Easy Frito Pie

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If you’re craving bold flavor, comfort food simplicity, and something that gets devoured in minutes, this Easy Frito Pie is your next weeknight win. It layers crunchy corn chips, savory seasoned ground beef, and melted cheddar cheese into a bowl of pure Tex-Mex comfort. Finished with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of green onions, every bite hits all the right notes: salty, cheesy, meaty, and crisp.

This dish is perfect for busy evenings or casual gatherings. It doesn’t demand a ton of prep, and it’s endlessly customizable with toppings and spice levels. Whether you’re feeding a family or just indulging your own cravings, Frito Pie is that back-pocket recipe you’ll keep turning to.

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Why You’ll Love This Easy Frito Pie

• Ultra Fast and Easy – With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, this recipe is a go-to for busy days.
• Crowd-Pleasing – It’s great for game day, potlucks, or any time you want something hearty that everyone loves.
• Crunch Meets Comfort – That contrast of warm beefy chili with cool sour cream and crunchy Fritos is irresistibly good.
• Budget Friendly – Uses pantry staples like canned beans and corn chips, making it a cost-effective meal.
• Customizable – Add jalapeños, avocado, hot sauce, or switch the protein to turkey or veggie crumbles.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into this flavor-packed dish, make sure you have the following tools ready to streamline your prep:

• Large Skillet – Essential for browning the ground beef and simmering the chili mixture. A nonstick or cast iron skillet works best for even heat.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula – Handy for breaking up the meat and stirring the mixture without scratching your cookware.
• Can Opener – Since you’ll be using canned beans or tomatoes, have one within reach.
• Serving Bowls – Individual bowls make it easy to layer and customize for each person.
• Cheese Grater (optional) – For fresh-shredded cheese, which melts better and adds more flavor.

With these tools at your fingertips, you’ll have a delicious dinner on the table in no time.

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Ingredients for the Easy Frito Pie

• Ground Beef: Provides the rich, meaty base for the chili. Choose lean for less grease.
• Onion: Adds depth of flavor and a subtle sweetness when cooked down with the beef.
• Garlic: Brings aroma and punch to the meat mixture.
• Tomato Sauce: Gives the chili body and binds the ingredients together.
• Chili Powder & Cumin: Classic Tex-Mex spices that create a warm, hearty flavor.
• Black Beans or Pinto Beans: Boosts the fiber and protein content while making the meal more filling.
• Fritos Corn Chips: The star crunch factor that replaces traditional taco shells or tortillas.
• Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully over the hot chili, adding creamy richness.
• Sour Cream & Green Onions: For cooling and topping. They bring contrast and freshness.

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How To Make the Easy Frito Pie

Step 1: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Break it up with a spoon and drain any excess fat.

Step 2: Add Flavor Foundations

Stir in diced onions and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant and the onions are translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 3: Simmer the Chili

Pour in tomato sauce, beans, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to let the flavors meld.

Step 4: Assemble the Pie

In individual serving bowls, add a generous layer of Fritos. Spoon the hot chili mixture on top, followed by shredded cheddar cheese.

Step 5: Add the Final Touches

Top with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of sliced green onions. Serve immediately while the chips are still crisp!

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Serving and Storing Easy Frito Pie

Serving Suggestions:
Frito Pie is best served fresh and hot so the chips retain their crunch. Set up a topping bar with extras like pickled jalapeños, hot sauce, avocado slices, or even shredded lettuce for a taco-style twist.

Storing Tips:
Store the meat and toppings separately from the chips. Refrigerate the chili in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. Assemble fresh when ready to serve.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use turkey instead of ground beef?

Absolutely. Ground turkey works great and makes it a bit leaner.

Do Fritos get soggy?

They can if the chili sits on them too long. To avoid this, serve immediately after assembling.

Is this recipe spicy?

It has a mild kick from chili powder. Add hot sauce or jalapeños for more heat.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prep the chili ahead and store it in the fridge. Assemble right before serving to maintain the crunch.

What other toppings go well?

Try avocado, diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, olives, or even crushed red pepper.

Is it gluten-free?

Yes, if you use gluten-free corn chips and verify that your spices and canned beans are certified gluten-free.

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Want More Tex-Mex Inspired Ideas?

If you love this Easy Frito Pie, you’ll probably enjoy these other comforting favorites:

• Spicy Ranch Taco Dip for bold, creamy heat.
• Cheesy Rotel Ranch Queso to keep that party vibe going.
• Chicken Street Tacos for a quick weeknight dinner.
• Avocado Boat Dip when you’re craving something fresh.
• Rotel Chicken Salad Dip for a cool, creamy twist.

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Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest Tex-Mex board so you can come back to it any time. Follow me on Pinterest for more comfort food favorites straight from my kitchen.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you top it with jalapeños or keep it mild? Try it with turkey or make it meatless?

I love seeing how others bring these recipes to life. Questions welcome too—let’s swap notes and make weeknight dinners even better!

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