Name: Frito Pie Casserole
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 1 pound ground chuck; 1 cup chopped yellow onion; 1 green bell pepper, chopped; 1 ¼ cups low-sodium chicken stock; 1 (15 ounce) can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed; 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained; 1 (15 ounce) can sweet whole kernel corn, drained; 1 (1 ounce) envelope taco seasoning mix; 1 chipotle chile pepper in adobo sauce, finely chopped, plus 1 tablespoon adobo sauce; 8 ounces sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded, divided; 2½ cups corn chips (such as Fritos); sliced scallions, for garnish; sour cream, guacamole, and salsa, for serving

A comforting, crowd-pleasing Tex-Mex casserole that combines seasoned ground beef, beans, and vegetables topped with crunchy corn chips and melted cheese. This hearty dish transforms the classic Frito pie into a substantial family meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Frito Pie Casserole brings all the nostalgic flavors of a walking taco or stadium Frito pie, but in a convenient, family-style format. The combination of savory ground beef, smoky chipotle, and the perfect balance of vegetables creates a satisfying base, while the crunchy corn chip topping and melted cheese add irresistible texture. It’s customizable with your favorite toppings, making it perfect for pleasing even picky eaters. Best of all, it comes together quickly and can be prepared ahead of time, making it ideal for busy weeknights or game day gatherings.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ground chuck provides a rich, beefy flavor foundation with the perfect fat content to keep the casserole juicy and flavorful without becoming greasy.
Yellow onion adds a sweet, aromatic quality that mellows beautifully when cooked with the beef, creating depth of flavor in the base of the casserole.
Green bell pepper contributes a fresh, slightly sweet crunch and vibrant color that balances the richness of the meat components.
Chicken stock helps to create a saucy consistency while adding subtle savory notes that enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.
Kidney beans bring hearty texture, protein, and fiber to the casserole, making it more substantial and nutritionally balanced.
Diced tomatoes provide acidity, brightness, and juiciness that helps bind the casserole together while adding essential flavor.
Sweet kernel corn adds pops of sweetness and texture throughout the casserole, providing a pleasant contrast to the savory elements.
Taco seasoning mix delivers a perfectly balanced blend of Mexican-inspired spices without requiring you to measure multiple individual seasonings.
Chipotle chile pepper in adobo sauce introduces a complex smoky heat that elevates this casserole beyond basic Tex-Mex fare, though you can adjust the amount to suit your heat preference.
Sharp Cheddar cheese creates that essential gooey, melty layer that browns beautifully in the oven and adds rich, tangy flavor that complements the spiced beef mixture.
Corn chips (like Fritos) form the signature crunchy topping that gives this dish its name and distinctive texture contrast.
Scallions offer a mild onion flavor and fresh green color as a finishing garnish.
Toppings like sour cream, guacamole, and salsa allow everyone to customize their portion according to taste preferences.

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground chuck and cook, stirring and breaking up meat into smaller pieces, until browned and nearly cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes.
Add chopped onion and bell pepper; cook, stirring often, until beef is fully cooked and onion is softened, about 4 minutes.
Stir in chicken stock, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, corn, taco seasoning, chopped chipotle chile, and adobo sauce. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
Reduce heat to medium and simmer, stirring frequently, until slightly thickened, about 7 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup of shredded Cheddar cheese.
Transfer the beef mixture to a 9 x 13-inch baking dish and spread evenly.
Top with remaining Cheddar cheese and evenly sprinkle corn chips over the top.
Bake uncovered until the mixture is bubbling and cheese is melted and beginning to brown, about 18 to 20 minutes.
Let rest for 10 minutes. Garnish with sliced scallions and serve with sour cream, guacamole, and salsa.

Servings and Timing

This Frito Pie Casserole serves 8 people generously, making it perfect for family dinners with potential leftovers. The recipe requires approximately 10 minutes of prep time, 35 minutes of cooking time, and an additional 10-minute rest period before serving, for a total time of 55 minutes from start to finish. Each serving contains approximately 400 calories, providing a satisfying meal when paired with a simple side salad.

