If you’ve ever craved a hearty, comforting dish that’s bursting with flavor and comes together with minimal fuss, then you are going to love this Easy Frito Pie Casserole Recipe. It’s everything you adore about the classic Frito pie, but elevated into a warm, cheesy casserole that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or making weeknight dinners feel extra special. Layers of spicy, seasoned beef, crunchy Fritos, and melty cheddar cheese create an irresistible combination that’s both nostalgic and exciting. Get ready to make a new favorite that will quickly become a regular on your table!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple but essential ingredients is the key to mastering this Easy Frito Pie Casserole Recipe. Each one plays a special role in building rich flavors, exciting textures, and vibrant colors that keep every bite lively and satisfying.
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef: The hearty base that offers rich savoriness and satisfying protein.
- 1 small onion, diced: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the filling.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Provides a warm, aromatic foundation for the spices.
- 1 tablespoon chili powder: Brings a smoky, mildly spicy kick to the beef.
- 1 ½ teaspoons onion powder: Enhances the onion flavor without extra texture.
- 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder: Boosts the garlic punch for a deeper overall taste.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Balances all the flavors beautifully.
- ¾ teaspoon ground cumin: Adds an earthy, warm note essential to Tex-Mex dishes.
- ½ teaspoon chipotle powder: Gives a subtle smoky heat that elevates the chili flavor.
- 6 tablespoons tomato paste: Intensifies the rich tomato base with a concentrated punch.
- 15 ounces tomato sauce: Brings moisture and tang with a smooth consistency.
- ½ cup beef stock: Adds richness and helps meld all the flavors together.
- 9 cups lightly crushed Fritos: Creates that unmistakable crunchy texture and corn flavor.
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Melts perfectly for that gooey, irresistible topping.
- Sour cream, for serving: Offers a cooling, creamy contrast to the spiced beef.
- Sliced scallions, for serving: Adds a fresh, oniony brightness to each bite.
How to Make Easy Frito Pie Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics and Brown the Beef
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes. Then, toss in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Add the ground beef and cook until it’s browned and crumbled evenly, making sure to drain excess fat if necessary. This step builds the flavorful foundation for your casserole, so take your time to develop those rich, savory notes.
Step 2: Season the Meat Mixture
Sprinkle in the chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, kosher salt, ground cumin, and chipotle powder. Stir well to coat every bit of the meat with these spices. This blend of seasoning is what transforms the beef into that classic, Tex-Mex inspired dish everyone loves. Let the beef and spices cook together for a couple of minutes to let the flavors intensify.
Step 3: Add Tomato Elements and Simmer
Stir in the tomato paste, tomato sauce, and beef stock. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. This step melds all those bold flavors together and creates a luscious, thick filling that’s the heart of the Easy Frito Pie Casserole Recipe.
Step 4: Layer the Casserole
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large casserole dish, spread a layer of lightly crushed Fritos to cover the bottom evenly. Spoon half of the beef mixture over the chips, then sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat with the remaining beef mixture, more crushed Fritos, and finish off with the rest of the cheese. This layering technique ensures a delightful combination of crunchy and melty textures in every serving.
Step 5: Bake Until Hot and Bubbling
Pop the casserole into the oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbling around the edges. The heat melts the cheese perfectly and lets the Fritos soften just enough to become wonderfully crunchy and tender all at once.
How to Serve Easy Frito Pie Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
The perfect finishing touch can take this dish from great to unforgettable. A dollop of cool sour cream complements the spicy, cheesy casserole beautifully, balancing out the bold flavors. Scattered sliced scallions add a fresh, crisp bite and a pop of vibrant green, making every plate inviting and lively.
Side Dishes
This casserole is delightfully hearty on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, consider light and fresh sides like a simple mixed green salad or a crisp coleslaw. These sides add crunch and brightness to balance the rich, cheesy casserole and keep the meal well-rounded.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this Easy Frito Pie Casserole Recipe straight from the baking dish for a cozy family-style meal, or layer it in individual ramekins for a charming presentation at dinner parties. For a fun twist, offer toppings like diced avocado, jalapeños, or fresh cilantro on the side, encouraging everyone to customize their own plate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of this amazing casserole keep wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the crispness of the Fritos, it’s best to store the casserole separate from any extra toppings like sour cream or scallions.
Freezing
If you want to make this Easy Frito Pie Casserole Recipe in advance, it freezes beautifully. Assemble the casserole as directed but skip baking. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as usual.
Reheating
To reheat your casserole, pop individual servings in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or rewarm the entire dish in a 350°F oven until heated through and bubbly. Adding a bit of extra cheese on top before reheating can refresh that gooey, melty delight.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of chips instead of Fritos?
Absolutely! While Fritos offer that classic corn chip crunch and flavor, you can try tortilla chips or even crushed cornflakes for varied textures. Just keep in mind the flavor profile changes slightly with different chips.
Is this recipe spicy?
This Easy Frito Pie Casserole Recipe has a mild to moderate spice level thanks to the chili powder and chipotle powder. If you prefer less heat, reduce the chipotle or omit it completely. For more kick, add diced jalapeños or hot sauce as garnish.
Can I make this vegetarian?
To make this casserole vegetarian, swap the ground beef for seasoned plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils. Using vegetable broth instead of beef stock keeps the flavors rich without meat.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Fritos are naturally gluten-free, but always double-check ingredient labels to be sure. This recipe is easily made gluten-free by ensuring all spices, tomato products, and stock are certified gluten-free.
What’s the best cheese to use?
Sharp cheddar cheese melts beautifully and complements the beef wonderfully, but you can experiment with Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a blend for different flavor profiles and textures.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Frito Pie Casserole Recipe manages to be both simple and spectacular, offering big flavors and a crowd-pleasing appeal with every bite. Whether you’re feeding family or entertaining friends, this dish brings warmth, comfort, and excitement to your table. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be reaching for this recipe again and again.
Print
Easy Frito Pie Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Southwestern
Description
This Easy Frito Pie Casserole is a deliciously comforting dish that combines seasoned ground beef, a rich tomato sauce, crunchy Fritos, and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a crowd or a family dinner, this casserole offers a satisfying mix of textures and bold southwestern flavors, topped with creamy sour cream and fresh scallions for added zest.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Spices and Sauces
- 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 Base and Toppings
- 9 cups lightly crushed Fritos
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream, for serving
- Sliced scallions, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Ground Beef Mixture: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic and cook until the onions are softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Season the Meat: Stir in chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, kosher salt, ground cumin, and chipotle powder. Mix well to evenly coat the beef and onions with the spices.
- Add Tomato Ingredients: Stir in the tomato paste, tomato sauce, and beef stock. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and sauce to thicken slightly.
- Assemble the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large baking dish, spread half of the crushed Fritos evenly across the bottom. Spoon half of the beef mixture over the Fritos, then sprinkle with half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining Fritos, beef mixture, and cheese.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Serve topped with dollops of sour cream and a sprinkle of sliced scallions for freshness and extra flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- For extra heat, add a diced jalapeño with the onions and garlic.
- Make sure to lightly crush Fritos; avoid crushing them too finely to maintain texture.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days.
- This casserole reheats well in the microwave or oven.
