Frito Pie | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this easy 6-ingredient #recipe is absolutely terrific. The casserole has #TexMex flavors with layers of #beef mixed with #chili, #Fritos & lots of #cheese. #glutenfree #CincoDeMayo

Frito Pie

Teresa Ambra

Gluten Free Living – 2014

Frito Pie is spectacular! I mean really! It has two layers of Fritos corn chips, two layers of chili, and two layers of cheese. It has nice heat due to the tomatoes with diced chilies and the Wolf-brand chili used to make it. You can also increase the heat by using a jalapeno, chipotle or habanero cheese blend and using a can of hot tomatoes with diced chilies instead of mild. Whether you like it with a “normal” spicy flavor, or a hotter heat (and I made one of each), both of these turn out wonderfully.

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Strangely enough, I’ve never made a version of Frito Pie before. We’ve lived in Texas almost 20 years and it’s a staple here. In fact, I had never heard of “Frito Pie” before moving here. It is extremely popular and every potluck you attend seems to have this delicious entree on the menu. It’s also very well received during Cinco de Mayo.

I had clipped this recipe from a magazine over a year ago and set it aside because it looked good, but I still hadn’t made it. When a friend texted me that her son was helping to raise money for a youth mission trip by selling fireworks at a stand near Corsicana and was subsisting on fast food, I volunteered to make up some goodies for him and the guys he was with.

I pulled out a bunch of the baked goods I had made (but forgot to bring) on our Navaho Mission Trip to Arizona a couple of weeks ago, and also decided to make up a Frito Pie because they wanted hot food, not sandwiches…and they love Tex-Mex. I ended up making two of these pies. I sent the hot and spicy one to the guys and kept the “milder” version for us. I thought Frito Pie was fantastic.

If you’re looking for a quick and easy main dish, then Frito Pie certainly fits the bill. If you enjoy Tex-Mex, then this appetizing casserole is a great option. And, if you’re looking for a wonderful dish to take to potlucks or to share with company, you will find that almost everyone will enjoy Frito Pie! It has a nice crunch from the corn chips along with all the other textures and flavors that make this casserole irresistible.

On top of that, if your chili is gluten free, and Wolf-Brand Chili with Beans is, then this recipe is gluten free as well. While this cannot be considered a “healthy” recipe, it sure is enjoyable to eat!

Frito Pie | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this easy 6-ingredient #recipe is absolutely terrific. The casserole has #TexMex flavors with layers of #beef mixed with #chili, #Fritos & lots of #cheese. #glutenfree #CincoDeMayo

Frito Pie is spectacular. Two layers of Fritos, two layers of chili and two layers of cheese, oh my!

Frito Pie | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this easy 6-ingredient #recipe is absolutely terrific. The casserole has #TexMex flavors with layers of #beef mixed with #chili, #Fritos & lots of #cheese. #glutenfree #CincoDeMayo

Frito Pie is really quick and easy to make up.

Frito Pie | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this easy 6-ingredient #recipe is absolutely terrific. The casserole has #TexMex flavors with layers of #beef mixed with #chili, #Fritos & lots of #cheese. #glutenfree #CincoDeMayo

If you enjoy spicy Tex-Mex dishes you can use hot Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies and hot habanero, chipotle or jalapeno cheese blends to increase the heat.

Here’s what I did.

Frito Pie | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this easy 6-ingredient #recipe is absolutely terrific. The casserole has #TexMex flavors with layers of #beef mixed with #chili, #Fritos & lots of #cheese. #glutenfree #CincoDeMayo

I used these ingredients.

Frito Pie | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this easy 6-ingredient #recipe is absolutely terrific. The casserole has #TexMex flavors with layers of #beef mixed with #chili, #Fritos & lots of #cheese. #glutenfree #CincoDeMayo

Brown ground beef. Drain. Add onions.

Frito Pie | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this easy 6-ingredient #recipe is absolutely terrific. The casserole has #TexMex flavors with layers of #beef mixed with #chili, #Fritos & lots of #cheese. #glutenfree #CincoDeMayo

Add diced tomatoes with green chilies and Wolf-brand chili with beans.

Frito Pie | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this easy 6-ingredient #recipe is absolutely terrific. The casserole has #TexMex flavors with layers of #beef mixed with #chili, #Fritos & lots of #cheese. #glutenfree #CincoDeMayo

Stir to combine and heat through.

