If you’re craving a dish that combines hearty comfort food with a delightfully crunchy twist, this Easy Frito Pie Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine layers of savory, spiced ground beef mingling with zesty tomato sauce, tucked between crispy Fritos, all melted together under a blanket of gooey cheddar cheese. It’s a soul-satisfying casserole that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, and it comes together surprisingly quickly while delivering big, bold flavors everyone will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Easy Frito Pie Casserole Recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in creating layers of flavor and texture — from the juicy homemade chili to the crunchy Fritos, and the creamy melted cheddar that ties everything together.
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef: The hearty base that brings rich, savory protein to the dish.
- 1 small onion, diced: Adds a natural sweetness and depth to the chili layer.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses a warm, aromatic punch to the beef mixture.
- 1 tablespoon chili powder: Brings that signature bold chili flavor that is unmistakably comforting.
- 1 ½ teaspoons onion powder: Enhances the onion taste, giving it a subtle, concentrated kick.
- 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder: Provides an extra layer of garlicky goodness without overwhelming the dish.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Balances all the spices and lifts the flavors beautifully.
- ¾ teaspoon ground cumin: Adds a warm earthy base that’s essential in traditional chili flavors.
- ½ teaspoon chipotle powder: Adds a smoky heat that gives the casserole delightful complexity.
- 6 tablespoons tomato paste: Thickens and enriches the chili’s tomato base with concentrated flavor.
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce: Keeps the chili moist and saucy for perfect layering.
- ½ cup beef broth: Helps simmer the beef and tomato mixture into a rich, flavorful sauce.
- 9 cups lightly crushed Fritos corn chips: The secret to that addictive crunchy texture between layers.
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into oozing pockets of cheesy goodness throughout the casserole.
- Sour cream, for serving: A cool and creamy topping to balance the spiciness.
- Sliced scallions, for serving: Adds a fresh, mild oniony crunch that brightens every bite.
How to Make Easy Frito Pie Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the savory chili mixture
Start by browning the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat along with the diced onions. This combination builds that rich, meaty base everyone loves. Once the beef is cooked through, be sure to drain off any excess grease to keep the casserole from getting too oily. Next, stir in your minced garlic and a perfect blend of spices like chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, cumin, and chipotle powder. Adding tomato paste here deepens the tomato flavor, and cooking it for a couple of minutes allows everything to meld together beautifully. Finally, pour in the tomato sauce and beef broth, and let it simmer gently for 20 minutes while you stir occasionally. This slow simmer is what transforms simple ingredients into a flavorful chili base that feels homemade and hearty.
Step 2: Layer the casserole
While your chili is simmering, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Grab a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and you’re ready for the fun part: layering. Start with half of the lightly crushed Fritos on the bottom—this is where texture magic happens. Then spread half the chili mixture evenly over the chips, followed by half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat the layers one more time to build a layered masterpiece that’s just begging to be baked.
Step 3: Bake to bubbly perfection
Cover your casserole with foil to keep all that moisture in and bake it for 20 to 30 minutes to heat everything through and melt the cheese perfectly. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes. This last step crisps up the Fritos topping, adding a beautiful crunch that contrasts with the melty, tender layers beneath. The aroma alone will have everyone gathering around the kitchen before you even say “dinner’s ready!”
Step 4: Serve it up hot and fresh
Once your Easy Frito Pie Casserole Recipe is out of the oven, it’s time to add the finishing flourishes. A dollop of sour cream on each serving gives a refreshing coolness that cuts through the richness, and a sprinkle of sliced scallions adds a fresh bite that brightens the dish instantly.
How to Serve Easy Frito Pie Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
While the casserole shines on its own, adding simple garnishes can elevate the experience. Sour cream adds creaminess that balances the mildly spicy chili, while fresh scallions bring a crisp texture and vibrant color. For a little more flair, consider topping with diced jalapeños or a handful of chopped cilantro for an extra burst of freshness.
