Name: Easy Frito Pie Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 1 pound lean ground beef; 1 small onion, peeled and diced; 1 ounce taco seasoning (1 pouch or homemade); 2/3 cup water; 10 ounces enchilada sauce (1 can); 15 ounces pinto beans, drained and rinsed (1 can); 1 (9.25 ounce) bag Fritos corn chips, divided; 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese, divided; 1 green onion, chopped

Jump to Recipe·5.3 from 12 reviews

Get ready to fall in love with a comfort food classic: Easy Frito Pie! This cheerful, Tex-Mex inspired casserole layers savory seasoned beef, creamy beans, zesty enchilada sauce, gooey cheese, and, of course, those irresistibly crunchy Fritos. Every forkful bursts with flavor and nostalgia—the kind of dish that turns even an ordinary weeknight into an occasion. Whether you need something crowd-pleasing for game night or just a cozy family dinner, you’ll absolutely want Easy Frito Pie in your recipe arsenal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Easy Frito Pie is how it transforms a handful of everyday ingredients into a crave-worthy casserole. Each component contributes its own magic, from the hearty meat to the punchy seasonings, to create layers of flavor, texture, and color you’ll love.

Lean ground beef: The savory backbone of the dish, creating rich, meaty depth in every bite.
Small onion (peeled and diced): Provides just the right hint of sweetness and softens alongside the beef for extra flavor.
Taco seasoning (1 pouch or homemade): Delivers classic Tex-Mex flair—use your favorite blend for that personal touch.
Water: Helps the seasonings meld into the beef for a juicy filling.
Enchilada sauce (one 10-ounce can): Adds that signature tangy, saucy goodness that takes this pie over the top.
Pinto beans (one 15-ounce can, drained and rinsed): Creamy, mild beans add protein and a satisfying texture.
Fritos corn chips (9.25-ounce bag, divided): The star of the show! Salty, crunchy, and oh-so-essential for “pie” perfection.
Shredded Mexican blend cheese (2 cups, divided): Melts beautifully between the layers and gives each bite that irresistible pull.
Green onion (chopped): Fresh and colorful; makes a perfect final flourish.
Sour cream and/or guacamole (optional, for topping): For a cool, creamy, and oh-so-satisfying finishing touch.

How to Make Easy Frito Pie

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF. A hot oven is key for the golden, bubbly finish we all love. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch glass baking dish with non-stick spray; this keeps the Fritos crispy and guarantees easy cleanup after all the fun is had.

Step 2: Cook the Beef and Onions

Crumble the ground beef into a large skillet, then toss in your diced onions. Set the heat to medium and cook, stirring often, until the beef is wonderfully browned and the onions are soft and fragrant. Once done, carefully drain off any excess fat to keep your Easy Frito Pie hearty but not greasy.

Step 3: Season the Meat

Pour in your taco seasoning and that splash of water. Stir everything together thoroughly, and let the mixture simmer for 3–4 minutes. This step develops all those bold, zesty flavors that make Frito pie classic, infusing every crumble of beef with the taste of Tex-Mex goodness.

Step 4: Build the Hearty Filling

Next, add your can of enchilada sauce and the pinto beans to the skillet. A good stir here turns ordinary ingredients into a rich, savory filling, marrying the beans, beef, and sauce into a luscious nest for your Fritos to sit under and on top.

Step 5: Layer the Easy Frito Pie

Scatter about 4 cups of Fritos evenly into the base of your prepared baking dish—enough to fully cover the bottom. Sprinkle half of your cheese over the chips. Next, carefully pour and spread that hot, saucy beef and bean mixture over the chips, ensuring every nook is filled. Finish strong with the rest of your shredded cheese for that famous melty top.

Step 6: Bake Until Perfect

Place the casserole into your preheated oven. Bake at 350ºF for 18–20 minutes—just until the cheese is bubbling and golden and the whole kitchen smells irresistible. Right before serving, sprinkle over the remaining Fritos for an extra pop of crunch that holds its own even after baking.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Let your Easy Frito Pie cool for a few minutes—this makes serving easier and helps all those cheesy layers settle. Top with chopped green onion and, if you like, dollops of sour cream and guacamole on each portion. Dig in while those chips stay plenty crisp!

How to Serve Easy Frito Pie

Garnishes

Top your Easy Frito Pie with generous handfuls of chopped green onions for a fresh, peppery bite. Don’t skip the toppings—a swirl of sour cream or scoop of guacamole adds creamy contrast and makes each bite feel special. If you want to go all out, toss on diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, or even fresh cilantro for extra flair.

Side Dishes

While Easy Frito Pie is certainly a meal on its own, it plays super nicely with light, fresh sides. Offer a crisp green salad tossed with lime vinaigrette, a scoop of corn salsa, or some quick sautéed bell peppers. A chilled watermelon wedge or simple fruit salad makes a refreshing finish.

Creative Ways to Present

Elevate casual to festive by serving Easy Frito Pie in individual ramekins or mason jars—perfect for parties! Lay out a topping bar and let everyone customize their own slice with their favorite finishers. For a playful twist, serve smaller portions nestled in mini taco bowls, or even offer them as “walking tacos” right in Fritos snack bags for the ultimate grab-and-go treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Easy Frito Pie (lucky you!), let it cool to room temperature before covering tightly with foil or transferring to an airtight container. The layered nature of the dish means the flavors only deepen as it sits. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

To freeze, portion out cooled Easy Frito Pie into freezer-safe containers, leaving off any garnishes until you’re ready to serve. The casserole freezes well for up to 2 months. When freezing, keep a fresh bag of Fritos on hand—add those right before reheating for renewed crunch.

Reheating

To reheat, bake covered in a 350ºF oven until warmed through, about 20 minutes for a whole casserole or 8-10 minutes for individual pieces. For a speedier option, microwave portions in 1-minute increments. Scatter on new Fritos after reheating to recapture that signature crunch.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of chip for this recipe?

Absolutely! While classic Fritos give Easy Frito Pie its signature salty crunch, you can swap in tortilla chips or even flavored corn chips for a fun twist. Just remember, the texture will be different—try a small batch first to find your favorite variation.

Is Easy Frito Pie spicy?

Easy Frito Pie is more zesty than spicy thanks to the enchilada sauce and taco seasoning. If you’re heat-averse or cooking for kids, opt for mild seasonings and sauce. For more of a kick, add chopped jalapeños or choose hot varieties of seasoning.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

You sure can! Simply substitute your favorite plant-based ground meat or use extra pinto (or black) beans for a hearty, meatless version. The big flavors and gooey cheese keep the Easy Frito Pie just as satisfying.

How can I make it gluten-free?

Most ingredients in Easy Frito Pie are naturally gluten-free, but always double-check your taco seasoning, enchilada sauce, and Fritos for hidden wheat. Many offer certified gluten-free versions—so everyone can dig in safely!

Can I prepare Easy Frito Pie in advance?

Yes! Assemble the casserole up to the baking stage, cover, and refrigerate for up to a day. When ready to serve, bake as directed—just add an extra 5-10 minutes to account for the chilled temperature. Sprinkle the final Fritos on just before serving for that iconic crunch.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a dinner that brings comfort, fun, and maximum flavor with minimum fuss, you can’t go wrong with Easy Frito Pie. It’s one of those back-pocket recipes everyone needs—so satisfying, so shareable, and always such a hit. Grab a bag of Fritos, gather your favorite people, and make Easy Frito Pie the highlight of your next meal!