Name: Frito Pie Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 1 tsp olive oil; 1 pound lean ground beef; 1 small white onion, diced; 1 (1 oz) package taco seasoning; 2/3 cup water; 1 (10 ounce) can red enchilada sauce; 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 (9.25 ounce) bag Fritos; 2 cups cheddar jack cheese, shredded; Sour cream, for serving; Green onions, sliced, for serving

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 283 reviews

If you are craving something that combines bold Tex-Mex flavors with crunchy, cheesy goodness, then this Frito Pie Casserole Recipe is about to become your new go-to comfort food. Picture a warm, bubbling casserole that layers seasoned ground beef, zesty enchilada sauce, black beans, and melty cheddar jack cheese all nestled with crispy Fritos for the ultimate flavor and texture play. It’s the perfect crowd-pleaser for family dinners, game days, or whenever you need a meal that feels like a big, cozy hug on a plate.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white dish filled with a single layer of cooked ground meat mixed with black beans and small pieces of onion. The mixture is brown with a slight shine, indicating moisture, and the black beans are evenly spread throughout the meat. The dish has a textured but uniform top surface, filling the whole white rectangular dish, which is set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients may look simple, but each one plays a vital role in building the layers of flavor and texture that make this dish so irresistible. From the savory and spiced ground beef to the crunchy Fritos and melty cheese, every component brings something special to the table.

Olive oil (1 tsp): Helps brown the beef perfectly while adding a subtle richness.
Lean ground beef (1 pound): The hearty base that holds everything together with savory depth.
Small white onion, diced (1): Adds sweetness and tender texture to the beef mixture.
Taco seasoning (1 oz package): Packs a punch of bold, zesty flavor to the meat.
Water (2/3 cup): Helps the seasoning soak into the beef and keeps it juicy.
Red enchilada sauce (10 oz can): Provides tangy, smoky heat that amps up the overall taste.
Black beans (15 oz can, drained and rinsed): Adds creaminess and subtle earthiness, plus great protein.
Fritos (9.25 oz bag): The crunchy star of the dish that gives delightful texture contrasts.
Cheddar jack cheese (2 cups, shredded): Melts to gooey perfection, binding the casserole layers.
Sour cream and green onions (for serving): Cool, creamy, and fresh toppings that balance the spices beautifully.

How to Make Frito Pie Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace

Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with oil to ensure your casserole doesn’t stick and the edges crisp up nicely.

Step 2: Cook the Meat Mixture

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm the olive oil. Add the ground beef and diced onion, cooking while breaking up the meat until it’s fully browned and the onions soften beautifully. Drain excess fat if needed to keep things light.

Step 3: Season and Simmer

Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the cooked beef and stir in the water to distribute the spices evenly. Let the mixture simmer gently until most of the liquid evaporates and the beef is thick and flavorful.

Step 4: Add Enchilada Sauce and Beans

Stir in the rich red enchilada sauce and the rinsed black beans. Remove the skillet from heat to keep the mixture ready for layering in your casserole dish.

Step 5: Layer the Fritos and Cheese

Spread about two-thirds of the Fritos evenly over the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Then sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar jack cheese over the crunchy layer. This forms a delicious base that will soak up all the savory juices.

Step 6: Add the Meat Mixture

Carefully spread the seasoned beef and bean mixture over the cheese and Fritos, making sure to cover them completely. Use a rubber spatula to smooth it out and pack in all those amazing flavors.

Step 7: Top with Remaining Cheese

Finish layering by sprinkling the remaining shredded cheese over the meat, ensuring every bite will have that irresistible gooey cheese pull.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Pop your casserole into the oven and bake for 15 minutes until the cheese melts completely and the edges bubble with cheesy goodness.

Step 9: Add Final Crunch

Once baked, sprinkle the remaining Fritos on top to add a fresh crunch that contrasts beautifully with the warm layers beneath.

Step 10: Garnish and Serve

Top with sliced green onions and dollops of sour cream to add a cool, tangy finish that brightens every forkful.

How to Serve Frito Pie Casserole Recipe

A close-up of a casserole dish with three visible layers: the bottom layer is a mix of cooked ground meat and black beans with a brown and dark purple color, the middle layer has melted cheese that is white and slightly glossy, and the top layer is a thick, uneven spread of crunchy yellow corn chips loosely covering the surface. The dish is in a white ceramic baking dish with rounded corners, set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Simple garnishes like fresh green onions bring a pop of color and a mild onion bite that complements the hearty casserole. Sour cream adds creaminess and balances the spiciness, creating a harmonious bite every time.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or a light corn salsa. The freshness contrasts with the rich layers, making the entire meal feel well-rounded and satisfying without being too heavy.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the casserole in individual ramekins topped with extra Fritos and cheese. You can even offer a toppings bar with jalapeños, avocado slices, and chopped tomatoes for guests to customize their plates.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let the Frito Pie Casserole cool to room temperature, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. It keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it a perfect make-ahead meal.

Freezing

This casserole freezes well if you want to save some for later. Wrap it well in foil and place in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing its delicious flavor and texture.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through and bubbly. To keep the Fritos crunchy, add fresh ones as a topping after reheating.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of chip instead of Fritos in the Frito Pie Casserole Recipe?

Absolutely! While Fritos bring a unique corn-chip crunch and flavor, you can swap in tortilla chips or even Doritos for a different twist. Just remember that chip texture will affect the final dish.

Is this recipe spicy?

The spice level is moderate thanks to the taco seasoning and enchilada sauce. If you prefer it milder, choose a mild taco seasoning or reduce the amount of enchilada sauce. For heat lovers, add jalapeños or hot sauce.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes! Simply replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat substitute or extra beans and veggies like bell peppers and corn. The Frito Pie Casserole Recipe is flexible and perfect for customization.

What type of cheese works best?

Cheddar jack cheese is ideal because it melts well and has a nice balance of sharpness and creaminess. However, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even a Mexican cheese blend would work wonderfully too.

How can I make this casserole gluten-free?

This dish is naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free taco seasoning and Fritos (most varieties are gluten-free but always check the label). Make sure your enchilada sauce doesn’t contain gluten ingredients.

Final Thoughts

This Frito Pie Casserole Recipe is pure comfort food magic—layered with bold flavors, cheesy goodness, and crunchy surprises that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re feeding family or friends, it’s a fantastic dish to make ahead and enjoy any day of the week. Give it a whirl and watch it quickly become one of your favorite recipes to share!