Baked Frito Pie
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I love a good Frito pie, and this Baked Frito Pie is an easy way to add a little something extra to the classic dish. Baking it in the oven melts the cheese into the beef mixture and lightly toasts the Fritos, giving you a warm, crunchy, cheesy finish in every bite.
It still has everything you love about traditional Frito pie, just with that added baked layer of flavor and texture. The best part is piling on all of your favorite toppings once it comes out of the oven. Sour cream, diced tomatoes, green onions, cilantro, avocado, jalapeños, and extra cheese are all great options, so everyone can customize their serving exactly how they like it.
This is also a great recipe for busy weeknights because it comes together with simple pantry ingredients and only needs a short time in the oven. You can easily adjust the heat level, swap in the beans or cheese your family likes best, and let everyone add their own toppings at the table. It is simple, filling, and easy to make your own.
Ingredients for Baked Frito Pie
- Ground beef – Ground beef makes the Frito pie hearty and filling. Lean beef helps keep the casserole from getting too greasy.
- Onion – Chopped onion adds savory flavor and a little sweetness as it cooks with the beef.
- Taco seasoning – Taco seasoning adds a quick blend of spices like chili powder, cumin, garlic, and onion for classic taco flavor.
- Chili powder – Chili powder adds extra warmth and depth to the beef mixture without making it overly spicy.
- Diced mild green chilies – Green chilies add mild chile flavor and a little extra moisture. They blend well with the enchilada sauce, beef, and cheese.
- Pinto beans or kidney beans – Beans make the dish more filling and add extra texture and protein. Pinto beans give it a softer, creamier bite, while kidney beans are a little firmer.
- Red enchilada sauce – Enchilada sauce adds moisture, tangy tomato flavor, and seasoning to the beef mixture.
- Shredded Mexican blend cheese or cheddar – Cheese melts over the casserole and adds plenty of rich, cheesy flavor. A Mexican blend gives you a mix of cheeses, while cheddar gives a stronger, sharper taste.
- Fritos corn chips – Fritos add the salty crunch that makes this dish a true Frito pie. Baking them briefly also gives them a toasted flavor.
- Cilantro (optional) – Cilantro adds a fresh, bright finish that balances the richer flavors.
- Tomatoes (optional) – Fresh diced tomatoes add color, juiciness, and a little acidity.
- Sour cream (optional) – Sour cream adds a cool, creamy contrast to the warm beef, cheese, and chips.
- Green onions (optional) – Add fresh onion flavor and a little crunch on top.
- Avocado (optional) – Adds creamy texture and mild flavor that pairs well with the spicy, cheesy filling.
Instructions for Baked Frito Pie
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and chopped onion over medium heat until the beef is browned and fully cooked. Drain off any excess grease.
Stir in the taco seasoning, chili powder, diced green chilies, drained beans, and red enchilada sauce. Cook for a minute or two, just until everything is heated through and well combined.
Pour the beef mixture into a 9 x 13-inch baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top, then add a layer of Fritos.
Bake uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly, the cheese is melted, and the Fritos are lightly toasted.
Serve warm with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, diced tomatoes, cilantro, green onions, or avocado.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes. Ground turkey works well if you want a lighter option. Just cook it the same way with the onion and seasonings.
Can I use black beans instead of pinto or kidney beans?
Absolutely. Black beans are a great substitute and fit the flavors of the casserole really well.
What kind of enchilada sauce should I use?
Use your favorite red enchilada sauce. Mild works well for a family-friendly version, while medium or hot will add more heat.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare the beef mixture and add it to the baking dish, then cover and refrigerate. Add the cheese and Fritos just before baking to keep the chips crisp.
How do I keep the Fritos from getting soggy?
Add them right before the casserole goes into the oven, and do not let the finished dish sit too long before serving.
Can I make it spicier?
Yes. Use hot enchilada sauce, add jalapeños, use pepper Jack cheese, or stir in extra chili powder or hot sauce.
What cheese works best?
A Mexican blend or cheddar both work well. Monterey Jack or pepper Jack are also good options if you want a slightly different flavor.
What toppings go well with Baked Frito Pie?
Sour cream, diced tomatoes, cilantro, green onions, red onion, avocado, jalapeños, and extra cheese all work well.
Can I use leftover taco meat?
Yes. Leftover taco meat is a great shortcut. Just warm it with the beans, green chilies, and enchilada sauce before assembling the casserole.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The Fritos will soften, so add a handful of fresh chips when reheating if you want more crunch.
Tips and Tricks
Drain the ground beef well. Removing excess grease keeps the casserole from becoming oily and helps the sauce stay balanced.
Add the Fritos right before baking. This gives them the best chance to stay crisp and lightly toast in the oven.
Use a sauce you already like. Since the enchilada sauce is a big part of the flavor, choose a brand and heat level your family enjoys.
Prep the toppings while the casserole bakes. Have the sour cream, tomatoes, avocado, green onions, and cilantro ready so everyone can top their serving as soon as it comes out of the oven.
Add fresh Fritos to leftovers. The baked chips will soften as they sit, so a few fresh Fritos on top make reheated servings taste much better.
FOR MORE RECIPES LIKE THIS, TRY:
Baked Frito Pie
Real Mom Kitchen
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- ½ medium onion chopped
- 1 oz pkg taco seasoning
- 4 oz can diced mild green chilies
- 15 oz can pinto beans or kidney beans, drained
- 15 oz can red enchilada sauce
- 2 cups Mexican blend cheese or cheddar, shredded
- 4 cups Fritos corn chips
- Suggested toppings: cilantro, tomatoes, sour cream, scallions or red onions, avocado, etc. optional, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
- In a skillet, add the beef and onions. Cook over medium heat until the beef is cooked. Drain excess fat as needed.
- Add in the taco seasoning, diced green chilies, beans, and enchilada sauce, and let it warm for a minute or so.
- Pour the beef mixture into a 9×13 casserole dish and spread it evenly.
- Top with the cheese and an even layer of the Fritos. Bake, uncovered, for 15-20 minutes or until it’s hot and bubbly.
- Serve with desired toppings and enjoy.
Nutrition
This recipe is adapted from Salt and Lavender.
