Description
This Frito Pie is the ultimate easy dinner idea: bold, beefy chili layered with crunchy Fritos corn chips and gooey cheddar cheese. Every bite is pure comfort food! Whether you need a quick weeknight meal, a game day favorite, or a crowd-pleaser for your next gathering, this casserole is a guaranteed hit. It’s hearty, satisfying, and super simple to make—a perfect food idea for anyone craving Tex-Mex flavors and cheesy, crunchy goodness.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (15 oz) chili beans, undrained
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
4 cups Fritos corn chips
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Sour cream, for topping
Fresh cilantro or green onions, for garnish
Instructions
1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until no longer pink, breaking it up as it browns. Drain excess fat.
2. Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté 2–3 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in chili beans (with liquid), diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Simmer 8–10 minutes to blend flavors.
4. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread Fritos in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
5. Pour hot chili evenly over the Fritos.
6. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.
7. Bake uncovered for 12–15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Remove from oven. Top with more Fritos, sour cream, and fresh cilantro or green onions if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
For extra spice, add chopped jalapeños or use spicy Fritos.
Substitute ground turkey or plant-based crumbles to lighten it up or make it vegetarian.
For best crunch, add a fresh layer of Fritos just before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6th of recipe
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 33g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: easy dinner, comfort food, quick casserole, frito pie, cheesy, Tex-Mex, family meal, food ideas