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A baked Frito Pie Casserole with golden cheese and toppings in a dish

Frito Pie Casserole

Frito Pie Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining layers of crunchy Fritos, seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and flavorful beans. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or game day feasts. Customize it with your favorite toppings and enjoy a hearty, satisfying meal that everyone will love!

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6–8 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

  • 1 bag (9.25 oz) Fritos corn chips

  • 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken)

  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce or prepared chili

  • 1 can (15 oz) pinto or kidney beans, rinsed and drained

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of Monterey Jack and cheddar)

  • 1 tbsp chili powder

  • 1 tsp cumin

  • 1 tsp garlic powder

  • ½ tsp onion powder

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • Optional toppings: sour cream, diced tomatoes, jalapeños, green onions, cilantro

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

  2. Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess fat.

  3. Season the Meat: Add chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in the tomato sauce or chili and simmer for 5 minutes.

  4. Layer the Casserole:

    • Spread a layer of Fritos in the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

    • Add a layer of the beef mixture, followed by a layer of beans.

    • Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top.

    • Repeat the layers, ending with a final layer of cheese.

  5. Bake: Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

  6. Serve: Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes, then garnish with optional toppings like sour cream, diced tomatoes, or jalapeños.

Notes

  • For extra crunch, reserve some Fritos and sprinkle them on top during the last 5 minutes of baking.

  • Make it vegetarian by substituting ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils.

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

  • Author: Hana Bel
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Tex-Mex
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/8 of the casserole)
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 18g
  • Cholesterol: 50mg

Keywords: Frito Pie Casserole, Tex-Mex, Comfort Food, Easy Dinner, Ground Beef Recipe