Frito pie combines ground beef, beans, cheese, and tortilla chips in a layered Tex-Mex-style dish.
The dish is commonly prepared by topping or layering Fritos corn chips with chili, shredded cheese, onions, and other garnishes. It may be served in a bowl, on a plate, or directly inside an individual Fritos bag, a presentation often called a walking taco.
Frito pie is strongly associated with Texas and the American Southwest. Its ingredients are flexible, so versions may use chili con carne, beans, jalapeños, sour cream, or tomatoes.
Despite its name, Frito pie is not a conventional baked fruit pie. The “pie” label describes the assembled, layered comfort-food format. It is also distinct from King Ranch casserole, which centers on chicken, tortillas, cheese, and a creamy sauce.