Variations

Spicy Lover’s Version: Double the chipotle peppers and add a diced jalapeño to the vegetable mix for extra heat.
Vegetarian Adaptation: Substitute the ground beef with plant-based meat alternative or an extra can of beans (black or pinto work well) and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock.
Healthier Twist: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, low-fat cheese, and baked corn chips for a lighter version.
Breakfast Frito Pie: Add scrambled eggs to the base mixture for a hearty brunch casserole.
Southwest Style: Add black beans instead of kidney beans and incorporate diced green chilies for a New Mexico-inspired variation.
Doritos Version: Substitute the corn chips with crushed Doritos (Nacho Cheese or Cool Ranch) for a different flavor profile.
Loaded Topping Option: After baking, add diced fresh tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and sliced black olives before the scallion garnish.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftover Frito Pie Casserole in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. For best results, store the corn chip topping separately to maintain its crunch, or accept that refrigerated chips will soften over time.
Freezing: The base mixture (without corn chips) freezes exceptionally well for up to 3 months. Prepare through step 5, cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, transfer to a baking dish, top with fresh cheese and corn chips, and bake as directed.
Reheating: For best results, reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes until heated through. To refresh the entire casserole, cover with foil and heat in a 325°F oven for 15-20 minutes, then uncover and add fresh corn chips during the last 5 minutes of heating. Adding a sprinkle of fresh cheese during reheating can also revitalize leftovers.

FAQs

Can I make this Frito Pie Casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the beef mixture up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, warm the mixture on the stovetop or microwave before transferring to a baking dish, then top with fresh cheese and corn chips before baking.

How spicy is this recipe?

With one chipotle pepper in adobo, this recipe has a mild to medium heat level. For a milder version, use half a pepper or omit it entirely and use regular chili powder instead. For more heat, increase the amount of chipotle or add fresh jalapeños.

Can I use a different type of meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives work well in this recipe. Just be aware that leaner meats might result in a slightly drier casserole, so you may want to add a bit more broth.

What if I don’t have chipotle peppers in adobo sauce?

You can substitute with 1-2 teaspoons of smoked paprika plus a pinch of cayenne pepper to achieve a similar smoky, spicy flavor profile.

Will the corn chips get soggy?

The corn chips on top will maintain their crunch during baking, especially around the edges. However, chips that are submerged in the mixture will soften. For maximum crunch, you can add the chips just before serving or offer them as a topping.

Can I use a different type of beans?

Yes, black beans, pinto beans, or even white beans can be substituted for the kidney beans based on your preference or what you have available.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be! Verify that your corn chips, taco seasoning, and chicken stock are gluten-free, as some brands may contain hidden gluten ingredients.

How can I make this casserole healthier?

Use lean ground beef or turkey, reduce the amount of cheese, opt for low-sodium beans and broth, and consider baked corn chips instead of fried. You can also increase the vegetable content by adding zucchini or carrots.

What sides go well with Frito Pie Casserole?

A simple green salad, steamed vegetables, Mexican rice, or corn on the cob complement this casserole nicely. For a lighter meal, serve smaller portions with a larger side salad.

Can I use homemade taco seasoning instead of a packet?

Definitely! About 2-3 tablespoons of homemade taco seasoning can replace the envelope. A basic mix includes chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, paprika, and salt.

Conclusion

This Frito Pie Casserole transforms a beloved concession stand favorite into a satisfying family meal that brings together the best of Tex-Mex flavors. The combination of savory ground beef, smoky chipotle, hearty beans, and sweet corn creates a robust base, while the melted cheese and crispy corn chip topping deliver that signature Frito pie experience in every bite. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family on a weeknight or looking for a crowd-pleasing dish for game day, this versatile casserole delivers comfort food satisfaction with minimal effort. The best part is how easily it can be customized to suit your family’s preferences, making it a recipe you’ll return to again and again.