Description
Frito Pie Recipe
Ingredients:
1 bag (9.25 oz) Fritos corn chips
1 lb ground beef
1 can (15 oz) chili beans (or regular beans)
1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies
1 packet taco seasoning
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Sour cream, for topping
Sliced jalapeños, for garnish
Diced tomatoes and cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Cook the Beef:
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned.
Drain excess fat.
Add Flavor:
Stir in the taco seasoning, chili beans, and Rotel tomatoes.
Simmer for 5–10 minutes until thickened.
Assemble the Frito Pie:
In a large baking dish, layer half of the Fritos.
Spoon the beef mixture over the chips.
Sprinkle cheddar cheese evenly on top.
Add the remaining Fritos and more cheese if desired.
Bake:
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted.
Garnish and Serve:
Top with sour cream, jalapeños, and diced tomatoes.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 6
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Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for a perfect Frito Pie every time. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large skillet, brown one pound of ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it into crumbles. Once fully cooked, drain the excess fat thoroughly. Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the entire packet of taco seasoning, the can of chili beans (undrained), and the can of Rotel tomatoes. Stir well and let the mixture simmer for 5-10 minutes until it thickens slightly. While it simmers, lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Create your first layer with half of the Fritos corn chips, pressing them down gently. Spoon the entire beef and bean mixture evenly over the chips. Sprinkle one cup of the shredded cheddar cheese over the beef. Add the remaining Fritos as the next layer, followed by the second cup of cheese. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
Serving Suggestions
Frito Pie is a versatile dish best served hot from the oven. For a classic presentation, scoop it directly from the baking dish. For individual servings, consider assembling single portions in small, oven-safe bowls or even in the emptied Fritos bag for a fun, authentic touch. Beyond the listed garnishes, consider offering bowls of diced red onion, sliced black olives, guacamole, or a drizzle of hot sauce. It pairs perfectly with a simple side salad to balance the richness or with cold, crisp celery sticks.
How-to Summary
In short: Brown beef, drain fat. Mix in seasoning, beans, and tomatoes, then simmer. In a baking dish, layer half the Fritos, the beef mixture, cheese, then remaining Fritos and cheese. Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes until cheese melts. Top with garnishes and serve immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Frito Pie ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the dish (without baking) up to a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.
What can I use instead of ground beef? Ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based ground meat alternative work well. For a vegetarian version, use an extra can of beans or lentils.
How do I prevent the Fritos from getting soggy? The key is to serve immediately after baking. The bottom layer will soften, but the top layer should retain some crunch. For maximum crunch, add the final Fritos and cheese layer just before baking.
Can I cook this in a slow cooker? Absolutely. After browning the beef and mixing in other ingredients, transfer everything to a slow cooker. Layer with chips and cheese, then cook on LOW for 2-3 hours, adding the final cheese layer in the last 30 minutes.
How should I store leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or toaster oven for best texture, as the microwave will make the chips very soft.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these pitfalls: First, do not forget to drain the fat from the cooked beef, as it can make the final dish greasy. Second, do not skip the simmering step for the beef mixture; this allows flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken, preventing a runny pie. Third, avoid using baked or low-fat chips, as they will become mushy faster. Stick with the classic, sturdy Fritos. Finally, do not overbake; 15 minutes is typically sufficient to melt the cheese without burning the chips.
Conclusion
This Frito Pie recipe is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, combining simple ingredients into a deliciously satisfying meal. Its perfect balance of crunchy, cheesy, and savory elements makes it ideal for game day, weeknight dinners, or any casual gathering. By following the detailed steps and tips provided, you can easily master this comfort food classic and customize it to your taste. Enjoy the hearty, flavorful results of this easy-to-make dish.