If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug after a long day, then you’ve just found your new go-to comfort food. This Easy Frito Pie Casserole Recipe brings together the perfect blend of hearty ground beef, zesty spices, melty cheddar cheese, and the irresistible crunch of Fritos corn chips in a layered, baked casserole that’s bursting with flavors. It’s a dish that’s as satisfying as it is simple to make, perfect for feeding the whole family or impressing friends at your next gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for everyday ingredients that pack a punch with every bite. Each element plays an important role, from the savory ground beef that provides richness, to the spices that build a flavor profile that’s both bold and comforting. The Fritos add that essential crispy texture, while the cheese melts into gooey goodness that ties everything together.
- Ground beef: The hearty base that makes this casserole filling and flavorful.
- Small onion, diced: Adds sweet sharpness and texture to the savory meat mixture.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Infuses an aromatic depth that elevates the whole dish.
- Chili powder: Brings warmth and subtle spiciness to the chili layer.
- Onion powder: Enhances the onion flavor without adding extra moisture.
- Garlic powder: Boosts garlic flavor, complementing the minced garlic perfectly.
- Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors.
- Ground cumin: Adds earthiness and smoky undertones classic to chili dishes.
- Chipotle powder: Provides a smoky heat that gives the chili a little kick.
- Tomato paste: Concentrates tomato flavor for a rich and thick base.
- Tomato sauce: Adds acidity and moisture to keep the chili saucy and delicious.
- Beef broth: Deepens the meaty flavor and ensures a perfect consistency.
- Fritos corn chips, lightly crushed: The star crunch that adds texture and a bit of salty goodness.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully to create gooey, cheesy layers throughout.
- Sour cream (for serving): Adds a cool, creamy contrast to the warm chili and crunchy chips.
- Sliced scallions (for serving): Provide a fresh, bright finish and a lovely pop of color.
How to Make Easy Frito Pie Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Build the Chili
Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat and browning the ground beef with diced onions. This combination creates a flavorful, juicy base for your casserole. Once browned, drain any excess grease to keep the dish from becoming greasy. Stir in minced garlic and a blend of spices including chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, kosher salt, ground cumin, and chipotle powder. Adding tomato paste at this stage intensifies the tomato flavor, creating a thick, rich foundation. Finally, pour in the tomato sauce and beef broth, stirring it all together and letting it simmer gently for about 20 minutes. This simmering melds all those wonderful flavors beautifully and gives your chili the perfect consistency.
Step 2: Layer Your Casserole
Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and get a 9×13-inch baking dish ready by greasing it lightly. Now for the fun part — layering! Start with half of your crushed Fritos on the bottom, which act as the crispy, crunchy base. Spoon half of the chili mixture over the chips, then sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese on top. Repeat these layers once more to build a casserole that’s packed with flavor and texture.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Cover your casserole with foil and pop it in the oven. Bake for 20 to 30 minutes until everything is heated through and the cheese is completely melted. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes. This final step crisps up the top, giving you that wonderful crunchy edge that contrasts perfectly with the gooey cheese and hearty chili underneath.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Once out of the oven, let the casserole cool just slightly before serving. Scoop it onto plates and invite everyone to top their portion with cool sour cream and freshly sliced scallions. These toppings add layers of freshness and creaminess that balance the rich, spicy flavors of the casserole perfectly.
How to Serve Easy Frito Pie Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Some simple garnishes really take this casserole to the next level. Dollops of sour cream provide a cool, tangy contrast while sliced scallions add a crisp bite and pop of color. If you want to get creative, try a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro or a few slices of jalapeño for a spicy twist.
Side Dishes
This casserole shines as a hearty main dish, so you’ll want to pair it with sides that complement without overpowering. A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette adds balance, while simple steamed veggies or corn on the cob make for easy, crowd-pleasing additions. You can also serve with warm tortillas or crusty bread to soak up any extra chili goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist at parties, try assembling mini portions of this casserole in individual ramekins or small baking dishes. This makes serving easy and adds a charming presentation. Alternatively, layer it all in a big skillet and bake—then bring it straight to the table for a cozy family-style meal where everyone can dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (which might be tricky, but it happens!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The casserole flavors actually deepen overnight, making reheated servings even more delicious.
Freezing
This Easy Frito Pie Casserole Recipe freezes well if you want to prepare it ahead. Assemble the casserole but don’t bake it yet—cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, bake it from frozen, adding extra time as needed to ensure it’s heated all the way through.
Reheating
To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for a quick warm-up or cover with foil and warm in a 350°F (177°C) oven until heated through. If you want to revive the crispy topping, finish uncovered for a few minutes.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works well as a leaner alternative. Just be mindful it might take a bit less time to cook and may have a slightly different flavor, but the spices will still shine through perfectly.
What if I don’t have Fritos? Can I use another chip?
While Fritos add a classic, salty crunch that’s perfect here, you can substitute with corn tortilla chips or even crushed Doritos for a different flavor twist. Just choose chips that won’t get soggy quickly for best results.
Is this casserole spicy?
This dish offers a mild to medium spice level thanks to the chili powder and chipotle powder. If you prefer a milder casserole, reduce the chipotle powder or omit it altogether. For some extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne or diced jalapeños when cooking.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! You can swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. The bold spices and tomato base will make sure your casserole still packs tons of flavor.
How many servings does this casserole make?
This recipe yields about 8 hearty servings, making it great for families or for having plenty of leftovers to enjoy the next day.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Frito Pie Casserole Recipe is hands-down a winner for any occasion when you want comfort food that’s both simple and spectacular. With layers of gooey cheese, hearty chili, and that perfect Fritos crunch, it’s a crowd-pleaser that satisfies every craving. Give it a try soon—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
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 and flavorful Tex-Mex inspired dish that layers seasoned ground beef chili, crunchy Fritos corn chips, and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a family dinner or a casual gathering, it combines hearty beef with zesty spices and crispy corn chips baked to a golden finish. Topped with sour cream and scallions, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s simple to prepare and packed with bold flavors.
Ingredients
Beef Chili Filling
- 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
- 6 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- ½ cup beef broth
Casserole Assembly
- 9 cups lightly crushed Fritos corn chips
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
For Serving
- Sour cream
- Sliced scallions
Instructions
- Brown the beef and onion: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef with the diced onion until the beef is fully browned and the onion is soft. Drain any excess grease to prevent a greasy casserole.
- Add spices and simmer chili: Stir in the minced garlic, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, kosher salt, cumin, chipotle powder, and tomato paste. Cook for about 2 minutes to develop flavors. Then add the tomato sauce and beef broth, stir well, and let the chili simmer uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to thicken and meld the flavors.
- Preheat oven and prepare layering: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Begin layering by spreading half of the lightly crushed Fritos on the bottom, then half of the prepared chili, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining Fritos, chili, and cheese.
- Bake the casserole: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 to 30 minutes until the casserole is heated through and the cheese has melted. Then remove the foil and bake an additional 10 minutes to crisp up the topping and give a nice golden finish to the cheese and chips.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve hot, topped with a dollop of sour cream and sliced scallions for freshness and a creamy contrast to the cheesy, spicy casserole.
Notes
- For extra heat, increase chipotle powder or add diced jalapeños to the chili.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
- Use mild or sharp cheddar cheese depending on your taste preference.
- Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes after baking to help it set for easier serving.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven for best texture.
