Easy Frito Pie Casserole – A Crunchy, Cheesy, and Flavor-Packed Tex-Mex Comfort Dish For Everyone

Ready for the ultimate comfort food that’s super simple to make and irresistibly delicious? This Easy Frito Pie Casserole is a Tex-Mex classic that combines layers of crispy Fritos, hearty chili, zesty Rotel, and gooey melted cheddar cheese to create a dish that’s bursting with flavor. Whether you’re serving it for a casual weeknight dinner or a game-day snack, this casserole is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table!

Scroll down for the full recipe!

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The Inspiration Behind Easy Frito Pie Casserole

This Frito Pie Casserole takes everything you love about a good, hearty chili and layers it with the crunch of Fritos and the creaminess of melted cheddar cheese. Originating in the Southwest, Frito pie has become a popular dish thanks to its simplicity and unbeatable flavor. With just a handful of ingredients and less than 30 minutes of baking, you’ll have a warm, satisfying meal that’s perfect for feeding a crowd. The layers of crispy corn chips, spicy chili, and gooey cheese make every bite a flavorful adventure.

Why You’ll Love This Frito Pie Casserole

This Frito Pie Casserole is everything you want in a comfort dish—crunchy, cheesy, and loaded with bold flavors. The Fritos add an irresistible crunch that pairs perfectly with the savory, beefy chili, while the Rotel adds a touch of spice and acidity to balance everything out. Best of all, it’s incredibly easy to make with just five ingredients, and it bakes up in less than 30 minutes. It’s a fun and filling dish that will quickly become a favorite for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or casual get-togethers.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 6 Servings):

• Calories: 450 kcal
• Fat: 27g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Protein: 18g
• Sodium: 980mg
• Fiber: 4g

Pair this casserole with a simple side salad or some avocado slices for a fresh contrast to the hearty, cheesy goodness.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Frito Pie Casserole is a hearty dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. Serve it with a fresh salad or some guacamole and tortilla chips to lighten up the meal. You can also add a dollop of sour cream, sliced jalapeños, or diced avocado on top for some extra flavor. For drinks, a cold iced tea or a Mexican soda would be a refreshing match to the richness of this casserole. If you’re looking to go all out, serve it alongside some refried beans or Spanish rice to complete the meal.

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Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have any leftovers (which might be rare!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop a portion in the microwave or place the casserole dish back in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. If you want to bring back the crispiness of the Fritos, consider adding a fresh layer of chips on top before reheating.

Fun Fact: The History of Frito Pie

Did you know that Frito pie has been a popular dish in the Southwest since the 1930s? Originally, it was served by simply opening a bag of Fritos, pouring in some chili, and topping it with cheese, making it a quick and portable snack. Over time, it evolved into the baked casserole version that we know and love today, but the simple concept of combining Fritos with chili and cheese remains the same!

Cooking Tips

• Keep the Fritos Crispy: For the ultimate crunch, wait until just before serving to add the final layer of Fritos so they stay extra crispy.
• Customize Your Chili: If you prefer homemade chili, feel free to use your favorite chili recipe instead of canned. You can also experiment with different flavors by using a spicy chili or a vegetarian version.
• More Cheese, Please: If you’re a cheese lover, don’t be shy—add extra shredded cheese between the layers or on top for even more melty goodness.

Optional Variations

• Spicy Frito Pie: Add some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the chili layers for an extra kick.
• Veggie-Packed Version: Mix in some sautéed bell peppers, onions, or corn to the chili for added veggies and texture.
• Taco Frito Pie: Season the chili with taco seasoning for a fun twist on traditional Frito pie.

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Easy Frito Pie Casserole Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 bag Fritos corn chips (15.5 oz, I use Fritos Scoops)
• 2 cans chili (no beans, 15 oz each, I use Wolf Brand)
• 2 cans Rotel Original (drained, 10 oz each)
• 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Warm the chili: In a medium saucepan, warm the canned chili over medium heat until heated through.
3. First layer: In a 12" skillet or a 13" x 9" baking dish, spread about ⅓ of the bag of Fritos evenly across the bottom. Spoon half of the warmed chili over the Fritos, followed by one can of drained Rotel, spreading it evenly.
4. Second layer: Add another layer of Fritos (about another ⅓ of the bag) on top of the chili. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the Fritos, and then spoon the remaining chili over the cheese.
5. Final layer: Add the last layer of Fritos, then spread the second can of Rotel over the top. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese evenly over everything.
6. Bake: Place the skillet or baking dish on the middle rack of the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Cool and serve: Let the Frito pie cool for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set. Serve with your favorite toppings, like sour cream, jalapeños, or guacamole, and enjoy!

This Easy Frito Pie Casserole is a quick, flavorful dish that delivers all the best Tex-Mex flavors in one cheesy, crunchy bite. Whether you’re making it for a casual dinner or serving it at your next party, this casserole is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Try it out and enjoy the ultimate comfort food experience!