If you love bold flavors, crispy textures, and a comforting, hearty dish that brings everyone to the table, you are going to adore this Easy Frito Pie Casserole Recipe. Picture layers of spiced ground beef bubbling with rich tomato sauce, perfectly balanced by the crunchy Fritos and melty cheddar cheese all baked into one irresistible casserole. This dish captures that classic Frito pie feel but in a simplified, crowd-pleasing casserole form, making it ideal for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or casual get-togethers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet flavorful ingredients is the key to making a memorable Easy Frito Pie Casserole Recipe. Each component plays an essential role—spices bring warmth and depth, fresh aromatics like onion and garlic add a fragrant punch, and crunchy Fritos provide the signature texture contrast that makes this dish stand out.
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef: The hearty base that makes this casserole filling and rich.
- 1 small onion, diced: Adds sweetness and a subtle crunch when cooked.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Brings aromatic depth and savory notes.
- 1 tablespoon chili powder: Infuses the beef with robust, smoky heat.
- 1 ½ teaspoons onion powder: Boosts the savory flavor profile.
- 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder: Enhances the garlicky goodness throughout.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Balances all flavors perfectly.
- ¾ teaspoon ground cumin: Provides a warm, earthy undertone.
- ½ teaspoon chipotle powder: Adds a gentle smoky kick and complexity.
- 6 tablespoons tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor with a rich, tangy punch.
- 15 ounces tomato sauce: Creates a luscious, saucy backdrop for the beef.
- ½ cup beef stock: Keeps the sauce moist and flavorful while simmering.
- 9 cups lightly crushed Fritos: The crunchy base and topping that give this casserole its signature texture.
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully, adding cheesy richness.
- Sour cream, for serving: A cool, creamy contrast to the spicy beef.
- Sliced scallions, for serving: Fresh color and a mild onion bite as a finishing touch.
How to Make Easy Frito Pie Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the flavorful beef mixture
Start by browning the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. As the meat cooks, add the diced onion and minced garlic, letting them soften and blend their flavors with the beef. Then stir in chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, kosher salt, cumin, and chipotle powder. These spices transform the beef into a wonderfully fragrant and flavorful filling. Next, mix in the tomato paste, tomato sauce, and beef stock and let the mixture simmer until it thickens slightly and all those robust flavors meld beautifully.
Step 2: Layer the Fritos and beef in your casserole dish
Grab a large baking dish and start by spreading about half of the lightly crushed Fritos evenly on the bottom. This crunchy layer is essential because it soaks up just enough of the saucy beef mixture while still providing that fantastic textural contrast. Spoon the beef mixture over the Fritos, evenly distributing all that delicious meat and sauce goodness.
Step 3: Add cheese and finish with more Fritos
Sprinkle half of your shredded cheddar cheese over the meat layer. Then add the remaining crushed Fritos for the top layer, creating an irresistible crispy crust. Finish with the rest of the cheddar cheese generously spread on top. This cheesy topping will melt perfectly in the oven, creating that golden, gooey layer that keeps you coming back for more.
Step 4: Bake until bubbly and melty
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the casserole for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is bubbly and golden, and the Fritos on top have formed a beautiful crisp crust. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving—that way, all those flavors settle just right.
How to Serve Easy Frito Pie Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Topping this casserole with a dollop of sour cream and a scattering of sliced scallions creates the perfect balance to the spicy, cheesy layers. The sour cream adds a cool creaminess that contrasts beautifully with the warm, savory casserole, while scallions brighten each bite with a fresh, mild onion note.
Side Dishes
Pair your Easy Frito Pie Casserole Recipe with a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables to add a refreshing touch to your meal. Corn on the cob or a simple side of guacamole and chips also work wonderfully, allowing you to keep the vibe casual and Tex-Mex inspired without overwhelming the bold flavors of the casserole.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the casserole family-style in the baking dish right at the table so everyone can help themselves. You could also portion it into individual ramekins or bowls to create personal Frito pie casseroles, perfect for a cozy night in or a casual party where guests can add their own toppings like diced jalapeños, chopped tomatoes, or extra shredded cheese.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover the casserole tightly with foil or plastic wrap and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers just as delicious as freshly baked.
Freezing
If you want to keep it longer, this casserole freezes beautifully. Wrap it well with aluminum foil and plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn, and store it for up to 2 months. Just thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To bring leftovers back to life, bake the casserole at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until it’s heated through and the cheese is bubbly again. For a quicker option, microwave individual portions until hot, then pop them under the broiler for a minute or two to crisp the top back up.
FAQs
Can I make this Easy Frito Pie Casserole Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the ground beef with your favorite plant-based meat alternative or use cooked lentils or black beans for a hearty vegetarian version that still delivers plenty of texture and flavor.
What type of cheese works best in this casserole?
Sharp cheddar cheese is the classic choice here because it melts wonderfully and adds a bold, tangy flavor. However, you can also mix in Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a little extra gooey melt and subtle spice.
Can I use a different type of corn chip instead of Fritos?
While Fritos have a uniquely sturdy crunch that holds up well in the casserole, you can try other thick corn chips like tortilla chips if that’s what you have on hand. Just crush them lightly so they don’t get too soggy in the sauce.
Is this casserole spicy?
It carries a gentle warmth from the chili and chipotle powders, but you can easily adjust the spice level to your liking by reducing or increasing those spices. Adding fresh jalapeños on top is another great way to turn up the heat if desired.
Can I prepare parts of this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can cook and assemble the beef mixture a day ahead, then layer your casserole right before baking. This makes dinner prep super quick after a busy day.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Frito Pie Casserole Recipe is exactly the kind of dish you’ll want to keep in your weekly rotation—comforting, full of flavor, and effortless to make. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd or simply treating your family to a cozy dinner. Give it a try and watch as it quickly becomes one of your favorite go-to casseroles!
Print
Easy Frito Pie Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Description
This Easy Frito Pie Casserole is a comforting Tex-Mex classic layered with seasoned ground beef, tangy tomato sauce, crunchy Fritos, and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a crowd, this casserole combines rich flavors and textures into a simple, hearty dish that’s topped with sour cream and sliced scallions for a fresh finish.
Ingredients
Filling
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons onion powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ¾ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon chipotle powder
- 6 tablespoons tomato paste
- 15 ounces tomato sauce
- ½ cup beef stock
Casserole Layers
- 9 cups lightly crushed Fritos
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Garnishes
- Sour cream, for serving
- Sliced scallions, for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Beef Mixture: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is softened, about 7-10 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add Spices: Stir in chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, kosher salt, ground cumin, and chipotle powder. Mix thoroughly to coat the beef evenly with the spices.
- Mix Tomato Ingredients: Add the tomato paste, tomato sauce, and beef stock to the skillet. Stir well to combine all ingredients. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 15 minutes until thickened, stirring occasionally.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Assemble Casserole: In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread half of the crushed Fritos evenly over the bottom. Spoon half of the beef mixture over the Fritos, then sprinkle 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar on top. Repeat the layering with the remaining Fritos, beef mixture, and cheese.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the assembled casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from oven and let it cool slightly. Serve topped with sour cream and sliced scallions as desired.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef for a lighter version.
- For extra heat, add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
- Leftover casserole can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- If you prefer a less crunchy topping, add crushed tortilla chips instead of Fritos.
