Frito Pie Casserole
A crunchy, cheesy, beefy comfort food classic straight from the heart of Texas. Seasoned ground beef and beans are layered with corn chips, smothered in melty cheese, and baked until bubbly. It's quick, crowd-pleasing, and perfect for game day or busy weeknights.
For 6 servings
- prep · ~5 min
Preheat the oven and prep ingredients.
Preheat oven to 375°F. Chop onion, mince garlic, shred cheese, and drain beans if using pre-cooked.
- saute · ~8 min
Brown the ground beef.
Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until no pink remains, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
TIPDon't crowd the pan—spread the beef evenly so it sears instead of steaming. - saute · ~5 min
Cook the aromatics.
1.Add chopped onion to the skillet with the beef and cook until softened (3–4 min).2.Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant (30 sec). - saute · ~2 min
Bloom the spices and build the chili base.
1.Sprinkle chili powder, cumin powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper over the meat.2.Stir and cook for 1 minute until spices are fragrant.3.Add tomato paste and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute more. - simmer · ~10 min
Add beans and tomatoes, then simmer.
1.Pour in diced tomatoes with their juices, kidney beans, and water.2.Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low.3.Cook uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens slightly. - assemble · ~3 min
Layer the casserole.
1.Spread half of the corn chips in an even layer on the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.2.Spoon the chili mixture over the chips and spread evenly.3.Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the chili.4.Top with the remaining corn chips, then finish with the rest of the cheese. - bake · ~15 min
Bake until bubbly and golden.
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly with lightly browned edges.
TIPSwitch to broil for the last 1–2 minutes for an extra-crispy cheese top. Watch closely so it doesn't burn. - garnish · ~5 min
Garnish with sliced green onions and jalapeños, then serve hot.
Remove from oven and let rest 5 minutes. Scatter green onions and jalapeño slices over the top. Scoop onto plates and enjoy.
What to keep in mind.
7 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For maximum crunch, reserve a handful of corn chips to sprinkle on top just before the last 5 minutes of baking.
- 2Drain the kidney beans thoroughly and pat them dry with paper towels to avoid watering down the chili.
- 3Brown the beef in two batches if necessary to get a good sear instead of steaming it.
- 4Bloom the chili powder and cumin in the fat for a full minute to deepen their flavor.
- 5Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking so the layers set and it’s easier to scoop.
- 6Use freshly shredded cheddar—it melts more smoothly and tastes sharper than bagged pre-shredded cheese.
- 7For a spicier kick, stir a diced chipotle pepper in adobo into the chili along with the tomatoes.
Adapt it for your goals.
Low-oil
Swap ground beef for 93/7 lean ground turkey and use low-fat cheddar. Cook the aromatics in a teaspoon of oil instead of rendered fat.
vegetarianVegetarian
Replace ground beef with 400g of crumbled firm tofu or texturized vegetable protein (TVP), cooked with the same spices for a hearty meatless chili.
high proteinHigh-protein
Use extra-lean ground bison or venison and double the kidney beans (add a second can). Skip the corn chips or use a thin layer of black bean chips.
gluten freeGluten-free
Confirm all spice blends are gluten-free and use certified gluten-free corn chips. The recipe is naturally gluten-free otherwise.
jainJain
Replace onion and garlic with asafoetida (hing) and substitute dairy cheese with a plant-based mozzarella. Use only yellow corn chips (no potato starch).
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Protein from Beef and Beans
The combination of lean ground beef and kidney beans provides a substantial amount of high-quality protein, supporting muscle maintenance and satiety.
Good Source of Dietary Fiber
Kidney beans contribute a significant amount of soluble and insoluble fiber, aiding digestion and helping to stabilize blood sugar levels.
Contains Lycopene from Tomatoes
The diced tomatoes and tomato paste supply lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to heart health and reduced inflammation.
Mineral Boost from Corn and Cumin
Corn chips and cumin provide magnesium and iron, respectively, which support energy metabolism and oxygen transport in the body.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, but freshly shredded cheddar melts creamier because pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that can prevent it from becoming fully smooth.