Side Dishes
This dish is wonderfully filling but pairs beautifully with lighter side dishes. A crisp green salad with tangy vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables can offer balance on the plate. Alternatively, a side of guacamole or fresh salsa can complement the southwestern notes of the casserole with additional creamy and zesty flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to jazz things up? You can serve this casserole in individual ramekins for a charming presentation, perfect for dinner parties or meal prepping. Another fun idea is to scoop portions into warm flour tortillas to make decadent Frito pie burritos — perfect for on-the-go meals! No matter how you serve it, the Easy Frito Pie Casserole Recipe always turns mealtime into a memorable feast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Easy Frito Pie Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors might even intensify after resting, making your next meal just as satisfying. When storing, try to keep the cheesy topping intact to preserve that delightful texture.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this casserole freezes beautifully. Just cool completely, then wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil or place in a freezer-safe container. It can be kept frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, pop your portion in the oven at 350°F (177°C) for about 20 minutes, or until it’s warmed through and the cheese bubbles again. You can also microwave leftovers, but be aware the topping might lose some of its crispness — a quick broil for a couple of minutes after microwaving can bring back that satisfying crunch.
FAQs
Can I use turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works well in this recipe. Just keep an eye on cooking times as poultry can cook faster and be a bit leaner, so you might want to add a splash of broth to keep the chili moist.
Is there a vegetarian version of the Easy Frito Pie Casserole Recipe?
For a meatless twist, try swapping the ground beef for a plant-based protein or cooked lentils, and use vegetable broth in place of beef broth. The spices and layers of Fritos and cheddar still bring all the flavor and fun.
Can I make this recipe spicier?
Definitely! Increase the chipotle powder or add some chopped jalapeños to the chili mixture. You can also serve it with spicy salsa or hot sauce on the side for folks who want an extra kick.
What type of cheddar cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar cheese offers a lovely tang that cuts through the richness, but mild cheddar melts smoothly and is a great choice if you prefer a subtler flavor. Mixing both can give you the best of both worlds!
Can this casserole be doubled for larger groups?
Yes, you can easily double the ingredients and use a larger baking dish or two 9×13 dishes. Just make sure to adjust cooking time accordingly. Keep the layering method the same to maintain that signature texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a crowd-pleasing, warm, and comforting dish that combines ease with incredible flavor, this Easy Frito Pie Casserole Recipe is a total winner. It’s like a cozy hug on a plate, perfect for sharing with family or friends. Trust me, once you try it, it will become one of your favorite go-to casseroles to make again and again!
Print
Easy Frito Pie Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Description
This Easy Frito Pie Casserole is a comforting Tex-Mex-inspired dish featuring layers of seasoned ground beef, flavorful spices, crunchy Fritos corn chips, and melted cheddar cheese. Baked to perfection, it’s topped with sour cream and scallions for a deliciously satisfying meal perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Meat and Seasonings
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons onion powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ¾ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon chipotle powder
Sauces and Liquids
- 6 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- ½ cup beef broth
Baking and Toppings
- 9 cups lightly crushed Fritos corn chips
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream, for serving
- Sliced scallions, for serving
Instructions
- Brown the Beef and Prepare Sauce: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef together with diced onions until fully cooked. Drain any excess grease. Stir in minced garlic, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, kosher salt, ground cumin, chipotle powder, and tomato paste. Cook this mixture for 2 minutes to develop flavors. Then add tomato sauce and beef broth and let it simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to combine and thicken the sauce.
- Assemble the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Begin layering the casserole by spreading half of the crushed Fritos evenly on the bottom. Next, add half of the chili beef mixture in an even layer followed by half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat these layers with the remaining Fritos, chili, and cheese, making sure everything is spread evenly.
- Bake Covered: Cover the assembled casserole tightly with aluminum foil to retain moisture. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Bake Uncovered to Crisp: Remove the foil and continue baking the casserole uncovered for an additional 10 minutes. This step crisps up the top layer of Fritos for a delicious crunchy texture.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Top with dollops of sour cream and sprinkle sliced scallions over each serving for a fresh, tangy contrast.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef to reduce fat.
- Adjust the chipotle powder to control the spice level.
- For extra cheesiness, mix some cheese into the chili mixture as well.
- Use gluten-free Fritos if you need a gluten-free version.
- Leftovers keep well covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
