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Crispy Sheet Pan Loaded Frito Pie Recipe Easy for a Crowd

crispy sheet pan loaded Frito pie - featured image

A quick and easy sheet pan loaded Frito pie that combines crispy corn chips, rich chili, and melted cheese, perfect for feeding a crowd with minimal fuss.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 preferred)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
  • 14.5 oz canned diced tomatoes, drained
  • 1 can (16 oz) refried beans
  • About 8 cups Fritos corn chips (240 g)
  • 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese (340 g)
  • 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional)
  • 3 green onions, sliced
  • Sour cream, for serving
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line your baking sheet with foil or parchment for easier cleanup if desired.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for about 6-8 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula until no pink remains. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  3. Add diced onion and minced garlic to the beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  4. Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute to toast the spices.
  5. Fold in drained diced tomatoes and refried beans. Stir well to combine. Let it simmer for 5 minutes on low heat, stirring occasionally until slightly thickened but moist.
  6. Spread about half of the Fritos evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking sheet. Spoon the beef and bean mixture evenly on top of the chips.
  7. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the filling, then add the remaining Fritos on top for extra crunch.
  8. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the Fritos on top are golden and crispy.
  9. Remove from oven and scatter sliced jalapeños and green onions over the top. Serve warm with dollops of sour cream on the side.

Notes

To avoid soggy chips, drain canned tomatoes well and simmer filling until slightly thickened. Layer chips both underneath and on top for crispness. Use a rimmed baking sheet to prevent spillage. Broil for 1-2 minutes at the end for extra melty cheese but watch carefully to avoid burning. Prepare chili filling a day ahead for convenience. For gluten-free, verify chili powder and beans labels. For dairy-free, substitute cheese and sour cream with plant-based alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: Frito pie, sheet pan recipe, crowd-pleaser, easy dinner, chili, ground beef, cheesy, crispy, party food