Frito Pie
Frito Pie is a meal that kids adore and adults can’t resist either. Featuring crispy corn chips, seasoned ground beef, beans, and melted cheese, it’s ideal for quick meals, casual dinners, or late-night snacks. It’s a crowd-pleaser at potlucks or anytime you need something tasty to share.
This dish is a favorite because it’s quick, fun to eat, and bursting with hearty Tex-Mex flavors. Often served straight from a Fritos bag at festivals and sports events, it’s equally delicious served in a bowl with your preferred toppings. The crunchy, cheesy, saucy texture combination makes it especially appealing.
A great feature of Frito Pie is its versatility. Spice it up with jalapeños, add creaminess with sour cream, or balance flavors with guacamole. It works wonderfully as a “make-your-own” meal for casual dinners or gatherings, and it’s always a hit.
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Ingredients
- Ground beef – Lean. Any type works, but 80/20 beef is common.
- Onion – Diced.
- Taco seasoning – Choose low-sodium to manage salt content.
- Pinto beans – Drained and rinsed.
- Red enchilada sauce
- Fritos – Reserve 1 cup for topping.
- Cheddar cheese – Shredded.
Optional Toppings
- White onion – Diced.
- Sliced scallions – Or green onions.
- Jalapeños – Pickled.
- Sour cream
- Pico de Gallo
How To Make Frito Pie
- Place a large skillet on medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until browned—about 5–7 minutes. Drain any extra fat. If your beef is very lean, add a tablespoon of olive oil.
- Add diced onion to the skillet and sauté until soft and translucent, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Stir in taco seasoning, pinto beans, and enchilada sauce. Allow to simmer for around 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add a generous portion of Fritos into serving bowls or plates.
- Spoon the beef and bean mixture onto the chips.
- Top with shredded Cheddar cheese and any optional toppings like diced onion, scallions, sour cream, or jalapeños.
- Garnish with a few reserved Fritos on top, serve immediately, and enjoy!
Step-By-Step Process
Chef Jenn’s Tips
- Add extra Fritos on top just before serving for additional crunch.
- Sharp Cheddar provides the best taste, though Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack cheese are also excellent options.
- To serve on-the-go, cut open a small bag of Fritos and spoon the mixture inside.
- For parties, set toppings out separately, allowing guests to customize their servings.
Make It A Meal
Frito Pie is hearty enough on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or Mexican-style corn completes the meal nicely. To refresh, accompany it with homemade lemonade or hibiscus iced tea.
Storage
Keep leftover beef and bean mixture refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Warm thoroughly and serve over fresh Fritos to preserve the crunch. Add chips just before eating to prevent fogginess.
Frito Pie
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef lean
- 1 cup onion diced
- 1 ounce taco seasoning
- 30 ounce pinto beans drained and rinsed
- 19 ounce red enchilada sauce
- 18 ounce Fritos
- 2 cups Cheddar cheese shredded
Optional toppings
- white onion diced
- scallions sliced
- jalapeños pickled
- sour cream
- pico de gallo
Instructions
- Place a large skillet on medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until browned—about 5–7 minutes. Drain any extra fat. If your beef is very lean, add a tablespoon of olive oil.
- Add diced onion to the skillet and sauté until soft and translucent, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Stir in taco seasoning, pinto beans, and enchilada sauce. Allow to simmer for around 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add a generous portion of Fritos into serving bowls or plates.
- Spoon the beef and bean mixture onto the chips.
- Top with shredded Cheddar cheese and any optional toppings like diced onion, scallions, sour cream, or jalapeños.
- Garnish with a few reserved Fritos on top, serve immediately, and enjoy!
Notes
Chef Jenn’s Tips
- Add extra Fritos on top just before serving for additional crunch.
- Sharp Cheddar provides the best taste, though Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack cheese are also excellent options.
- To serve on the go, cut open a small bag of Fritos and spoon the mixture inside.
- For parties, set toppings out separately, allowing guests to customize their servings.
