Ultimate Frito Pie Recipe | Easy and Flavorful

Introduction

There’s something truly magical about the perfect Frito Pie. This beloved comfort food classic combines the hearty satisfaction of seasoned ground beef with the irresistible crunch of corn chips, all topped with melted cheese and your favorite garnishes. Whether you’re planning a casual family dinner, hosting a game day gathering, or simply craving a flavorful meat recipe that delivers big on taste without requiring hours in the kitchen, this Ultimate Frito Pie recipe is exactly what you need.

At www.dailymeatrecipe.com, we’ve perfected this iconic dish by balancing traditional flavors with a few secret ingredients that take this Frito Pie recipe to new heights. Our version stays true to the classic Southwestern roots while incorporating just enough modern touches to make it unforgettable. The best part? This Frito Pie comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without the wait.

Let’s dive into this crowd-pleasing Frito Pie recipe that combines the perfect blend of textures and flavors in every bite!

Ingredients

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Ground beef	1 pound	80/20 lean-to-fat ratio recommended
Yellow onion	1 medium	Finely diced
Garlic	3 cloves	Minced
Red bell pepper	1 small	Diced
Tomato sauce	1 (8 oz) can	Unseasoned
Beef broth	1/2 cup	Low sodium preferred
Chili powder	2 tablespoons	Adjust to taste
Ground cumin	1 teaspoon	For authentic flavor
Paprika	1 teaspoon	Regular or smoked
Oregano	1/2 teaspoon	Dried
Salt	1 teaspoon	Or to taste
Black pepper	1/2 teaspoon	Freshly ground
Kidney beans	1 (15 oz) can	Drained and rinsed
Corn kernels	1 cup	Fresh, frozen, or canned
Fritos corn chips	1 large bag (9.25 oz)	Original flavor
Shredded cheddar cheese	2 cups	Or Mexican cheese blend
Sour cream	For serving	Optional
Green onions	3-4 stalks	Thinly sliced, for garnish
Jalapeños	2-3	Sliced, for garnish (optional)
Fresh cilantro	1/4 cup	Chopped, for garnish

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	520
Total Fat	30g
Saturated Fat	12g
Cholesterol	85mg
Sodium	780mg
Total Carbohydrates	38g
Dietary Fiber	6g
Sugars	4g
Protein	28g

Nutrition information is based on one serving with standard toppings. Actual values may vary.

Preparation Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Meat Base

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add the ground beef and break it apart with a wooden spoon.
2. Cook the beef until it’s no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Once browned, drain excess fat from the skillet, leaving about 1 tablespoon for flavor.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

1. Add the diced onions to the skillet with the browned meat and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add the minced garlic and diced bell pepper, cooking for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir to coat the meat mixture with spices and cook for 1 minute to bloom the flavors.

Step 3: Create the Frito Pie Mixture

1. Pour in the tomato sauce and beef broth, stirring to combine with the meat and spices.
2. Add the drained kidney beans and corn kernels, stirring gently to incorporate.
3. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer the mixture for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly and flavors have melded together.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed for your perfect Frito Pie recipe.

Step 4: Assemble and Serve

1. For traditional individual servings: Slice open individual Fritos bags along one side and top with a generous scoop of the meat mixture.
2. For family-style serving: Spread a layer of Fritos on the bottom of a large serving dish, top with the hot meat mixture, then add another layer of Fritos around the edges.
3. Sprinkle generously with shredded cheese while the mixture is still hot so it melts slightly.
4. Top with your choice of garnishes: dollops of sour cream, sliced green onions, jalapeños, and fresh cilantro.

Serving Suggestions

This Frito Pie recipe is incredibly versatile and can be presented in multiple delicious ways:

• Walking Taco Style: Serve directly in individual-sized Fritos bags for a fun, portable meal perfect for parties, game days, or casual gatherings.
• Casserole Style: Layer the components in a baking dish, starting with Fritos, then the meat mixture, and cheese on top. Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes until bubbly for a fantastic Frito Pie casserole.
• Frito Pie Bar: Set up a DIY Frito Pie station with the base recipe and various toppings, allowing guests to customize their own perfect meat dish.
• Side Dish Pairings: Serve alongside a crisp green salad or Mexican-style rice for a complete meal that balances the richness of the Frito Pie recipe.

