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This easy Frito Pie Casserole is a family favorite. It’s packed with hearty ground beef, crunchy Fritos, and gooey cheese—perfect for busy weeknights!

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If you love a cheesy, crunchy, and comforting meal that comes together in under an hour, this Frito Pie Casserole is for you! With just 10 minutes of prep, it’s the perfect way to skip the takeout and make a homemade meal that your whole family will love.

This easy Frito pie recipe is packed with hearty ground beef, taco seasoning, and a deliciously rich meat mixture. It’s topped with crunchy Fritos and a blend of melted cheeses. It’s a simple weeknight dinner loaded with flavor and sure to be a hit at the dinner table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Minimal prep: Just 10 minutes of prep before baking.
• Full of flavor: The perfect blend of taco-seasoned beef, tomatoes, and melty cheese.
• Customizable: Swap out toppings or change up the chips to fit your family’s taste.
• Kid-approved: The kids will be asking for seconds!

Why I Recommend Freshly Grating Cheese

While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, I suggest grating your cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack for the best melt. Pre-bagged cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from clumping and affect how well it melts.

If you want that gooey, melty cheese pull, freshly shredded cheese is worth the extra minute. Plus, it enhances the delicious meal with a richer flavor!

How to Make Frito Pie Casserole

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Ground Beef – The heart of the dish, cooked with taco seasoning.
• Taco Seasoning – Adds that bold, classic flavor.
• Canned Chili with Beans – Adds a rich, hearty texture.
• Diced Tomatoes and Green Chilies – A touch of spice and extra flavor.
• Tomato Sauce – Helps thicken the mixture.
• Fresh Cheddar Cheese & Monterey Jack – The perfect melty combo.
• Corn Chips (Fritos or tortilla chips) – Crunchy and delicious.
• Green Onions & Chopped Tomatoes – For fresh toppings.
• Sour Cream & Jalapeños – Optional but highly recommended!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish.

Cook the beef in a large skillet over medium heat until browned. Drain the grease and return to heat.

Stir in the chili beans, diced tomatoes and chilies, tomato sauce, and taco seasoning. Let it simmer for 10 minutes.

Layer half of the bag of Fritos in the baking dish.

Spoon the meat mixture over the chips, then top with shredded cheese.

Sprinkle the remaining corn chips on top of the casserole.

Bake uncovered for 15-18 minutes, until the top of the casserole is golden brown and bubbly.

Remove from the oven and top with green onions, diced tomatoes, and a dollop of sour cream before serving.

What to Serve with Frito Pie Casserole

This delicious dish pairs well with these quick and easy sides:

• Black beans or pinto beans – A simple and protein-packed side. (This is one of our favorite recipes!)
• Pico de gallo – Adds a fresh, zesty contrast.
• Side salad – A fresh, crisp addition to balance the richness.
• Mexican rice – A classic pairing for any frito pie casserole recipe. (This is our favorite!)

More Easy Casseroles You’ll Love:

• Easy Taco Tater Tot Casserole (Perfect for Family Dinners!)
• Easy Cheesy Baked Ziti
• Easy Chicken & Vegetable Quinoa Casserole

Using Different Chips in Your Casserole

If you don’t have Fritos, you can substitute them with:

• Tortilla chips – Gives the casserole a classic nacho-style crunch.
• Doritos – Adds extra flavor (try Nacho Cheese or Cool Ranch!).
• Chili cheese Fritos – For even more bold, cheesy flavor.

No matter which corn chips you use, this great recipe will still be a hit!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the meat mixture ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When ready to bake, assemble the casserole and pop it in the oven.

How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 13-15 minutes.

Can I make this in a cast iron skillet?
Yes! If you want a one-pan meal, cook the meat mixture in a large cast iron skillet, then layer everything and bake directly in the skillet.

Can I use a different cheese blend?
Absolutely! A Mexican cheese blend works great in place of cheddar and Monterey Jack.

What other toppings go well with this casserole?
Add black olives, jalapeños, pico de gallo, hot sauce, or your favorite taco toppings.

Try This Frito Pie Casserole Tonight!

This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something comforting without much work. Whether you stick with the classic Frito chili pie style or customize it with your favorite toppings, this dish will be a hit.

Let me know in the comments if you try this delicious meal, and remember to save this recipe for later!

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