Frito Pie | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this easy 6-ingredient #recipe is absolutely terrific. The casserole has #TexMex flavors with layers of #beef mixed with #chili, #Fritos & lots of #cheese. #glutenfree #CincoDeMayo

Spread Fritos in the bottom of a greased 9×13″ glass baking dish.

Frito Pie | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this easy 6-ingredient #recipe is absolutely terrific. The casserole has #TexMex flavors with layers of #beef mixed with #chili, #Fritos & lots of #cheese. #glutenfree #CincoDeMayo

Cover with half of the beef mixture.

Frito Pie | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this easy 6-ingredient #recipe is absolutely terrific. The casserole has #TexMex flavors with layers of #beef mixed with #chili, #Fritos & lots of #cheese. #glutenfree #CincoDeMayo

Sprinkle with 1 cup cheddar cheese. Or use jalapeno or chipotle cheddar cheese if you want more heat.

Frito Pie | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this easy 6-ingredient #recipe is absolutely terrific. The casserole has #TexMex flavors with layers of #beef mixed with #chili, #Fritos & lots of #cheese. #glutenfree #CincoDeMayo

Repeat layer of Fritos.

Frito Pie | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this easy 6-ingredient #recipe is absolutely terrific. The casserole has #TexMex flavors with layers of #beef mixed with #chili, #Fritos & lots of #cheese. #glutenfree #CincoDeMayo

Add remaining beef mixture.

Frito Pie | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this easy 6-ingredient #recipe is absolutely terrific. The casserole has #TexMex flavors with layers of #beef mixed with #chili, #Fritos & lots of #cheese. #glutenfree #CincoDeMayo

Add 2 cups of sharp cheddar cheese. 

Frito Pie | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this easy 6-ingredient #recipe is absolutely terrific. The casserole has #TexMex flavors with layers of #beef mixed with #chili, #Fritos & lots of #cheese. #glutenfree #CincoDeMayo

Cover with foil and bake at 350 for about 20-30 minutes or until mixture is hot and bubbly.

Frito Pie | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this easy 6-ingredient #recipe is absolutely terrific. The casserole has #TexMex flavors with layers of #beef mixed with #chili, #Fritos & lots of #cheese. #glutenfree #CincoDeMayo

This is what the interior of the casserole looks like.

Frito Pie | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this easy 6-ingredient #recipe is absolutely terrific. The casserole has #TexMex flavors with layers of #beef mixed with #chili, #Fritos & lots of #cheese. #glutenfree #CincoDeMayo

Serve Frito Pie as is, or garnish with more cheese, diced green onions and sour cream, if desired.

Frito Pie | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this easy 6-ingredient #recipe is absolutely terrific. The casserole has #TexMex flavors with layers of #beef mixed with #chili, #Fritos & lots of #cheese. #glutenfree #CincoDeMayo

If you use a gluten free chili, this recipe is gluten free.

Here’s the recipe.

FRITO PIE

(Recipe adapted from Angela Williams as found in Waxahachie NOW, April 2013)

Frito Pie | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this easy 6-ingredient #recipe is absolutely terrific. The casserole has #TexMex flavors with layers of #beef mixed with #chili, #Fritos & lots of #cheese. #glutenfree #CincoDeMayo

Frito Pie

Teresa Ambra
This amazing Tex-Mex main dish has two layers of Fritos corn chips, two layers of beef and chili and two layers of cheese. It is so mouthwatering and spectacular you won't want to stop eating it! This easy 6-ingredient recipe is terrific for company dinners or Cinco De Mayo. Gluten free.
4 from 1 vote
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Beef Main Dish
Cuisine Tex-Mex
Servings 8
Calories 519 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 large skillet
  • 1 9x13" glass baking dish
  • measuring cups
  • 1 sharp knife to cut vegetables
  • 1 wooden spoon
  • 1 hamburger chopper to cut meat down in small pieces while frying
  • aluminum foil

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 lbs. lean ground beef
  • 1/2 medium sweet onion diced
  • 16 oz. can tomatoes with diced chilies
  • 20 oz. can Wolf brand chili with beans
  • 7 oz. bag Fritos corn chips
  • 3 cups cheddar or chipotle cheddar cheese shredded

Instructions
 

  • Brown ground beef in a skillet.
  • While meat is browning, use a hamburger chopper to chop the meat down into tiny pieces.
  • Drain any grease.
  • Add onions, tomatoes with chilies, and chili and heat through.
  • Place half of the Fritos in bottom of a greased 9x13” baking dish.
  • Spoon half the meat mixture over top.
  • Sprinkle with 1 cup cheese.
  • Repeat with remaining corn chips, remaining meat mixture and 2 cups cheese.
  • Cover with foil and bake at 350° for about 20-30 minutes or until heated through.

