Frito Pie Recipe

Discover the ultimate Frito Pie recipe, a Tex-Mex classic that’s loaded with bold flavors and crunchy Fritos! This easy-to-make dinner features seasoned ground beef, creamy beans, and gooey melted cheese, baked to perfection for a comforting meal your family will love. Perfect for game day, potlucks, or weeknight dinners, this Frito Pie is versatile, customizable, and guaranteed to satisfy your cravings.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup yellow onion, diced
• 1/2 green bell pepper, diced (or substitute with 2 seeded jalapeño peppers)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lb. ground beef (85% lean)
• 8 oz. tomato sauce
• 1 (14.5 oz.) can diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/8 cup masa harina (corn flour) (see notes)
• 1 (16 oz.) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 tablespoon cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 cups Fritos

Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 3/4 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon each: ground cumin, smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 5 minutes until softened. Stir in the diced bell peppers and garlic, cooking for 2 more minutes until fragrant.
3. Cook the Meat: Add the ground beef to the pot. Cook and crumble until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess grease if necessary.
4. Add Seasonings and Base: Stir in the sugar, chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and salt. Mix until the beef is evenly coated with the seasonings. Add the tomato sauce and drained diced tomatoes, stirring to combine.
5. Thicken the Chili: In a small bowl, combine the masa harina and chicken broth, mixing until smooth. Pour into the pot and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook uncovered for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid thickens and reduces. Add the kidney beans and stir to heat through.
6. Creamy Finish: Swirl in the softened cream cheese until fully incorporated. This adds a subtle creaminess that balances the spices.
7. Assemble and Bake: Transfer the mixture to a pie pan or a 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese and top with Fritos. Bake uncovered for 13 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Rest and Serve: Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with green onions, if desired, and serve with a dollop of sour cream.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Combines bold, savory flavors with a satisfying crunch.
• A crowd-pleaser perfect for family dinners or game day.
• Easy to customize with your favorite ingredients.
• Perfectly creamy, cheesy, and packed with hearty chili goodness.

Tips

• For extra flavor, use fire-roasted diced tomatoes.
• If you don’t have masa harina, you can substitute with cornmeal, though the texture will differ slightly.
• Let the Fritos sit on top for the full baking time for extra crunch or add them halfway through for a softer texture.

Variations and Substitutions

• Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
• Add a can of black beans or pinto beans for extra protein and variety.
• Spice it up with diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper.
• Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for a spicier kick.
• Make it vegetarian by omitting the meat and adding extra beans and vegetables.

FAQs

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the chili mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Assemble with cheese and Fritos just before baking.
2. Can I freeze Frito Pie? Absolutely! Assemble the dish without the Fritos, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Add Fritos before baking.
3. What can I use instead of masa harina? Cornmeal or all-purpose flour can work as a substitute, though the flavor and texture may vary slightly.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a fresh garden salad or coleslaw for a lighter side.
• Serve with classic cornbread or creamy corn casserole.
• Top with diced avocado, chopped cilantro, or pickled jalapeños for added flavor and texture.