This Chili Frito Pie Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, featuring layers of flavorful, crunchy Frito corn chips, savory chili, and gooey melted cheese. It’s a hearty, quick dinner that’s easy to make and always a hit!
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Many chili pie recipes involve piling Fritos with chili and cheese, but this recipe takes it to the next level by creating distinct layers of flavor. It’s the ultimate comfort food that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or for a fun family dinner.
If you’re a fan of hearty, family-friendly meals that are tomato-based you will also enjoy my homemade hamburger pie, lasagna with stuffed shells, and stromboli recipe.
This recipe was found in a Southern vintage recipe book. My husband being from the South was aware of Frito Pie while I was new to the idea. I love how this gives a great twist on the traditional chili recipes in our home.
Why I Love This Recipe
- Classic Flavors: This recipe is a tried and true combination of hearty ground beef, savory beans, and a perfect blend of spices, topped with the classic crunch of Fritos and gooey cheddar cheese.
- Quick Dinner: It’s a quick and easy dinner that the whole family will love. The flavors are familiar and comforting, making it a guaranteed hit at the dinner table.
- Easy to Make: Like my favorite cheeseburger casserole, this recipe is so incredibly easy to make! It’s one of our favorite busy weeknight dinner meals or when we’re looking to feed a crowd.
- Comfort Food: There’s just something so cozy and comforting about a warm, hearty casserole, and this recipe delivers on that front. It’s the perfect dish for a chilly evening.
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Key Ingredients
- Ground Beef: This is the star of the show, adding a hearty and meaty flavor to the casserole.
- Onion: The chopped onion adds a savory sweetness to the dish, and complements the beef.
- Green Peppers: They bring a pop of color and a fresh, slightly bitter flavor to the casserole.
- Water: This ingredient helps to combine all the flavors and ensures the casserole has the right consistency.
- Tomato Sauce: It adds a rich, tangy flavor and a smooth, thick texture to the casserole.
- Ranch Style Beans: They add a unique, southwestern flavor and a creamy texture to the casserole.
- Chili Mix: This is where the heat and spice come from, giving the casserole its signature chili flavor. You can alternatively use my homemade chili seasoning for the best results.
- Frito Scoops: They add a satisfying crunch to the dish and hold up well in the casserole.
- Cheddar Cheese: This ingredient will melt beautifully on top of the casserole, giving it a gooey, cheesy finish.
Equipment
- Stockpot – You’ll need this to brown and cook the ground beef, as well as to simmer the beef mixture with the other ingredients.
- 9×13-inch Casserole Dish – This is the perfect size for this recipe and will ensure that all the layers fit perfectly.
How to Make Chili Frito Pie Casserole
Preparation
To start, preheat your oven to 350˚ F and grease your 9×13 baking dish. This will make sure that your casserole doesn’t stick to the dish and is easy to serve.
Step 1 – Cook the Beef and Veggie Mix
Begin by browning the ground beef in a stockpot with the onion and green pepper. Once it’s cooked, drain the fat.
Step 2 – Add the Sauce and Simmer
Next, add the water, tomato sauce, drained beans, and chili mix to the beef mixture. Let it all simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 3 – Layer the Fritos and Beef Mixture
Now, it’s time to start layering your casserole. Place a layer of Fritos scoops in the bottom of your greased baking dish. Then, add half of the beef mixture on top of the Fritos. Sprinkle 1 cup of cheese over the beef mixture. Repeat this layer once more.
Step 4 – Add the Fritos Crust
After the second layer, crush the rest of the Fritos and sprinkle them over the top of your casserole. This will give it a delicious crunchy Fritos crust.
Step 5 – Bake the Casserole
Pop your casserole in the preheated oven and bake it for 20 minutes. This will melt the cheese and give the Fritos crust a perfect golden brown color.
Step 6 – Serve the Chili Frito Pie Casserole
Once it’s done, take your casserole out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Then, serve it warm and enjoy the hearty, flavorful dish.