Notes

NOTE: For hotter flavor use hot Rotel tomatoes with diced chilies (instead of mild), and chipotle, habanero or jalapeno cheese blend.
 
Recipe adapted from Waxahachie NOW, April 2013.
 
© Can’t Stay Out of the Kitchen

Nutrition

Calories: 519kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 34gFat: 31gSaturated Fat: 13gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0.4gCholesterol: 107mgSodium: 838mgPotassium: 753mgFiber: 5gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 730IUVitamin C: 7mgCalcium: 397mgIron: 5mg
Keyword chili with beans, frito pie, fritos, ground beef, main dish, Tex Mex
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

 

[b]Frito Pie[/b]
Recipe Type: Beef Main Dish
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Author: Teresa Ambra adapted from Angela Williams, as found in [i][url href=”http://nowmagazines.com/category/waxahachie/” target=”_blank” title=”waxahachie now”]Waxahachie NOW[/url],[/i] April 2013 edition
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 8
Amazing Tex-Mex main dish with two Fritos corn chips layers, two chili layers and two layers of cheese.
Ingredients
  • 1 ½ lbs. lean ground beef
  • ½ medium sweet onion, diced
  • 1 16-oz. can tomatoes with diced chilies
  • 20-oz. [url href=”http://www.wolfbrandchili.com/” target=”_blank” title=”wolf brand chili”]Wolf brand chili with beans[/url]
  • 7-oz. bag [url href=”http://www.fritolay.com/our-snacks/fritos.html” target=”_blank” title=”fritos”]Fritos[/url] corn chips
  • 3 cups cheddar or chipotle cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
  1. Brown ground beef and drain.
  2. Add onions, tomatoes with chilies, and chili and heat through.
  3. Place half of the Fritos in bottom of a greased 9×13” baking dish.
  4. Spoon half the meat mixture over top.
  5. Sprinkle with 1 cup cheese.
  6. Repeat with remaining corn chips, remaining meat mixture and 2 cups cheese.
  7. Cover with foil and bake at 350° for about 20-30 minutes or until heated through.
Notes
For hotter flavor use hot Rotel tomatoes with diced chilies (instead of mild), and chipotle, habanero or jalapeno cheese blend.
Frito Pie | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this easy 6-ingredient #recipe is absolutely terrific. The casserole has #TexMex flavors with layers of #beef mixed with #chili, #Fritos & lots of #cheese. #glutenfree #CincoDeMayo

This close up allows you to see the texture of this tasty Tex-Mex casserole.

Frito Pie | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this easy 6-ingredient #recipe is absolutely terrific. The casserole has #TexMex flavors with layers of #beef mixed with #chili, #Fritos & lots of #cheese. #glutenfree #CincoDeMayo

Frito Pie is so tasty. It’s a great main dish for potlucks and company.

Frito Pie | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this easy 6-ingredient #recipe is absolutely terrific. The casserole has #TexMex flavors with layers of #beef mixed with #chili, #Fritos & lots of #cheese. #glutenfree #CincoDeMayo

You will drool over every bite of Frito Pie!

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Burrito Bake | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this incredibly easy #TexMex entree is layered with #crescentrolls, a #beef & #refriedbeans mixture, two cheeses & topped with olives, tomatoes & lettuce. It's served with #salsa & #guacamole for a fabulous one-dish meal that's perfect for weeknight suppers or company dinners.

Tijuana Torte

Tijuana Torte | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this fabulous #TexMex #casserole is absolutely mouthwatering. It's layered with flour #tortillas, a #beef mixture & lots of #cheese. Terrific for company dinners. #CincoDeMayo
Frito Pie | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this easy 6-ingredient #recipe is absolutely terrific. The casserole has #TexMex flavors with layers of #beef mixed with #chili, #Fritos & lots of #cheese. #glutenfree #CincoDeMayo

Frito Pie

Teresa Ambra
This amazing Tex-Mex main dish has two layers of Fritos corn chips, two layers of beef and chili and two layers of cheese. It is so mouthwatering and spectacular you won’t want to stop eating it! This easy 6-ingredient recipe is terrific for company dinners or Cinco De Mayo. Gluten free.
4 from 1 vote
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Beef Main Dish
Cuisine Tex-Mex
Servings 8
Calories 519 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 large skillet
  • 1 9×13" glass baking dish
  • measuring cups
  • 1 sharp knife to cut vegetables
  • 1 wooden spoon
  • 1 hamburger chopper to cut meat down in small pieces while frying
  • aluminum foil

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 lbs. lean ground beef
  • 1/2 medium sweet onion diced
  • 16 oz. can tomatoes with diced chilies
  • 20 oz. can Wolf brand chili with beans
  • 7 oz. bag Fritos corn chips
  • 3 cups cheddar or chipotle cheddar cheese shredded

Instructions
 

  • Brown ground beef in a skillet.
  • While meat is browning, use a hamburger chopper to chop the meat down into tiny pieces.
  • Drain any grease.
  • Add onions, tomatoes with chilies, and chili and heat through.
  • Place half of the Fritos in bottom of a greased 9×13” baking dish.
  • Spoon half the meat mixture over top.
  • Sprinkle with 1 cup cheese.
  • Repeat with remaining corn chips, remaining meat mixture and 2 cups cheese.
  • Cover with foil and bake at 350° for about 20-30 minutes or until heated through.

Notes

NOTE: For hotter flavor use hot Rotel tomatoes with diced chilies (instead of mild), and chipotle, habanero or jalapeno cheese blend.
 
Recipe adapted from Waxahachie NOW, April 2013.
 
© Can’t Stay Out of the Kitchen

Nutrition

Calories: 519kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 34gFat: 31gSaturated Fat: 13gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0.4gCholesterol: 107mgSodium: 838mgPotassium: 753mgFiber: 5gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 730IUVitamin C: 7mgCalcium: 397mgIron: 5mg
Keyword chili with beans, frito pie, fritos, ground beef, main dish, Tex Mex
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

16 Comments

  • Linda

    March 15, 2023 at 6:00 pm

    It tasted sort of flat to me so I added a package of taco seasoning and a few crushed red pepper flakes and just a little bit of beef broth. Tasted much better.

    1. Teresa Ambra

      March 16, 2023 at 9:19 pm

      So glad you liked it Linda.

  • Debra

    August 24, 2020 at 10:58 am

    I want to make this Frito pie but I can’t open up the directions on how to make this on Pinterest on any of your Frito pie recipes on Pinterest I have tried several it says… “briefly unavailable for scheduled maintenance”..
    Can you help me with this please?? Thank you so much. Love your recipes but I want to try this one really bad

    1. Teresa

      August 24, 2020 at 11:30 am

      Hi, Debra, see my other note to you to access my actual blog if the pinterest button won’t open the page properly.

  • Kelly

    July 2, 2017 at 4:03 am

    I made this and it was amazing. I have 4 boys so I doubled the recipe. I froze the meat mixture and I had the chips and cheese so when I was ready to make 2nd casserole I let the meat mixture defrost. It took about 2 minutes to put it together and get it in the oven. All 4 of my boys and my husband loved loved loved it!!! I loved it too!!!! Can’t stay out of the kitchen your recipes rock!!

    1. Teresa

      July 2, 2017 at 8:11 am

      Kelly, Thanks so much for sharing with me how much you enjoyed the recipe! Frito Pie is a staple here in Texas. 🙂 Have a great Fourth of July weekend.

  • Alison

    August 28, 2016 at 8:42 am

    Do you think this would work to make and freeze before baking and then bake on the day you serve it? I wasnt sure since it has Fritos in it.

    1. Teresa

      August 28, 2016 at 1:21 pm

      Hi, Alison. I don’t think this would work well by freezing it beforehand.The fritos would end up losing their crunch and getting soggy if frozen. You may be able to refrigerate or freeze parts of the casserole (like the sauce and the cheese–separately), but then you’d have to assemble it the day you plan to serve it. I just don’t see this casserole working out otherwise. So sorry.

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  • Jess @ Flying on Jess Fuel

    May 3, 2015 at 10:05 pm

    Oh my gosh, my hubby would LOVE this! Chili is basically his favorite food and…. who doesn’t love chips!? Looks so yummy!

    1. Teresa

      May 4, 2015 at 10:28 am

      I hope you give it a try, Jess. It really is delicious–and yes, it’s a guy’s favorite meal! Thanks for stopping by.

  • Jocelyn (Grandbaby cakes)

    April 30, 2015 at 7:07 am

    This frito pie looks absolutely to die for!

    1. Teresa

      April 30, 2015 at 10:02 am

      Thanks, Jocelyn. It surely will make your mouth water.

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