If you’re craving a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that’s as easy to make as it is to devour, this Easy Frito Pie Casserole Recipe will become your new weeknight hero. Packed with seasoned ground beef, hearty beans, tangy tomatoes, gooey cheddar, and the unbeatable crunch of Fritos, this casserole is a Tex-Mex dream come true. Whether you’re hosting a game day party, feeding a hungry family, or just want a dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes, this dish brings big flavor with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for the Easy Frito Pie Casserole Recipe is a breeze, and each one plays a special role in making this dish downright irresistible. From the savory beef to the melty cheese and crunchy chips, every component adds something unique to the party.
- Ground beef: Provides a hearty, flavorful base that soaks up the seasonings beautifully.
- Small onion, diced: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the beef mixture.
- Taco seasoning: Infuses the casserole with that classic, zesty Tex-Mex flavor.
- Chili beans or pinto beans (undrained): Bring extra heartiness and just the right amount of saucy goodness.
- Diced tomatoes with green chilies: Give a tangy kick and vibrant color to every bite.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into gooey, golden deliciousness on top and throughout.
- Fritos corn chips: Deliver an unmistakable crunch and salty, toasty flavor that makes this dish sing.
- Chopped green onions or jalapeños (optional): Offer a pop of freshness and a little heat to finish things off.
How to Make Easy Frito Pie Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little oil or cooking spray. This ensures your casserole won’t stick and makes cleanup a total breeze later on.
Step 2: Brown the Beef and Onion
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion together, stirring occasionally. After about 6 to 8 minutes, the beef should be nicely browned and the onion soft. Drain off any excess fat to keep things from getting greasy.
Step 3: Add Seasoning and Simmer
Stir in the taco seasoning, then pour in the undrained beans and the diced tomatoes with green chilies. Mix everything well, and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This helps the flavors meld and the mixture thicken up just a bit.
Step 4: Layer the Fritos and Beef Mixture
Scatter half of the Fritos evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Spoon the warm beef and bean mixture over the chips, spreading it out so every bite gets a bit of everything.
Step 5: Add Cheese and More Fritos
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the beef layer. Then, scatter the rest of the Fritos on top, creating that signature crispy topping everyone loves in a classic Easy Frito Pie Casserole Recipe.
Step 6: Bake and Serve
Bake the casserole uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the chips are golden. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving, then finish with a sprinkle of chopped green onions, jalapeños, or a dollop of sour cream if you like a little extra pizazz.
How to Serve Easy Frito Pie Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Take your Easy Frito Pie Casserole Recipe over the top with fresh garnishes! Try scattering chopped green onions, sliced jalapeños, or even diced tomatoes for a pop of color and a burst of freshness. A dollop of sour cream or a few avocado slices can also add cool creaminess to balance the spice.
Side Dishes
This casserole is rich and hearty, so pairing it with lighter sides is a great idea. Crisp green salads, simple steamed vegetables, or a tangy coleslaw all work beautifully. If you’re feeding a crowd, set out some guacamole and salsa with extra chips for a fun Tex-Mex feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or game days, serve the casserole right out of the baking dish for a rustic, communal vibe. Or, scoop it into individual ramekins for personalized portions. You can even spoon the hot casserole over a bed of lettuce for a playful taco salad twist, piling on the toppings for extra fun.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (and that’s a big “if” with this dish!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors only get better as they meld, so it’s just as delicious the next day.
Freezing
For longer storage, the Easy Frito Pie Casserole Recipe freezes surprisingly well. Let the casserole cool completely, then wrap tightly or transfer to a freezer-safe container. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to two months. For best results, add the final layer of Fritos just before reheating so they stay crunchy.
Reheating
To reheat, bake in a 350°F oven until hot and bubbly, about 20 minutes if thawed or a little longer if frozen. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal, but the oven does the best job of reviving that crispy Frito topping.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey makes a lighter but still delicious swap. Just follow the same instructions, and you’ll still get all the flavor you love in this Easy Frito Pie Casserole Recipe.
What kind of beans work best?
Chili beans or pinto beans are both fantastic because their saucy texture adds to the richness of the casserole. If you prefer, black beans or kidney beans can also be used for a slightly different taste and texture.
Is it spicy?
The casserole has a gentle kick thanks to the taco seasoning and diced tomatoes with green chilies, but it’s not overwhelmingly spicy. For more heat, throw in some extra jalapeños or use a spicier taco seasoning.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance (just wait to add the top layer of Fritos so they don’t get soggy), then bake it when you’re ready to serve.
What’s the best way to keep the Fritos crunchy?
For maximum crunch, add the top layer of Fritos right before baking, and don’t cover the casserole while it bakes. If you’re reheating leftovers, a quick trip under the broiler can help revive the crunch.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that delivers on both comfort and convenience, this Easy Frito Pie Casserole Recipe is the answer. It’s playful, hearty, and guaranteed to make any meal feel special. Give it a try and get ready for happy faces around your table!
Print
Easy Frito Pie Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Frito Pie Casserole is a hearty and flavorful Tex-Mex dish featuring seasoned ground beef, chili beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and crunchy Fritos topped with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for game days, potlucks, or quick weeknight meals, it combines simplicity and comfort in one satisfying bake.
Ingredients
Meat Mixture
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 (1 oz) packet taco seasoning
- 1 (15 oz) can chili beans or pinto beans, undrained
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (such as Rotel)
Toppings
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 3 cups Fritos corn chips
- Chopped green onions or jalapeños for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook Beef and Onion: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion together until the beef is browned and onions are softened, about 6–8 minutes. Drain off any excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Add Seasoning and Simmer: Stir in the taco seasoning packet, the undrained chili beans, and diced tomatoes with green chilies. Allow the mixture to simmer for 5 minutes, which helps thicken the sauce slightly and blend the flavors.
- Layer the Casserole: Spread half of the Fritos corn chips evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spoon the beef and bean mixture evenly over the chips. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the beef layer, then finish by adding the remaining Fritos on top of the cheese.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the oven uncovered and bake for 15–20 minutes until the cheese is thoroughly melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Optionally, garnish with chopped green onions, jalapeños, or a dollop of sour cream for added flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a leaner option, substitute ground turkey for beef or use chili without beans.
- This casserole is ideal for game days, potlucks, or convenient weeknight dinners.
- Optional toppings like sour cream, extra jalapeños, or green onions add freshness and spice.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 790mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