This dish is best enjoyed immediately while the Fritos maintain their signature crunch and the cheese is still melty – the perfect contrast of textures that makes this meat recipe so craveable!

Pro Tips

• Meat Selection: For the juiciest Frito Pie, use ground beef with an 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio. The fat adds flavor to this meat recipe while keeping the dish moist.
• Spice Control: Adjust the chili powder gradually if you’re sensitive to heat. Start with half the amount and add more to taste as you cook.
• Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the meat mixture up to two days ahead and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat thoroughly and assemble your Frito Pie with fresh chips and toppings.
• Cheese Tip: For the perfect melt, add cheese while the meat mixture is still piping hot, and cover for 1-2 minutes to help it melt perfectly.
• Texture Balance: To maintain the crunch that makes Frito Pie so irresistible, only add the chips right before serving. This prevents them from becoming soggy.
• Seasoning Secret: For deeper flavor in your meat recipe, add a tablespoon of tomato paste when cooking the aromatics and let it caramelize slightly before adding liquids.

Variations

Vegetarian Frito Pie: Substitute the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or double the beans and add diced mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian version of this recipe.

Chicken Frito Pie: Use ground chicken or shredded rotisserie chicken instead of beef for a lighter meat recipe variation.

Spicy Frito Pie: Add a diced chipotle pepper in adobo sauce to the meat mixture and top with pepper jack cheese for a version with serious heat.

White Chili Frito Pie: Use ground turkey, white beans, and green chilies with a sprinkle of cumin for a “white chili” variation of the traditional recipe.

Breakfast Frito Pie: Create a morning version by using breakfast sausage and topping with scrambled eggs and salsa for a hearty brunch dish.

Low-Carb Option: For a lower-carb alternative, use pork rinds instead of Fritos as the base of this meat recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make Frito Pie in advance? A: Yes! The meat mixture can be made 1-2 days ahead and refrigerated. Heat thoroughly before assembling with fresh Fritos and toppings when ready to serve.

Q: How do I store leftover Frito Pie? A: Store the meat mixture separately from the Fritos. Refrigerate the meat portion in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheat before serving with fresh chips.

Q: Can I freeze this Frito Pie recipe? A: You can freeze the meat mixture for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat thoroughly before assembling with fresh Fritos and toppings.

Q: What’s the difference between Frito Pie and walking tacos? A: They’re very similar! Walking tacos are typically served in individual Frito bags for portable eating, while Frito Pie is often served casserole-style or in bowls, but the ingredients are essentially the same.

Q: Can I make this Frito Pie recipe in a slow cooker? A: Absolutely! Brown the meat first, then combine all ingredients (except Fritos and toppings) in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, then serve over Fritos with desired toppings.

Conclusion

This Ultimate Frito Pie recipe brings together the perfect balance of textures and flavors – from the savory seasoned meat to the crunchy Fritos and melty cheese – creating a dish that’s guaranteed to satisfy cravings and impress anyone lucky enough to try it. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family on a busy weeknight or looking for the perfect crowd-pleasing dish for your next gathering, this Frito Pie recipe delivers exceptional results with minimal effort.

At www.dailymeatrecipe.com, we’re passionate about bringing you meat recipes that combine convenience with incredible flavor, and this Frito Pie exemplifies that mission perfectly. We’d love to hear how your Frito Pie turned out! Leave a comment on our website sharing your experience or any creative variations you tried.

For more delicious meat-based comfort food recipes that will become family favorites, be sure to explore the rest of our collection at www.dailymeatrecipe.com. From classic dishes to innovative new takes on traditional favorites, we’re your trusted source for all things meaty and magnificent!