Pioneer Woman Frito Pie: A Hearty and Delicious Recipe

Frito Pie, a comforting and incredibly easy dish, is a family-favorite that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. This recipe takes the classic Tex-Mex flavors and layers them into a satisfying casserole that everyone will love. Imagine crispy Fritos chips smothered in a rich, savory beef and bean mixture, topped with melted cheese and your favorite taco fixings. It’s the ultimate comfort food that brings smiles to the table, reminiscent of hearty home-cooked meals from kitchens like the Pioneer Woman’s.

What is Frito Pie?

Frito Pie isn’t actually a pie in the traditional sense. Instead, it’s more of a layered casserole or walking taco that’s deeply rooted in Tex-Mex cuisine. The base of this dish is, of course, Fritos corn chips, which provide a delightful crunch and salty flavor. These chips are then generously topped with a warm, flavorful mixture of seasoned ground beef, beans, and tomatoes. Cheese is a must, melted over the top to create a gooey, irresistible finish. Often, Frito Pie is served with a variety of toppings, allowing everyone to customize their portion to their liking. It’s a casual, fun, and incredibly satisfying meal that’s perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or a cozy night in.

Why You’ll Love This Frito Pie Recipe

This Frito Pie recipe is a winner for so many reasons. First and foremost, it’s incredibly easy and quick to make. Perfect for those hectic weeknights when time is short, you can have this comforting dish on the table in about 30 minutes. It’s also a family-friendly meal that appeals to all ages. Kids and adults alike love the crunchy chips, flavorful meat, and customizable toppings. Plus, it’s a great way to use pantry staples you likely already have on hand. Frito Pie is also incredibly versatile. You can easily adapt the recipe to your taste by adding different toppings or adjusting the level of spice. And let’s not forget the pure comfort food factor. Each bite is a warm, cheesy, and satisfying experience that’s sure to hit the spot. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a hug on a plate, just like the kind of wholesome recipes championed by the Pioneer Woman.

taco meat with melted cheese in a bowl

Frito Pie Ingredients: What You’ll Need

To make this delicious Frito Pie, you’ll need just a handful of simple ingredients:

Ground Beef: The heart of the dish, providing a rich and savory base.
Onion: Adds flavor and aromatics to the beef mixture.
Taco Seasoning: Essential for that classic Tex-Mex taste. For a more personalized flavor and to control sodium, consider using Homemade Taco Seasoning.
Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: Adds moisture, flavor, and a touch of spice.
Ranch Style Beans: These beans are a key ingredient in Frito Pie, offering a unique chili-seasoned flavor. They are typically pinto beans in a savory sauce. If you’re unfamiliar, Ranch Style Beans are usually located in the bean aisle of most grocery stores. They are not sweet like baked beans but have a similar soft texture in a seasoned sauce. If you have trouble finding them locally, you can also find them online.
Corn Kernels: Adds a touch of sweetness and texture.
Fritos: The star of the show! You’ll need a bag of classic Fritos corn chips.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully over the top, adding cheesy goodness.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Pioneer Woman Frito Pie

Making Frito Pie is incredibly straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a perfect result:

Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread about 3/4 of the bag of Fritos evenly in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. This crispy chip base is what makes Frito Pie so unique and delicious.
Brown the Beef and Onions: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook until the beef is fully cooked and the onions are softened and translucent. Drain off any excess grease from the skillet to keep the dish from being too oily.
Add Taco Seasoning: Stir in the taco seasoning to the beef mixture. Ensure the meat is well coated with the seasoning for maximum flavor. Unlike some taco recipes, you do not need to add water in this step.
Combine Remaining Ingredients: Pour in the diced tomatoes with green chilies, Ranch Style Beans, and corn kernels into the skillet with the beef mixture. Stir everything together until well combined and heated through.
Assemble the Frito Pie: Pour the hot meat mixture evenly over the bed of Fritos in the baking dish. Spread it out to cover the chips completely.
Add Cheese and Bake: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over the meat mixture. Use about 1 1/2 cups or more for a really cheesy pie. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and nicely golden.
Serve and Enjoy: Remove the Frito Pie from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.

Serving Suggestions and Topping Ideas

Frito Pie is fantastic on its own, but it’s even better with toppings! Set up a topping bar and let everyone customize their own portion. Here are some popular and delicious topping ideas:

Sour Cream: Adds a cool and creamy contrast to the warm pie.
Shredded Lettuce: Provides a fresh and crisp element.
Black Olives: Adds a salty and briny flavor.
Avocado or Guacamole: Creamy and rich, perfect for adding healthy fats.
Diced Tomatoes: Adds freshness and acidity.
Salsa or Hot Sauce: For those who like a little extra heat.
Chopped Cilantro: Adds a fresh, herbaceous note.
Extra Fritos: Reserve the remaining 1/4 of the bag of Fritos to crush and sprinkle on top of each serving for added crunch right before serving.

Make-Ahead and Leftover Tips

Make-Ahead: You can prepare the beef and bean mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to bake, simply assemble the Frito Pie as directed.

Leftovers: Store leftover Frito Pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator. However, the Fritos will soften as they sit.

Pro-Tip for Leftovers: For better leftovers, bake just the meat mixture in the casserole dish and store it separately from the Fritos. When reheating, crisp up fresh Fritos and top with the warmed meat mixture. This will prevent soggy chips and ensure a better texture the next day.

Nutritional Information

Nutritional information is automatically calculated and should be considered an approximation.

Enjoy this hearty and satisfying Pioneer Woman-inspired Frito Pie recipe! It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion.