Cozy Texan Comfort: Homemade Frito Pie Recipe for All

The classic frito pie that defined countless Texas potlucks brings pure comfort straight to your dinner table.

Hearty chili nestled perfectly on crispy corn chips creates an irresistible layer of flavor.

Packed with bold spices and rich meaty goodness, this dish speaks to hungry souls seeking a quick and satisfying meal.

Southern kitchens have long celebrated this simple yet delectable combination of ingredients.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of crunchy texture and savory warmth.

Cheese, onions, and jalapeños add extra zest to this beloved regional specialty.

Let’s find out this mouthwatering recipe and experience a true taste of southwestern culinary tradition.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 7

Frito Pie Recipe Ingredient Rundown

• Ground Beef: Robust meat that creates the hearty foundation of the dish, choose lean ground beef for a healthier option.
• Taco Seasoning: Adds zesty southwestern spice and instantly transforms plain meat into a flavorful filling.

• Ranch-Style Beans: Creamy beans that add richness and southwestern authenticity to the pie.
• Corn Kernels: Sweet and crunchy vegetable that provides delightful texture and subtle natural sweetness.
• Diced Tomatoes With Green Chilies: Brings tangy brightness and mild heat, enhancing overall flavor complexity.
• Onion: Adds sharp aromatic depth and traditional savory undertones to the dish.

• Fritos: Classic corn chips that create the signature crispy base and provide delightful corn-forward crunch.
• Cheddar Cheese: Melty, sharp cheese that adds creamy richness and binds ingredients together with irresistible golden appeal.

Tools for Making Classic Frito Pie

• 9×13 inch baking dish: Perfect for layering and baking the entire Frito pie.
• Skillet: Essential for browning ground beef and cooking onions with even heat.
• Measuring cups: Helps accurately measure corn and cheese quantities.
• Cheese grater: For shredding fresh cheddar cheese if not using pre-shredded.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring meat mixture and spreading ingredients evenly.
• Colander or strainer: Useful for draining excess fat from cooked ground beef.

How to Prepare Frito Pie Quickly

• Sizzling Meat Foundation

Brown ground beef with onions in a skillet, creating a rich and flavorful base that will make taste buds dance with excitement.

• Seasoning Magic

Stir in taco seasoning, transforming the meat into a zesty mixture bursting with southwestern charm.

• Hearty Vegetable Blend

Combine diced tomatoes, ranch-style beans, and corn, infusing the dish with robust textures and complementary flavors.

• Crispy Chip Canvas

Spread Fritos across the bottom of a baking dish, creating a crunchy foundation that will hold the delicious layers.

• Layered Goodness

Pour the meat and vegetable mixture over the Fritos, ensuring an even distribution of mouthwatering ingredients.

• Cheesy Crown

Sprinkle sharp cheddar cheese across the top, melting into a golden blanket of deliciousness.

• Oven Transformation

Bake until the cheese bubbles and the edges turn golden brown, filling the kitchen with irresistible aromas.

• Final Flourish

Top with additional crisp Fritos and serve with optional garnishes like sour cream or fresh jalapeños for an extra flavor kick.

Tips to Amp Up Your Frito Pie Flavor

• Experiment with different seasoning blends like chili powder, cumin, or Southwest spice mix to give your Frito pie a unique flavor profile that'll make taste buds dance.
• Replace ground beef with ground turkey, shredded chicken, or plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian version that doesn't compromise on deliciousness.
• Try mixing multiple cheese varieties like pepper jack, monterey jack, or queso fresco to create a more complex and gooey cheese topping that melts perfectly.
• Prepare the beef mixture and assemble the pie earlier in the day, then refrigerate until ready to bake. This trick saves time and lets flavors meld together for an even more robust meal.
• Get creative with garnishes like chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, diced avocado, or a drizzle of hot sauce to add fresh layers of texture and excitement to your classic Frito pie.

Serving Frito Pie Party-Style

• Fiesta Feast Companion: Serve this zesty Frito pie alongside fresh garden salad with crisp lettuce and tangy vinaigrette for a balanced meal.
• Toppings Galore Station: Set out small bowls of chopped green onions, sliced jalapeños, diced fresh tomatoes, sour cream, and hot sauce so guests can customize their servings.
• Tex-Mex Sidekick Suggestion: Pair with Mexican-style rice or refried beans to create a complete, satisfying southwestern-style dinner that will delight family and friends.
• Cool Drink Pairing: Complement the spicy, hearty flavors with an ice-cold Mexican beer, refreshing margarita, or sparkling citrus agua fresca to balance the dish's richness.

Frito Pie Storage and Reheat Instructions

• Refrigerator Revival: Store leftover Frito pie in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to maintain freshness and prevent moisture from making the Fritos soggy.
• Freezer-Friendly Feast: Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Frozen Frito pie can last up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Quick Reheat Magic: Warm individual servings in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to restore crispy Fritos and melty cheese. Microwave works in a pinch but may soften the chips slightly.
• Meal Prep Champion: Prepare the beef mixture and chop toppings ahead of time. Keep components separate in the refrigerator, assembling just before baking to maintain maximum crunch and flavor.

Mouthwatering Frito Pie Recipe

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4.6 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Homemade Frito pie combines hearty Texas-style chili with crisp corn chips for a delicious comfort meal. Layers of savory meat, melted cheese, and zesty toppings create a quick, satisfying dish you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) ranch-style beans
• 1 cup (150 g) corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
• 1 can (10 oz / 283 g) diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 ½ cups (170 g) cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 ¼ oz (35 g) bag of Fritos, divided

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Warm the oven to 350°F (175°C), positioning the rack centrally for uniform heat distribution.
2. Base Layer: Create a foundational layer of Fritos corn chips across the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish, covering approximately three-quarters of the surface.
3. Meat Preparation: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown ground beef with onions, cooking thoroughly until meat loses its pink coloration and develops a rich, caramelized exterior.
4. Seasoning Integration: Drain excess fat, then reintroduce meat to the skillet, incorporating taco seasoning and stirring to ensure comprehensive flavor penetration.
5. Sauce Construction: Merge diced tomatoes, ranch-style beans, and corn kernels into the seasoned meat mixture, allowing ingredients to meld and develop a cohesive, robust sauce.
6. Assembly: Spread the beef mixture evenly across the Fritos base, creating a consistent layer that ensures each bite contains a balanced combination of ingredients.
7. Cheese Topping: Lavishly distribute shredded cheddar cheese over the entire surface, covering the meat mixture completely.
8. Baking: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, monitoring until cheese melts into a golden, bubbling masterpiece.
9. Finishing Touch: Garnish with remaining Fritos for added textural contrast, and serve immediately with optional accompaniments like sour cream, jalapeños, or fresh tomatoes.

Notes

• Optimize Chip Placement: Layer Fritos evenly to create a sturdy, crispy base that prevents sogginess and ensures every bite has perfect chip coverage.
• Control Meat Moisture: Thoroughly drain excess fat after browning beef to prevent a greasy texture and maintain the dish’s intended richness.
• Balance Seasoning Technique: Mix taco seasoning completely into meat, allowing spices to distribute uniformly for consistent flavor in every serving.
• Temperature Precision: Watch cheese closely during final baking to achieve that perfect golden, melted topping without burning or overcooking.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking, Frying
• Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg