Frito Pie Recipe: The Best Cozy Dish You’ll Fall in Love With

Frito Pie is the ultimate comfort food—crunchy, cheesy, hearty, and packed with bold flavors that remind us of football games, fairgrounds, and cozy nights at home. With humble origins rooted in Southern and Southwestern kitchens, Frito Pie has become a beloved staple that’s easy to make and endlessly satisfying.
In today’s post, we’re diving into everything you need to know to make this irresistible dish from scratch. Whether you’re serving a crowd or craving something nostalgic, this Frito Pie recipe is guaranteed to hit the spot.

“This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.”

What is Frito Pie?

Frito Pie is a layered dish typically made with corn chips (usually Fritos), chili, and cheese. Some variations also include toppings like sour cream, jalapeños, onions, or salsa. It’s often served in a casserole dish or, for fun presentation, straight from a snack-sized Fritos bag.

While it’s called “pie,” there’s no traditional crust involved. The chips provide all the crunch and structure needed, while the chili brings warmth and comfort to every bite.

Why You’ll Love It

There are so many reasons Frito Pie has stood the test of time:

Quick & Easy: Made with just a few pantry staples and ready in under 30 minutes.
Versatile: Customize it with your favorite toppings or protein.
Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for parties, potlucks, or busy weeknights.
Comforting Flavors: It’s savory, cheesy, crunchy, and a little spicy—everything you want in a single dish.

Serving Suggestions

Frito Pie is super versatile when it comes to serving:

Serve with a Spanish rice, or corn and bean salad
Serve inside individual Frito bags for a fun, portable version.
Pair with jalapeño poppers or cheesy quesadillas
Pair it with a fresh side salad or cornbread for a balanced meal.

Zulay Kitchen Premium Garlic Press Set – Rust Proof & Dishwasher…

SIMPLE TO USE & BUILT TO LAST: Our premium quality garlic chopper is constructed from food-grade, rust-resistant materia…
PEEL AND CRUSH EFFORTLESSLY: No more strong garlic odor or sticky residue lingering on your hands, as our silicone peele…
EASY TO CLEAN: Simply rinse your garlic and ginger press tool under running water and use the included cleaning brush to…

$14.99

See it on Amazon

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this classic Frito Pie:

1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (15 oz) can chili beans (or black beans)
1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes (with green chilies, optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
1 (28 oz) can tomato paste
1 tablespoon chili powder
3 tablespoons taco seasoning
1 tablespoon cumin
1 small green bell pepper, chopped
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
4 cups Fritos corn chips

Optional toppings:

2 green onions sliced
Sour cream
Diced tomatoes
Chopped cilantro
Jalapeños
Avocado

How to Make a Frito Pie (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Cook the Beef

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.

Step 2: Add Aromatics

Add chopped onions, green bell pepper and garlic. Cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.

Step 3: Stir in Tomatoes and Beans

Mix in chili beans, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste. Add chili powder, taco seasoning, cumin, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Layer the Dish

In a casserole dish, add a generous layer of Fritos. Pour the chili mixture evenly over the chips. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top and the remaining Fritos and cheese.

Step 5: Bake

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Top with your favorite toppings—sour cream, jalapeños, green onions, or avocado—and serve hot.

Hamilton Beach Electric Vegetable Chopper & Mini Food Processor…

Simply stack and press to chop: The patented stack & press design makes it easy to assemble and use. Simply press the li…
Perfect size for everyday use: Chop and mix up to 3 cups of ingredients every day of the week with this 3 cup chopper. I…
Easily chop, puree and emulsify with stainless steel blades: Durable stainless steel blades make easy work of a multitud…

$24.95

See it on Amazon

Storage Options

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm in the microwave or oven. For best texture, reheat uncovered in the oven to keep the chips crispy.
Freezer: You can freeze the chili portion only. When ready to eat, thaw and reheat, then assemble with fresh Fritos and cheese.

Nutrition Per Serving

(Estimated based on 6 servings)

Calories: 585kcal
Protein: 28g
Fat: 39g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Carbohydrates: 39g
Cholesterol: 83.3mg
Fiber: 5g
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 966.7mg
Potassium: 583.3mg
Calcium: 383mg
Iron: 3mg

Note: Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Premium Kitchen Towels (20”x 28”, 6 Pack)…

SOFT & ABSORBENT: Made from 100% ring spun cotton to help keep your home clean and sanitary. Our towels are machine wash…
ENVIRONMENT FRIENDLY: Absorbent hand towels for a healthier, cleaner environment for your home. They maintain their look…
6-PACK: Contains three different textures of towels, including a flat towel and terry towel. Great for drying dishes, cl…

$25.99

See it on Amazon

Final Thoughts

Frito Pie is one of those nostalgic recipes that brings people together. It’s affordable, comforting, and incredibly delicious. Whether you’re cooking for your family or feeding a crowd on game day, this Frito Pie will leave everyone smiling.
Don’t forget to check out our recommended kitchen tools and recipes on our website, myhomewish.com, to streamline prep and elevate your cooking game.