Frito pie is a Tex-Mex classic that doubles as one of the best comfort foods ever. This casserole is inspired by the original Frito pie recipe that’s also known as a walking taco: Chili, cheese and other toppings ladled into a split-open bag of Fritos. Our recipe delivers those flavors in casserole form, with a thick layer of crunchy Fritos corn chips, ground beef, spiced beans and lots of melted cheese.
Whip up a Frito pie casserole to treat everyone for dinner or the next big game day.
Where did Frito pie originate?
Like with many classic dishes, the origins of Frito pie are disputed. New Mexico lays claim to its invention, saying the dish was created by Woolworth’s department store employee Teresa Hernandez in the 1960s. However, Texans say the Frito pie recipe was invented in their state a decade or two earlier, crediting Daisy Doolin, mother of Fritos inventor Charles Elmer Doolin, with the recipe. Others credit Katherine Doolin, Charles’ wife.
No matter who came up with the recipe, the most innovative part of the original Frito pie was that the bag served as the bowl—no plate necessary. However, since our recipe feeds more than one person, it’s served up in a 13×9-inch baking dish.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) Ranch Style beans (pinto beans in seasoned tomato sauce)
- 1 package (9-1/4 ounces) Frito corn chips
- 2 cans (10 ounces each) enchilada sauce
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Thinly sliced green onions, optional
Directions
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- Preheat oven to 350°. In a large skillet, cook beef and onion over medium heat 6-8 minutes or until beef is no longer pink and onion is tender, crumbling meat; drain. Stir in beans; heat through.
- Reserve 1 cup corn chips for topping. Place remaining corn chips in a greased 13×9-in. baking dish. Layer with meat mixture, enchilada sauce and cheese; top with reserved chips.
- Bake, uncovered, 15-20 minutes or until cheese is melted. If desired, sprinkle with green onion.
Nutrition Facts
1 serving: 718 calories, 40g fat (14g saturated fat), 84mg cholesterol, 1719mg sodium, 53g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 8g fiber), 33g protein.