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Few dishes scream comfort food louder than a hearty, cheesy, crunchy Frito Pie Casserole. Whether you’re planning a casual family dinner, hosting a game day gathering, or craving a nostalgic Tex-Mex classic, this casserole hits the spot every time. Let’s dive into everything you need to know to create the perfect Frito Pie Casserole — from its fascinating history to detailed recipes and popular variations.
The Origins and History of Frito Pie
The story of Frito Pie is as colorful as the dish itself. Its origins are often debated between Texas and New Mexico. Texans claim that the dish first appeared in 1949, when Daisy Dean Doolin, mother of Frito Company founder Charles Elmer Doolin, allegedly created the original concept. Meanwhile, New Mexicans attribute the invention to Teresa Hernández, who served Frito Pie out of Frito chip bags at a Woolworth’s lunch counter in Santa Fe during the 1960s.
Regardless of who invented it, the Frito Pie has evolved from a simple snack to a beloved meal, often reimagined as a layered, baked casserole.
What Is Frito Pie Casserole?
At its core, Frito Pie Casserole is a delicious combination of Fritos corn chips, chili, and cheese baked together into a warm, bubbly masterpiece. Unlike the more portable “Walking Tacos” (where ingredients are mixed directly into a snack-size Fritos bag), the casserole version is layered in a baking dish and served piping hot.
It’s hearty, easy to customize, and comes together quickly — making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute entertaining.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you’ll need for a traditional Frito Pie Casserole:
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade seasoning)
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Ro-Tel)
- 1 (15 oz) can chili beans or pinto beans, drained
- 3 cups Fritos corn chips, divided
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup sour cream (optional, for topping)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional)
- 1 jalapeño pepper, sliced (optional for heat)
How to Make Frito Pie Casserole (Step-by-Step)
1. Brown the Meat
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, diced onions, and minced garlic until the meat is no longer pink (about 6–8 minutes). Drain excess fat.
2. Season the Meat
Add the taco seasoning and stir to coat the meat. Then add the diced tomatoes with green chilies and chili beans. Simmer the mixture for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
3. Assemble the Casserole
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread half of the Fritos across the bottom.
- Spoon the meat mixture evenly over the chips.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the meat.
- Top with the remaining Fritos and then the final 1 cup of cheese.
4. Bake
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Top with optional sour cream, green onions, and sliced jalapeños. Serve warm!
Popular Variations
Frito Pie Casserole is incredibly customizable. Here are some fun ways to tweak it:
- Vegetarian Frito Pie: Replace ground beef with sautéed mushrooms and black beans for a meat-free twist.
- Spicy Frito Pie: Use spicy Fritos, add a diced jalapeño into the meat mixture, or drizzle with hot sauce.
- Crescent Roll Frito Pie: Line the bottom of the baking dish with crescent roll dough before layering in the filling for an extra buttery crust.
Feel free to get creative based on your taste and pantry!
Toppings and Side Dishes
Enhance your casserole with delicious toppings:
- Sour cream
- Guacamole
- Fresh cilantro
- Chopped tomatoes
- Diced avocado
- Hot sauce
Perfect side dishes include:
- Mexican street corn
- Simple green salad
- Spanish rice
- Cornbread
Storage and Reheating Tips
Refrigeration:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing:
You can freeze the casserole without the Fritos (they get soggy). Assemble the meat and cheese layers, freeze, and when ready to eat, top with fresh Fritos before baking.
Reheating:
Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes or microwave individual servings until heated through. Always add a few fresh Fritos if you want that original crunch!
Nutritional Considerations
Frito Pie Casserole is a hearty, indulgent dish. A typical serving can range from 400–600 calories, depending on toppings and portion size.
Healthier Tips:
- Use lean ground turkey instead of beef.
- Opt for low-fat cheese.
- Include more veggies like diced bell peppers or zucchini in the meat mix.
- Choose low-sodium beans and tomatoes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the difference between Frito Pie and Walking Tacos?
Both use Fritos as a base, but Walking Tacos are served in a single-serving chip bag, while Frito Pie is baked in a dish and served with a spoon.
Can I make Frito Pie Casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole without adding the top layer of Fritos. Refrigerate until ready to bake, then add fresh Fritos right before baking for the best texture.
Can you freeze Frito Pie?
Yes, but freeze it without the Fritos. Assemble the meat and cheese layers, freeze for up to 2 months, and then add fresh chips before baking.
What other meats can I use besides ground beef?
Ground turkey, ground chicken, shredded rotisserie chicken, or even plant-based crumbles make excellent alternatives.
How can I make it spicier?
Use spicy Fritos, add diced jalapeños, stir some hot sauce into the meat mixture, or use pepper jack cheese for an extra kick.
Conclusion
Frito Pie Casserole is everything you could want in a meal — warm, cheesy, crunchy, savory, and incredibly satisfying. With simple ingredients and endless customization options, it’s no wonder this dish has become a classic comfort food in homes across America.
Next time you need an easy, crowd-pleasing dinner idea, give this Frito Pie Casserole a try — and don’t be surprised if everyone asks for seconds!
For more creative ideas, check out this Easy Slow Cooker Greek Yogurt Chicken.
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