Easy Frito Pie

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Get ready for a Tex-Mex flavor explosion with Easy Frito Pie! This simple and delicious dish layers seasoned ground beef, beans, enchilada sauce, and cheese with crunchy Fritos corn chips for a mouthwatering combination that’s sure to please the whole family. Topped with creamy sour cream and zesty guacamole, this hearty pie is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 small onion, peeled and diced
  • 1 package taco seasoning mix
  • ⅔ cup water
  • 1 can enchilada sauce
  • 1 can (15 ounce) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 bag (9.25 ounce) Fritos corn chips, divided
  • 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese, divided
  • 1 green onion, chopped
  • Sour cream, for garnish
  • Prepared guacamole, for garnish

Directions:

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350ºF. Prepare a 9×13-inch glass baking dish by spraying it with non-stick cooking spray.
  2. Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet, crumble the ground beef and add the diced onions. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until the beef is fully browned. Drain off any excess fat.
  3. Season the Beef: Stir in the taco seasoning mix and water; bring to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring often.
  4. Add Sauce and Beans: Add the enchilada sauce and drained pinto beans to the skillet, stirring well to combine.
  5. Layer the Ingredients: Pour 4 cups of the Fritos into the bottom of the prepared baking dish and sprinkle with 1 cup of the shredded cheese. Evenly spread the meat mixture over the chips in the baking dish. Top with the remaining shredded cheese.
  6. Bake: Bake the casserole at 350ºF for 18-20 minutes until hot and bubbly. Sprinkle the top of the casserole with the remaining Fritos.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Allow the pie to cool slightly before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions, sour cream, and guacamole.

Prep Time: 30 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 8 | Kcal: (Calories may vary based on specific brands and ingredient substitutions)

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Tips:

  1. Top it Off: Before serving, garnish the Easy Frito Pie with freshly chopped green onions for a burst of color and flavor.
  2. Dress to Impress: Serve each portion with a dollop of sour cream and a generous spoonful of prepared guacamole for added creaminess and freshness.
  3. Add a Kick: For those who love spice, offer sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce on the side to customize the heat level to individual preferences.
  4. Serve with Sides: Accompany the Frito Pie with classic Tex-Mex sides like Spanish rice, refried beans, or a crisp green salad for a well-rounded meal.

Storage Tips:

  1. Refrigeration: Store any leftover Easy Frito Pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  2. Freezing: While Frito Pie can be frozen, it’s best to freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for easier reheating later. Simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  3. Reheating: To reheat, place individual portions of the Frito Pie in the microwave or oven until heated through. Alternatively, reheat in a skillet on the stovetop for a crispy texture.
  4. Make-Ahead: Prepare the Frito Pie up to the point of baking, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate until ready to bake. This makes it a convenient option for meal prep or entertaining guests.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure that your Easy Frito Pie remains fresh, flavorful, and ready to enjoy for days to come, whether you’re serving it up for a quick weeknight dinner or enjoying leftovers for lunch the next day!

Variations:

  1. Vegetarian Twist: Substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or a medley of sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms for a vegetarian-friendly option.
  2. Chicken Frito Pie: Swap out the ground beef for shredded cooked chicken seasoned with taco seasoning for a lighter twist on the classic recipe.
  3. Spicy Chipotle: Add a chopped chipotle pepper in adobo sauce to the beef mixture for a smoky and spicy kick that elevates the flavor profile.
  4. Loaded Nacho Pie: Layer sliced black olives, diced tomatoes, and sliced jalapeños along with the beef mixture for a loaded nacho-inspired variation.
  5. Breakfast Frito Pie: Serve Frito Pie for breakfast by topping it with scrambled eggs, cooked breakfast sausage, and salsa for a hearty and satisfying morning meal.
  6. Cheesy Beefy Dip: Transform Frito Pie into a dip by spreading a layer of refried beans on the bottom of a baking dish, followed by the beef mixture, cheese, and crushed Fritos on top. Bake until bubbly and serve with tortilla chips for dipping.
  7. Barbecue Beef: Mix shredded barbecue beef with enchilada sauce for a tangy twist on the beef filling, and top with shredded cheese and Fritos for added crunch.
  8. Southwest Style: Incorporate ingredients like corn, black beans, and diced green chilies into the beef mixture for a Southwestern-inspired flavor profile.
  9. Chili Cheese Frito Pie: Use leftover chili as the base instead of the beef mixture, and top with shredded cheese and Fritos for a comforting and hearty meal.
  10. Taco Salad Frito Pie: Layer shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced black olives, and shredded cheese over the Fritos, then spoon the beef mixture on top for a deconstructed taco salad version of Frito Pie.

With these creative variations, you can customize your Easy Frito Pie to suit your taste preferences and enjoy a new flavor experience with every bite!

FAQs:

  1. Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground beef? Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, ground chicken, or even ground pork for a different flavor profile.
  2. Can I make this recipe spicy? Yes, you can adjust the spice level by adding more taco seasoning, chopped jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
  3. Can I make Easy Frito Pie ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator before baking. Simply assemble the pie as directed, cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
  4. Can I use different types of beans? Of course! While pinto beans are traditionally used in Frito Pie, you can use black beans, kidney beans, or even chili beans for a unique twist.
  5. What can I serve with Easy Frito Pie? Easy Frito Pie pairs well with a variety of side dishes such as Spanish rice, cornbread, coleslaw, or a simple green salad.
  6. Can I make Easy Frito Pie gluten-free? Yes, you can use gluten-free corn chips or tortilla chips instead of Fritos, and ensure that all other ingredients such as taco seasoning and enchilada sauce are gluten-free.
  7. Can I freeze Easy Frito Pie? While Frito Pie can be frozen, the texture of the Fritos may change slightly upon thawing. It’s best to freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for easier reheating later.
  8. How long will leftovers last in the refrigerator? Leftover Easy Frito Pie can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to cover it tightly with foil or transfer it to an airtight container to maintain freshness.
  9. Can I customize the toppings? Absolutely! Feel free to customize the toppings to your liking by adding sliced jalapeños, diced avocado, salsa, or any other favorite toppings before serving.
  10. Can I make Easy Frito Pie in a smaller batch? Yes, you can halve the ingredients to make a smaller batch of Frito Pie in an 8×8-inch baking dish instead of a 9×13-inch dish. Adjust the baking time accordingly.

With its irresistible combination of savory beef, beans, cheese, and crunchy Fritos, Easy Frito Pie is a Tex-Mex classic that never disappoints. Whether you’re hosting a casual family dinner or gathering with friends for game night, this flavorful pie is sure to be a hit. Plus, with simple preparation and minimal ingredients, it’s a stress-free option for busy weeknights. Serve it up with your favorite toppings like sour cream and guacamole, and get ready to enjoy a taste of Tex-Mex heaven!