Name: Upside Down Frito Pie
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 lb. ground beef ((lean, 90/10)); 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp chili powder; 1 tsp cumin; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp pepper; 8 oz tomato sauce; 14.5 oz diced tomatoes; 15.5 oz pinto beans (drained & rinsed); 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 2-3 cups Fritos corn chips

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

This one pan upside down Frito pie is a delicious weeknight meal that comes together quickly using simple pantry staples. With a zesty combination of perfectly seasoned ground beef, beans and diced tomatoes that is topped with melted cheese and crunchy Fritos, it is full of flavor and goodness!

Frito Pie Recipe

You have probably heard of Frito pie? The casserole that has Fritos, beef and all the good things in casserole that’s baked to perfection. Well, my kids like that, BUT love this version of Frito pie. Here’s the thing, they love the crunch the Fritos give and when I put them in a casserole and bake it, they lose that crunch. So, I decided to reverse the Fritos and make it an upside-down Frito pie. Instant win for my tiny cowboys and they think it’s so good!

The Cowboys’ Rating: 8.5/10

Every time I make a new recipe, I have my family rate the recipe out of 10. By the time, these recipes make the blog, they’ve been tried and tested by some of my hardest tiny critics!

Ingredients for Frito Pie

Ground Beef – As always, we use our own homegrown ground beef that is grass-finished and regeneratively raised. It’s delicious, lean and so good. Our ground beef is 90/10 so I never have to drain off a bunch of fat.
Tomato Sauce – The base of this Frito pie is a tomato base, so I use both tomato sauce and diced tomatoes.
Diced Tomatoes – Not only do diced tomatoes add in flavor, but also a yummy texture too that compliments the beef and beans.
Onion Powder – If you like onions, you can add onions to your ground beef, but at my house, I have a bunch of people who despise onions, so I use onion powder in my recipes instead.
Garlic Powder – This is more like a chili recipe, so I use garlic powder to bring in the flavors of chili we love so much.
Chili Powder – Chili powder is actually a blend of different chili peppers, so it not only brings in flavor, but different heat as well. I only use a little because we are not big spicy fans at my house, but it does add in a touch of that flavor that you want in the traditional chili dishes.
Cumin – Cumin has a distinct flavor as well that is so good when paired with tomatoes. I use it in most of my Mexican dishes and especially my homemade chili (find that recipe here).
Salt
Pepper
Pinto Beans – Pinto beans are so good in this Frito pie recipe because not only does it add protein and lots of fiber as well, but it also adds flavor without being bitter. Some beans can have a slightly bitter flavor whereas these pinto beans do not.
Cheddar Cheese – I’m sure I don’t have to explain this but I will… life is just better with cheese.
Fritos – These yummy, crunch corn chips are going to go on top of the Frito pie (hence the name) to make the most savory, crunchy and delicious dinner.

Tools You’ll Need

How to Make Frito Pie

In a frying pan, add together ground beef and seasonings.
Cook ground beef until completely cooked through.
While beef is cooking, drain and rinse pinto beans and set aside.
When ground beef is done, reduce heat to medium low and add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes and pinto beans.
Let simmer for 3-5 minutes to allow flavors to blend.
Remove from heat.
Top with shredded cheese and Fritos and serve.
Enjoy!

Gluten Free Frito Pie

This upside-side down Frito pie recipe is gluten free! However, as always, I encourage you to check all ingredients and labels to make sure the ingredients you are using are indeed gluten free.

Storing Frito Pie

Store the Frito pie in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Heat leftovers in the microwave or place in the oven in a baking dish and bake at 375 degrees F for 10-15 minutes for best results.

Easy Family Friendly Meals

Looking for some dinner inspiration? Here are some of our family’s favorite dinner recipes.