This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Easy Frito Pie, also called Frito Chili Pie, is a cheesy, crowd-pleasing casserole made with seasoned ground beef, beans, enchilada sauce, crunchy Fritos, and lots of melted cheese. It comes together with simple pantry ingredients and bakes into an easy weeknight dinner or game day favorite that’s ready with very little hands-on effort.
Kellie’s Note
Frito Pie Casserole
I first fell for Frito Pie at a family reunion in Dallas, and after making it at home again and again, this version has become my go-to because it delivers the best mix of saucy chili, melty cheese, and crunchy corn chips without a lot of fuss. A few simple shortcuts keep it easy, while the layering gives you the best balance of soft, cheesy filling and crispy topping.
Whether you call it Frito Pie, Frito Chili Pie, or even Frito Pie casserole, it’s the kind of comforting, nostalgic dinner that always disappears quickly.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Frito Pie
- Easy pantry recipe – This casserole comes together with simple ingredients like ground beef, beans, enchilada sauce, cheese, and Fritos.
- Great texture in every bite – The hearty chili filling stays rich and saucy while the top layer of Fritos bakes up crisp and crunchy.
- Perfect for busy nights – You can prep it ahead, bake it when you’re ready, and still get a comforting homemade dinner on the table fast.
- Easy to customize – Swap the beans, change the cheese, or make it spicier with jalapeños or hot enchilada sauce.
- Perfect for game day or family dinner – It’s hearty, crowd-friendly, and easy to serve with your favorite toppings and sides.
A Quick Look at the History of Frito Pie
Frito Pie has deep roots in the Southwest and is especially associated with Texas and New Mexico. Traditionally, it was often served right in a cut-open bag of Fritos with chili and toppings spooned inside. This baked version keeps all of that nostalgic flavor in an easy casserole form that’s perfect for feeding a family or crowd.
Ingredients for Easy Frito Pie
- Ground Beef – I use 80/20 for rich flavor, but leaner beef or ground turkey also works.
- Onion & Garlic – These aromatics add depth. Substitute with 1 tsp each of onion and garlic powder if needed.
- Pinto Beans – Canned beans are convenient, but black beans or kidney beans also work well.
- Tomato Sauce & Diced Tomatoes – These bring moisture and tang. Try fire-roasted tomatoes for a smoky kick.
- Green Chiles – Mild heat and flavor; swap for jalapeños for more spice or omit if preferred.
- Chili Seasoning – Use a packet or make your own chili seasoning with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Enchilada Sauce – Adds saucy richness. Red or green both work great, I prefer my homemade enchilada sauce!
- Frito Corn Chips – Classic Fritos have the best crunch, but any corn chips will do.
- Cheddar Cheese & Monterey Jack Cheese – This shredded cheese combo melts beautifully. Try Pepper Jack cheese for a spicy kick.
- Green Onions – Optional garnish for a fresh finish.
For the full ingredient list and instructions, see the recipe card.
How to Make Frito Pie
Here’s a quick step-by-step overview with helpful tips. Scroll to the recipe card below for the full ingredient amounts and printable instructions.
- Brown the beef and onion. Cook the ground beef and onion until the meat is no longer pink and the onion is softened. If there is a lot of excess grease, drain it off so the casserole doesn’t get too heavy.
- Build the chili mixture. Stir in the garlic, beans, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, green chiles, and chili seasoning. Let everything simmer for a few minutes so the flavors come together and the mixture thickens slightly.
- Layer for the best texture. Spread most of the Fritos in the baking dish, then spoon the beef mixture over the top. Add the enchilada sauce and cheese, then finish with the reserved Fritos so you get both soft and crunchy layers.
- Bake until hot and bubbly. Bake just until the casserole is heated through and the cheese is melted. You don’t need to overbake it.
- Finish with toppings and serve right away. Green onions, jalapeños, sour cream, salsa, or extra cheese are all great here. Serve it hot while the top stays crisp.
Tip: If you want the crunchiest topping, wait to add the final layer of Fritos until right before the casserole goes into the oven.
My go-to baking dish set for all things casseroles, brownies, dips and more. I’ve been using these ceramic baking dishes for years. Oven to table to dishwasher!
What to Serve with Frito Pie
Frito Pie is rich, cheesy, and hearty, so I love serving it with fresh, cool sides and toppings that add contrast.
- Guacamole – The cool, creamy contrast is perfect.
- Homemade Salsa – Adds a bright, zesty kick.
- My House Salad – A fresh, crisp green salad balances the dish.
- Frito Corn Salad – I love to make this with leftover corn chips!
How Do You Store and Reheat Frito Pie?
Store leftover Frito Pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm larger portions in the oven until heated through. The chips will soften as they sit, so if you want that signature crunch, add a fresh handful of Fritos on top just before serving. You can also freeze the casserole before baking, then thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed when ready to serve.
This easy Frito Pie is a cheesy, comforting casserole made with seasoned beef, beans, enchilada sauce, crunchy Fritos, and melted cheese. It’s simple enough for a weeknight and fun enough for game day or casual entertaining.
Frito Pie Recipe
Equipment
- 1 baking dish
- skillet
- 1 wooden spoon or spatula
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 30 ounces canned pinto beans, I use 2 15 ounce cans
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 2 1/2 tablespoons chili seasoning
- 10 ounce can diced tomatoes
- 4.5 ounces chopped green chiles, 1 small can
- 9.25 ounce package Frito Corn Chips
- 10 ounce enchilada sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 3 Thinly sliced green onions, optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350˚F and coat a 9×13 inch casserole dish with cooking spray.
- In a large skillet, cook beef and onion over medium heat 6-8 minutes or until beef is no longer pink and onion is tender, breaking up the ground beef with a wooden spoon. Drain off the fat and return to the heat. Stir in beans, tomato sauce, chili seasoning, diced tomatoes and green chiles. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Reserve 1 cup of the corn chips for topping. Place remaining corn chips in a greased 13×9-in. baking dish. Layer with meat mixture, enchilada sauce and cheese, top with reserved chips.
- Bake, uncovered, 15-20 minutes or until cheese is melted.
- Serve hot. If desired, sprinkle with green onion, extra shredded cheese and diced jalapeños.
Notes
- Make it ahead: Assemble the casserole up to 1 day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
- Keep it crunchy: Add the top layer of Fritos right before baking to keep them extra crisp.
- Spice it up: Stir in diced jalapeños or use spicy enchilada sauce for a bolder kick.
- Cheese swaps: Feel free to use a Mexican blend, Pepper Jack, or Colby for different flavor profiles.
- Freezer-friendly: Assemble and freeze unbaked for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
- Leftover idea: Reheat and serve leftovers over a baked potato or wrapped in a tortilla for a fun twist!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Yes. You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. For the best texture, add the top layer of Fritos right before baking so they stay crisp.
Absolutely. Ground turkey works well here if you want a lighter option. You can also use leaner ground beef if that’s what you have on hand.
Yes. Pinto beans are great, but black beans or kidney beans also work well in this recipe, so use what you like best or what you already have in the pantry.
The easiest way is to reserve some of the chips for the top and add them just before baking. If you are reheating leftovers, add a fresh handful of Fritos on top before serving.
Yes. Stir in diced jalapeños, use spicy enchilada sauce, or swap in Pepper Jack cheese for more heat.
The names are often used interchangeably. Both usually refer to a comforting dish made with chili, cheese, and Fritos, whether it’s baked as a casserole or served more casually in a bag or bowl.
