Frito Pie Ground Beef Delight

Category: Family Dinner Ideas

Frito Pie is a hearty and flavorful Tex-Mex dish perfect for quick weeknight dinners or gatherings. Start by layering crunchy corn chips in a baking dish, then top with seasoned ground beef, ranch beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and corn kernels. Add a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese and bake until melted and bubbly. Enhance with taco-inspired toppings like sour cream, diced tomatoes, and jalapeños for a satisfying crunch and bold flavors in every bite. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s comfort food at its best!

Fatiha
By Fatiha Fatiha
Last updated Mon, 23 Feb 2026 21:47:51 GMT
A bowl of Frito chips with cheese and tomatoes. Pin
A bowl of Frito chips with cheese and tomatoes. | zestplate.com

This Frito Pie recipe is a family favorite that combines savory, crunchy, and cheesy layers into one irresistibly satisfying dish. Whether you’re preparing it for a busy weeknight meal or serving it to a crowd, this recipe is both simple and sensational. Packed with Tex-Mex flavors, it’s an instant hit with everyone who tries it.

I first stumbled upon Frito Pie during a potluck event and fell in love. When I recreated it at home, my family couldn’t stop raving, and it quickly became one of our go-to comfort food dishes.

Ingredients

How To Make Frito Pie

A bowl of chili with cheese and green onions.
A bowl of chili with cheese and green onions. | zestplate.com

Shredded cheddar is my personal favorite ingredient here as it brings rich flavor and melts beautifully tying everything together. Every time I make this dish it reminds me of cozy family nights at home.

Storage Tips

Ingredient Substitutions

Serving Suggestions

A plate of Frito chips with cheese and onions.
A plate of Frito chips with cheese and onions. | zestplate.com

Frito Pie is nostalgia packed in a crunchy cheesy delight. It serves as a reminder of warm gatherings and comfort food at its best. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and the happiness it brings to every table. Enjoy it as a standalone meal or make it the star of your next potluck.

Recipe FAQs

→ What toppings pair well with Frito Pie?

Toppings like sour cream, diced tomatoes, jalapeños, sliced avocado, or even a drizzle of hot sauce complement the Tex-Mex flavors beautifully.

→ Can I make Frito Pie ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the beef and vegetable mixture and store it in the fridge. When ready, layer it with Fritos and cheese, then bake fresh for the best crunch.

→ What type of cheese works best?

Cheddar is a classic choice for Frito Pie, but you can also use Monterey Jack or a Mexican cheese blend for enhanced flavor.

→ Can I use a substitute for Ranch Style Beans?

If Ranch Style Beans aren’t available, pinto beans or black beans seasoned with chili powder and cumin work well as substitutes.

→ Is there a vegetarian version of Frito Pie?

Yes! Substitute the ground beef with plant-based meat or crumbled tofu and skip the taco seasoning for a vegetarian-friendly version.

Frito Pie Ground Beef Dish

Tasty Frito Pie with ground beef, cheddar, and Tex-Mex-inspired toppings.

Preparation Time
5 min
Cooking Time
25 min
Total Duration
30 min
By Fatiha: Fatiha

Category: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Intermediate

Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Output: 5 Servings

Dietary Preferences: ~

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

01 1 pound ground beef
02 1 small onion, finely chopped
03 1 packet taco seasoning
04 1 10-ounce can diced tomatoes with green chilies
05 1 15-ounce can ranch style beans
06 1 cup corn kernels
07 1 10.25-ounce bag Fritos
08 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

Directions

Step 01

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread 3/4 of the Fritos evenly on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish to create a base.

Step 02

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and onion over medium-high heat until the beef is fully browned and the onions are softened. Drain excess grease.

Step 03

Add taco seasoning to the beef mixture and stir thoroughly. Mix in the diced tomatoes with green chilies, ranch style beans, and corn until combined.

Step 04

Pour the beef and vegetable mixture evenly over the layer of Fritos in the baking dish. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top.

Step 05

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 06

Remove from the oven and top with the remaining Fritos. Optional garnishes include sour cream, diced tomatoes, jalapeños, or avocado slices.

Notes

  1. For best results, garnish the pie with fresh toppings like sour cream or avocado slices just before serving.

Required Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • 9×13 inch baking dish
  • Oven

Allergen Information

Review each component for possible allergens and consult a health professional when concerned.
  • Contains dairy from cheddar cheese

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These figures serve as estimates and are not a substitute for medical advice.
  • Calories: 350
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Protein: 16 g