Frito Pie Recipe

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This Frito Pie is the ultimate comfort food casserole that brings together the bold, satisfying flavors of chili, cheese, and crunchy corn chips in one irresistible bite. It’s savory, cheesy, crunchy, and nostalgic all at once — a classic Southern-style bake that turns simple pantry ingredients into something crave-worthy. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family on a weeknight or serving it up for game day, this dish is guaranteed to disappear fast.

Imagine a bubbling, meaty chili layered under melted cheddar and topped with golden Fritos that stay crisp around the edges but soak up just enough flavor to melt in your mouth. It’s hearty, no-fuss, and quick to make, and it tastes like a big warm hug in a dish. Best of all? You probably have everything you need in your kitchen right now.

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What Kind of Chili Should I Use for Frito Pie?

The beauty of Frito Pie is how flexible it is. You can use your favorite homemade chili recipe if you have the time, but a quick skillet chili with ground beef, beans, and taco seasoning does the trick on busy nights. Want it spicier? Add jalapeños or hot sauce. Going meatless? Swap in black beans, corn, and sweet potato for a vegetarian twist.

Whether you prefer a saucy chili or a thicker, scoopable one, the key is to balance the boldness with melty cheese and those iconic crunchy chips.

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Ingredients for the Frito Pie Recipe

Ground Beef
This forms the hearty, protein-rich base. Use lean beef for less grease or sub with ground turkey.

Kidney Beans
Classic for chili; they hold their shape and add fiber and texture.

Crushed Tomatoes or Rotel
A saucy tomato element adds body, acidity, and a kick if you go with Rotel.

Taco Seasoning
Adds a Tex-Mex punch to the meat; use store-bought or homemade.

Onion and Garlic
Sautéed aromatics that deepen the flavor.

Shredded Cheddar Cheese
Melts into the chili and forms that gooey topping that makes this dish so satisfying.

Fritos Corn Chips
The signature crunch! Add some on the bottom and more on top for layered texture.

Optional Garnishes
Think sliced jalapeños, sour cream, green onions, or cilantro for a fresh finish.

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How To Make the Frito Pie Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Aromatics

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned and cooked through, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat. Add diced onion and minced garlic and cook for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant and softened.

Step 2: Build the Chili Base

Stir in the taco seasoning, kidney beans, and crushed tomatoes or Rotel. Let the mixture simmer for 8–10 minutes until slightly thickened. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt or a dash of hot sauce if you like it spicier.

Step 3: Preheat and Layer the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish. Spread a layer of Fritos on the bottom of the dish (about half the bag). Pour the chili mixture evenly over the chips.

Step 4: Add Cheese and More Fritos

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top of the chili layer. Then add the remaining Fritos over the cheese, pressing them in gently.

Step 5: Bake Until Bubbling

Place the dish in the oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the chips are golden and toasty on top.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Top with your favorite garnishes like sliced green onions, sour cream, jalapeños, or fresh cilantro. Dig in while it’s hot and cheesy!

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How to Serve and Store Your Frito Pie

Frito Pie is best served fresh out of the oven when the cheese is melty and the chips are still crispy. It’s perfect for scooping with a spoon straight from the baking dish or dishing up in hearty portions with a spatula.

If you have leftovers (lucky you!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop a portion in the oven or toaster oven to help revive some of that crunch. The microwave works too, but the chips will soften.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make Frito Pie ahead of time?

Prepare the chili base and store it in the fridge up to 2 days in advance. When ready to bake, layer it with fresh Fritos and cheese, then bake as usual.

Can I freeze Frito Pie?

Yes, but for best results, freeze just the chili portion. Assemble and bake with chips and cheese fresh when ready to eat.

What can I use instead of Fritos?

Try tortilla chips, Doritos, or even tater tots for a creative twist.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be! Just double-check your taco seasoning and Fritos to ensure they’re certified gluten-free.

How do I make it vegetarian?

Swap the ground beef for lentils, black beans, or a plant-based meat substitute. Add corn and diced peppers for extra flavor.

Can I make this spicy?

Absolutely — stir in chopped jalapeños, use hot Rotel, or add chili flakes to the meat mixture.

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Want More Casserole Ideas?

If you love this crunchy, cheesy Frito Pie, you’ll want to try these comfort-food favorites too:

• Cheesy Baked Tortellini with Meat Sauce for a pasta-bake dream.
• Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole when you need rich and creamy layers.
• Mexican White Trash Casserole if you’re into Tex-Mex with a kick.
• Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes for a hearty one-pot option.
• Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders as the perfect side or main dish.

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time. Follow Life with Jam on Pinterest for more weeknight-friendly comfort food ideas.

Let me know in the comments how your Frito Pie turned out. Did you go spicy or keep it classic? Add toppings or skip them?

Your feedback and kitchen experiments make this space delicious. Let’s help each other cook even better!

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