Can I make this recipe less spicy for my family?

Absolutely! The heat primarily comes from the chili powder and chipotle powder. You can reduce these amounts or omit the chipotle powder entirely. The dish will still have plenty of flavor from the other seasonings, onions, and garlic.

How can I make this casserole healthier?

Try using lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, add extra vegetables like bell peppers or corn to the chili mixture, and use a reduced-fat cheese. You could also reduce the amount of Fritos and increase the protein and vegetable content.

Can I prepare the chili mixture the day before?

Yes! Making the chili ahead of time actually allows the flavors to develop even more. Store it in the refrigerator, then warm it slightly before assembling and baking the casserole. This makes dinner prep much quicker on busy weeknights.

Why are my Fritos getting soggy?

The bottom layer of Fritos will naturally soften somewhat as they absorb moisture from the chili. For maximum crunch, make sure your chili isn't too watery (simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes if needed) and serve the casserole promptly after baking.

Easy Frito Pie Casserole Recipe

Name: Easy Frito Pie Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ pounds ground beef; 1 small onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 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; 9 cups lightly crushed Fritos; 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese; Sour cream, for serving; Sliced scallions, for serving

This Easy Frito Pie Casserole brings together layers of crunchy Fritos, savory homemade chili, and gooey melted cheese for a comforting meal that takes classic Frito pie to the next level. Ready in just over an hour, this crowd-pleasing dish transforms simple ingredients into a hearty, flavor-packed casserole that’s perfect for family dinners, game days, or whenever you need a satisfying meal without a lot of fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Family-Friendly Favorite: Even picky eaters can’t resist the irresistible combination of crispy corn chips, seasoned beef, and melted cheese.
Make-Ahead Magic: The chili base can be prepared days in advance, making assembly quick when you’re ready to bake.
Customizable Comfort Food: Easily adaptable to your taste preferences – add beans, switch up the meat, or adjust the spice level to create your perfect version.
Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for feeding a hungry family or serving at casual gatherings – this casserole consistently earns rave reviews.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ground Beef: The hearty foundation that provides protein and richness to the chili layer.
Onion and Garlic: These aromatic ingredients create the flavor base that makes the chili taste like it’s been simmering all day.
Chili Powder, Cumin, Chipotle Powder: This trio of spices brings authentic Southwestern warmth and depth of flavor.
Onion and Garlic Powder: These intensify the savory profile without adding additional moisture.
Tomato Paste and Tomato Sauce: The paste adds concentrated flavor while the sauce creates the perfect consistency for the chili.
Beef Stock: Adds richness and helps create the perfect consistency for your chili.
Fritos: These corn chips are the star of the show! They maintain some crunch while also softening slightly where they meet the chili.
Cheddar Cheese: Creates that gooey, melty layer that binds everything together. Look for freshly shredded for best melting.
Sour Cream and Scallions: These garnishes add a cool, tangy contrast and fresh pop of color to complement the rich casserole.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Protein Swap

Try using ground turkey, chicken, or pork instead of beef. Each brings a different flavor profile while keeping the same comforting texture.

Bean Addition

Mix in a can of drained and rinsed black beans, pinto beans, or kidney beans to add extra protein, fiber, and texture.

Fritos Flavors

Use Chili Cheese Fritos to intensify the flavor, or try the Honey BBQ variety for a sweet and savory twist.

Cheese Options

While cheddar is classic, try pepper jack for extra heat, Monterey Jack for milder flavor, or a Mexican cheese blend for authentic flair.

How to Make Frito Pie Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Chili Base

Brown the ground beef with diced onion in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking the meat into crumbles. Once no pink remains and onions are translucent, add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Drain excess fat to prevent a greasy casserole.

Step 2: Season and Simmer

Add the chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, cumin, chipotle powder, and tomato paste. Cook for 2 minutes while stirring to toast the spices and develop their flavors. Pour in tomato sauce and beef stock, stirring until well combined. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover and let it cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Layer the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 baking dish. Create the first layer with half of the lightly crushed Fritos spread evenly across the bottom. Top with half of the chili mixture, spreading it from edge to edge. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the chili layer.

Step 4: Complete the Layers

Repeat the layering process with the remaining Fritos, chili, and cheese, creating a second complete layer that will bake into perfect casserole harmony.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with non-stick foil (or regular foil sprayed with cooking spray, facing down) and bake for 20-30 minutes until thoroughly heated and the cheese has melted. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to achieve a slightly crispy top layer.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Remove from the oven and let rest for about 5 minutes. Serve with a dollop of sour cream and freshly sliced scallions on top.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Over-Crush the Fritos: Lightly crushing them preserves some texture while allowing them to better integrate with the other ingredients.
Layer Strategically: Make sure your first layer of chili fully covers the Fritos to prevent them from burning during baking.
Drain the Meat Well: Taking time to drain excess fat after browning the beef prevents a greasy final product.
Let It Rest: Allow the casserole to sit for 5 minutes after baking – this helps the layers set and makes serving much cleaner.
Taste the Chili: Before layering, taste your chili mixture and adjust seasonings to your preference – this is your opportunity to perfect the flavor.

How to Serve

Traditional Style

Serve in squares with a dollop of sour cream and sprinkle of sliced scallions on top. The cool creaminess and fresh green onion complement the richness of the casserole.

Mexican Feast

Pair with a simple side salad with cilantro-lime dressing, Mexican street corn, or refried beans for a complete south-of-the-border inspired meal.

Toppings Bar

Set up a toppings station with diced avocado, pickled jalapeños, fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, and hot sauce so everyone can customize their portion.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The Fritos will soften over time but will still be delicious.

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully! Prepare the entire casserole but don’t bake it. Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Alternatively, freeze just the chili portion and add fresh Fritos and cheese when ready to bake.

Reheating

For refrigerated leftovers, reheat in a 325°F oven for about 20 minutes until warmed through. For frozen casserole, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe less spicy for my family?

Absolutely! The heat primarily comes from the chili powder and chipotle powder. You can reduce these amounts or omit the chipotle powder entirely. The dish will still have plenty of flavor from the other seasonings, onions, and garlic.
How can I make this casserole healthier?

Try using lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, add extra vegetables like bell peppers or corn to the chili mixture, and use a reduced-fat cheese. You could also reduce the amount of Fritos and increase the protein and vegetable content.
Can I prepare the chili mixture the day before?

Yes! Making the chili ahead of time actually allows the flavors to develop even more. Store it in the refrigerator, then warm it slightly before assembling and baking the casserole. This makes dinner prep much quicker on busy weeknights.
Why are my Fritos getting soggy?

The bottom layer of Fritos will naturally soften somewhat as they absorb moisture from the chili. For maximum crunch, make sure your chili isn’t too watery (simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes if needed) and serve the casserole promptly after baking.

Final Thoughts

This Frito Pie Casserole takes a beloved snack and transforms it into a satisfying meal that’s sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation. With its perfect balance of textures and flavors – crunchy chips, savory chili, and gooey cheese – it’s comfort food at its finest. Whether you’re feeding a family on a busy weeknight or looking for a crowd-pleasing dish for your next gathering, this casserole delivers delicious results with minimal effort. Give it a try tonight!