Step 2: Cook the Filling

1. Add olive oil, onion, and bell pepper to a large skillet. Season with kosher salt and cook over medium-high heat until the vegetables begin to caramelize.
2. Add the minced garlic and spices. Continue cooking for another minute.
3. Add the ground beef, breaking it into small pieces. Cook until the beef is nearly cooked through.
4. Stir in the diced tomatoes, Ranch beans, enchilada sauce, and Worcestershire sauce.
5. Continue cooking until the sauce starts to thicken but remains loose enough to come back together quickly when a spoon passes through it.
6. Add the corn and cilantro. Stir together and remove the skillet from the heat.

For food safety, ground beef should reach an internal temperature of 160°F, and the finished casserole should reach 165°F, according to the FoodSafety.gov safe cooking temperature chart.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole and Bake

1. Pour about half of the beef mixture over the first layer of Fritos.
2. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese over the filling.
3. Add the remaining meat mixture.
4. Layer the remaining Fritos over the top.
5. Finish with the remaining shredded cheese.
6. Bake in a preheated 350°F oven until hot and bubbling, approximately 25 minutes.
7. Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped green onions.
8. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes. Add the reserved crushed Fritos to individual servings before enjoying.

The short resting time helps the casserole settle before serving, while the reserved crushed chips provide a final crunchy topping.

Frito Pie Recipe

This easy Frito pie casserole is made with seasoned ground beef, Ranch beans, tomatoes, enchilada sauce, corn, Fritos, and melted Mexican-blend cheese. The full recipe is also available in the separate Tasty Recipes card below.

Equipment

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Large skillet

Ingredients

• 15-ounce bag Fritos Scoops
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 yellow onion, chopped fine (about 1 cup)
• 1 bell pepper, red or green (about 1 cup)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons chili powder, preferably dark
• 1½ teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon oregano, Mexican if available
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• 1 pound 80/20 ground beef
• One 15-ounce can diced tomatoes, preferably fire-roasted
• One 15-ounce can Ranch beans
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• ½ cup mild canned enchilada sauce
• ½ cup canned corn, preferably fire-roasted
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro
• 8 ounces shredded fiesta or Mexican-blend cheese
• 4 green onions, chopped

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Set rack to middle position. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Reserve 1 cup Fritos and gently crush them; set aside. Layer about half of the remaining Fritos, completely covering the bottom of the dish.
2. In a large skillet, add olive oil, onion, and bell pepper. Season with 1 teaspoon kosher salt. Cook over medium-high heat until just starting to caramelize, about 8–10 minutes.
3. Add garlic and spices and continue to cook for 1 minute.
4. Add ground beef and break up into small chunks. Cook until beef is almost cooked through, about 6 minutes.
5. Add diced tomatoes, Ranch beans, enchilada sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Continue cooking until the sauce starts to thicken, but remains thin enough that when you run a spoon through it, it comes back together fairly quickly, about 5 minutes.
6. Add corn and cilantro, stir together, and remove from heat.
7. Pour about half of the meat mixture on top of the Fritos layer. Layer on half of the cheese, add the remaining meat, then layer on the remaining Fritos and remaining cheese.
8. Place in the oven and bake until the mixture is hot and bubbling slightly, about 25 minutes. Remove from the oven and garnish with green onions. Let sit for 5 minutes, garnish each serving with crushed Fritos, and enjoy.

Recipe Tips

Drain Excess Moisture

After cooking the ground beef and vegetables, drain off excess liquid if necessary so the filling doesn’t become watery. The casserole should be saucy without having too much loose liquid.

Try an Ovenproof Skillet

For a more streamlined preparation, an appropriately sized ovenproof skillet may be used to cook and assemble the casserole before transferring it to the oven.

Don’t Overbake

Most of the filling is already cooked before the baking stage. Bake until the casserole is hot and bubbling, and avoid leaving it in the oven longer than necessary.

Rest Before Serving

Let the casserole stand for about 5 minutes after removing it from the oven. This helps the layers settle before serving.

Save Some Fritos for the Top

The original recipe reserves 1 cup of Fritos to crush and sprinkle over individual servings. This helps provide extra crunch after baking.

What to Serve with Frito Pie

This hearty casserole already contains beef, beans, cheese, corn, and chips, so lighter side dishes make a nice contrast. Fresh salads, crunchy vegetables, or a simple appetizer can complete the meal.

• Fresh vegetable salad: A crisp salad balances the rich and cheesy casserole.
• Southwest-inspired salad: A colorful pasta or vegetable salad complements the Tex-Mex flavors.
• Chilled cucumber salad: Cool, crunchy vegetables contrast with the warm casserole.
• Party dip: A cheesy dip works well when serving Frito pie at a gathering.
• Fresh toppings: Green onions, cilantro, or other preferred toppings can be offered separately.

For a fresh side, try cucumber sweet pepper salad or Southwest pasta salad. Both offer a colorful contrast to the savory casserole.

For a larger gathering, honey butter cornbread is another comforting option. You can also serve Mexican shrimp salad for a fresh, protein-rich side.

How to Store and Reheat Frito Pie

If you have leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. As general food-safety guidance, cooked casseroles can be refrigerated for 3–4 days.

Reheat leftovers until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. The Fritos may soften in storage, so the texture of the reheated casserole will be different from the freshly baked dish.

For more information about storing and reheating cooked meals, consult the USDA leftovers and food safety guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Frito pie ahead of time?

Yes. You can prepare the beef and bean mixture a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, assemble the casserole with the Fritos and cheese, then bake according to the recipe.

Can I make this Frito pie recipe vegetarian?

You can replace the ground beef with a meatless alternative such as crumbled tofu or plant-based ground meat. You may also use additional beans or vegetables. These substitutions will change the original recipe, so cooking time and texture may vary.

How do I keep Frito pie from becoming soggy?

Drain excess liquid from the filling if necessary, avoid overbaking, and reserve the crushed Fritos until serving. The chips inside the casserole will naturally soften as they absorb the sauce.

What temperature do you bake Frito pie at?

The original recipe bakes at 350°F for approximately 25 minutes after the filling is prepared and the casserole is assembled.

What is the difference between Frito pie and walking tacos?

Frito pie can be served as a family-style casserole or in individual bowls. Walking tacos are commonly assembled in individual bags of corn chips, making them convenient for casual events. This recipe uses a 9×13-inch baking dish.

More Favorite Casserole Recipes

If you enjoy hearty family dinners like Frito pie, there are plenty of other comforting recipes to try.

For an easy slow cooker meal, explore Crockpot chicken corn chowder. If you’re looking for another satisfying dinner, turkey meatloaf muffins provide a convenient individual-serving option.

And when you’re planning a pasta-centered family dinner, Crockpot lasagna is another comforting recipe worth adding to the menu.

With its seasoned beef filling, flavorful beans, layers of cheese, and crunchy Fritos, this easy Frito pie makes a hearty, satisfying meal for busy weeknights and casual gatherings.