Expert Tip
To ensure a satisfyingly crunchy Frito Pie Casserole, opt for Frito scoops instead of the original Fritos. The scoops hold up better during baking, guaranteeing a more substantial crunch in every bite.
Recipe Variations
- More Cheese: If you’re a cheese lover, feel free to add more cheddar on top of the casserole before baking. This will give it a deliciously cheesy, gooey finish that’s hard to resist.
- Add Heat and Spices: While this recipe is family-friendly, you can easily customize it to your liking by adding extra spices for a bolder, spicier flavor. Try adding a dash of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapenos to the beef mixture.
- Different Beans: The recipe calls for Ranch Style Beans, but you can use any type of beans you like. Black beans or pinto beans would be a great alternative and add a new twist to this classic dish.
What to Serve With
- For a hearty and comforting meal, serve your Chili Frito Pie Casserole with a side of creamy mashed potatoes. The rich, bold flavors of the casserole pair perfectly with the smooth, buttery potatoes.
- If you’re hosting a casual get-together, this casserole is a great option. Simply set up a topping bar with sour cream, chopped fresh cilantro, and extra shredded cheese. Your guests can customize their casserole to their liking.
- Looking for a quick and easy lunch idea? This casserole is just as delicious the next day. Simply reheat a portion in the microwave and enjoy with a side of crunchy coleslaw. The cool, crisp slaw is a great contrast to the warm, spicy casserole.
Make Ahead Instructions
To make ahead, make the chili ahead of time and refrigerate it. When ready to cook, bring the chili to a simmer, layer as directed in the recipe, and then bake it according to the instructions.
Recipe FAQs
Frito Pie is a classic American dish that’s made with Frito corn chips as the base and then topped with a flavorful chili and cheese. It’s a favorite at picnics, potlucks, and casual dinners.
Ranch Style Beans are a type of canned beans that are popular in the Southwestern United States. They are pinto beans in a seasoned tomato sauce. If you can’t find Ranch Style Beans, you can use a different type of beans, like kidney beans or black beans, and add some extra seasoning to the dish.
Absolutely! While this recipe calls for ground beef, feel free to substitute it with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based ground for a vegetarian version. The key is to have a nice, flavorful chili to go with the Fritos.
Storing and Reheating
- Storing: If you have leftovers, you can store the casserole in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to use an airtight container to maintain its freshness.
- Freezing: This casserole is freezer-friendly. You can freeze it for up to 2 months. However, the crunchy texture of the Fritos may be compromised after freezing and reheating.
- Thaw: When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen casserole, let it thaw in the refrigerator for 24 hours.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated 350˚F oven for about 20 minutes, or until it’s warmed through.
More Casserole Recipes You’ll Enjoy
Serving Size
- What to Expect: This chili Frito pie casserole recipe yields a hearty casserole that can serve up to 12 people.
- How to Scale: If you’re expecting a larger crowd or just want to have leftovers, you can easily double the recipe. Just make sure to use a larger casserole dish to accommodate the increased quantity. Follow the rest of the instructions as directed, but keep an eye on the cooking time as it may be slightly longer due to the larger size.
Chili Frito Pie
Ingredients
- 2 lb ground beef
- 1 Cup onion chopped
- ½ Cup green peppers chopped
- ½ Cup water
- 24 oz tomato sauce
- 30 oz Ranch Style Beans drained
- 2 pkg chili seasoning mix
- 15 oz Frito scoops
- 2 Cups cheddar cheese shredded
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350˚ F. Grease a 9×13 baking dish.
- Brown and cook the ground beef in a stockpot with the onion and green pepper. Drain the fat. Add the water, tomato sauce, drained beans, and chili mix. Simmer for 20 minutes. Stir occasionally.
- Place a layer of Fritos scoops in the casserole dish. Add half of the beef mixture and top with 1 Cup of cheese—repeat layer. Crush up the rest of the Fritos for a topping.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Serve warm.
Instead of chili mix in a pig, can you just add chili powder? I don’t like to buy the mixes…too much salt in them. Have to watch salt intake.
Thanks
Sure! You can also make homemade chili seasoning to help with the flavors as well. I always make my own.