Frito Pie Casserole
A hearty, savory casserole with a seasoned ground beef and bean filling, topped with crunchy Fritos corn chips and melted cheddar cheese. This one-dish wonder is pure comfort food, perfect for a weeknight family dinner.
For 6 servings
9 steps. 40 minutes total.
- 1
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)
- a.Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- 2
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat
- a.Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 4-5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
- 3
Add the ground beef to the skillet
- a.Cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Carefully drain off any excess grease.
- 4
Return the skillet to the heat
- a.Stir in the chili powder, cumin, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to toast the spices.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Pour in the undrained diced tomatoes, enchilada sauce, and the rinsed pinto beans. Stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- 6
Remove the skillet from the heat
- a.Gently stir in about half of the Fritos (approx. 4-5 cups) and 1 cup of the shredded cheese into the beef mixture.
- 7
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread into an even layer
- a.Top with the remaining Fritos, followed by the remaining 1 cup of cheese.
- 8
Step 8
- a.Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the cheese is fully melted and golden.
- 9
Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving
- a.This allows it to set, making it easier to scoop. Garnish with optional toppings like sour cream, sliced jalapeños, or chopped cilantro.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Draining the grease from the beef is crucial to prevent a greasy casserole.
- 2For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped jalapeño with the onions.
- 3Letting the casserole rest before serving helps it set, making it easier to scoop and serve without falling apart.
- 4This dish is great for meal prep. You can assemble it ahead of time (without the top layer of Fritos) and bake it just before serving. Add the top Fritos right before it goes in the oven to keep them crunchy.
- 5Use a block of cheddar cheese and shred it yourself. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can prevent it from melting as smoothly.
Adapt it for your goals.
Meat Variation
Substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, ground chicken, or spicy chorizo for a different flavor profile.
VegetarianVegetarian
Omit the ground beef and add an extra can of beans (black or kidney beans work well) or use 1.5 lbs of plant-based ground 'meat'. You could also add corn or diced bell peppers for more texture.
Bean SwapBean Swap
Instead of pinto beans, try black beans, kidney beans, or even chili beans in sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
Spicy UpgradeSpicy Upgrade
Use a can of diced tomatoes with green chiles (like Ro-Tel) instead of regular diced tomatoes and use a spicy enchilada sauce for more heat.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Protein Powerhouse
With a substantial amount of ground beef and pinto beans, this dish is rich in protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and keeping you feeling full and satisfied.
Good Source of Fiber
The pinto beans and onions contribute dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, helps maintain stable blood sugar levels, and supports overall gut health.
Rich in Lycopene
The cooked diced tomatoes and enchilada sauce are excellent sources of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to a reduced risk of certain chronic diseases.
Frequently asked questions
A typical serving of this Frito Pie Casserole contains approximately 650-750 calories, depending on the specific ingredients used, such as the fat content of the beef and the brand of chips and cheese.