Is it Friday night and you’re craving something comforting but the thought of ordering out makes you cringe? What is a Philly cheesesteak Frito Pie? They’re obsessed. And honestly, I’m not mad about it because it’s way easier to throw together than you’d think. Plus, it’s way more exciting than your average taco night. Philly Cheese Steak Frito Pie is about to become your new weeknight champion.
What is Philly Cheese Steak Frito Pie?
What’s a Philly Cheesesteak, but instead of a hoagie roll, you’ve got a bed of crunchy Frito corn chips? What are some of the best cheesesteak toppings? The Fritos add an awesome salty crunch that just takes the whole thing to the next level. It’s total comfort food, but with a fun, casual twist. I know it’s not exactly a “gourmet,” but trust me, it’s 100% delicious and guaranteed to put a smile on your face. It’s also super customizable – throw on whatever toppings your heart desires!
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What I love about this Philly Cheese Steak Frito Pie is how unbelievably easy it is to make. Seriously, we’re talking minimal chopping, mostly browning meat and melting cheese. It’s a lifesaver on those crazy weeknights when you just can’t be bothered with a complicated recipe. Who doesn’t love Philly cheesesteak?Flavor Explosion:The combination of savory ground beef, sweet caramelized onions and peppers, and that salty, crunchy Frito base is seriously addictive. Is it the kind of dish that makes you want to lick the plate clean?Ridiculously simple: “Forget spending hours in the kitchen. This recipe comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last minute get-togethers.Budget-Friendly:What are some good ways to feed a crowd without breaking the bank?Crazy Versatile:What are some of the best ways to get creative with your food? My son loves extra onions, while my daughter likes extra cheese (shocker!). If you’re a fan of easy weeknight dinners like walking tacos or nachos, then you are going to *adore* this Philly Cheese Steak Frito Pie. What is the perfect combination of comfort food and convenience?
How do I make Philly Cheese Steak Frito Pie?
Quick Overview
How do I make Philly Cheese Steak Frito Pie? What is the best part? You brown ground beef with onions and peppers, melt a ton of cheese, and then layer it all on top of a bed of crispy Fritos. Can you customize it with whatever toppings you like? It’s way more fun than it sounds, and the result is a total crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
For the Ground Beef Mixture:
• 1 pound ground beef (I usually go for 80/20 for extra flavor)
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 1 bell pepper (any color!), thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little kick!)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
What is the cheese sauce?
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk (whole milk works best for a richer sauce)
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 12 ounces shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese blend)
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (trust me on this one!)
• Salt and pepper to taste
For the Frito Pie Assembly:
• 1 large bag (10-12 ounces) Frito corn chips
What are some of the best side dishes to serve with your favorite toppings: chopped tomatoes, jalapenos, sour cream, green onions, hot sauce, or anything else your heart desires?
How do I follow step by step
Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef Mixture
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, onion, and bell pepper. Cook for 5 minutes. Serve hot. Cook, breaking up the beef with a spoon, until the beef is browned and the vegetables are softened, about 8-10 minutes. Drain off any excess grease. Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until a smooth paste forms (this is called a roux). Gradually whisk in the milk, making sure to break up any lumps. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce has thickened, about 5-7 minutes. What is the best way to make a creamy sauce? Season with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Assemble the Frito Pie
How do you spread Frito corn chips evenly over the bottom of a baking dish? Pour the ground beef mixture over the Fritos. Pour the cheese sauce over the ground beef mixture, making sure to cover everything evenly.
Step 4: Bake (Optional)
If you want the Frito pie to be extra warm and gooey, you can bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. This step is optional – you can also serve it immediately if you prefer!
Step 5: Top and Serve
What are some of the best toppings for salad?
What should I serve it with?
Philly Cheese Steak Frito Pie is pretty much a meal in itself, but if you’re looking to round out the meal, here are some ideas.For a casual dinner:Serve with a side salad or coleslaw. A crisp, refreshing salad is the perfect counterpoint to the richness of the Frito Pie.For a Party:What is a great topping for a Frito Pie? What are some of the best ways to use chopped tomatoes, jalapenos, sour cream, green onions, hot sauce?For a Game Day Feast:What’s your favorite game day spread?For a Family Night:How do you make a Frito Pie?
How do I make Philly Cheese Steak Frito Pie?
I’ve made this Philly Cheese Steak Frito Pie more times than I can count, and I’ve learned a few things along the way. Here are my top tips for making it absolutely perfect every time.What is the best ground beef to eat? I prefer to use 80/20 ground beef for extra flavor, but you can use leaner ground beef if you prefer. Just be sure to drain off any excess grease after cooking.
Cheese Sauce Consistency:How do you make a creamy cheese sauce? Can you use an immersion blender to smooth out the sauce?Spice Level:I like to add a little bit of cayenne pepper to the ground beef mixture for a little kick, but if you’re not a fan of spice, you can leave it out altogether.Topping Ideas:What are some of my favorite toppings? Tomatoes, jalapenos, sour cream, green onions, hot sauce, and even a little bit of guacamole?Frito Freshness:To keep the Fritos from getting soggy, I recommend assembling the Fritos just before serving. If you’re making it ahead of time, you can assemble the ground beef mixture separately and then assemble everything right before serving. This helps the Fritos stay nice and crispy.Steak Variation:If you’re feeling fancy, you can swap out ground beef for thinly sliced steak. Just be sure to cook the steak quickly over high heat so it doesn’t get tough.Cheese Blend:I usually use cheddar cheese for the cheese sauce, but you can use any cheese you like. Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a little bit of Gruyere would be delicious!
What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?
If you happen to have leftover Philly Cheese Steak Frito Pie (which is rare in my house!) here’s how to store and reheat it:Refrigerator Storage: How do youCan you store Frito Pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days?Reheating:To reheat, you can microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. How do Fritos taste when reheated?Freezing: I don’t recommend freezing Frito Pie, as the Fritos will become very soggy. However, you can freeze the ground beef mixture and cheese sauce separately. Just thaw them completely before assembling the Frito Pie.
What are the Frequently Asked Questions?
Final Thoughts
What is your favorite Philly cheese steak frito pie recipe? What are some of my favorite weeknight dinner recipes? What do you think of my new recipe?
Philly Cheese Steak Frito Pie
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef 80/20 lean
- 1 cup bell peppers mixed red and green, diced
- 1 cup onion diced
- 2 cups shredded cheese cheddar or provolone
- 1 bag Fritos corn chips regular size
- 1 tbsp olive oil for sautéing
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in bell peppers and onion, cooking until tender.
- Layer Fritos in a large baking dish, then spread beef mixture over the chips.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese on top and broil until melted and bubbly.
