Meet the Sloppy Joe Frito Pie: a sweet, savory, and wildly satisfying mash-up that layers hearty, saucy beef with crunchy Fritos and gooey cheddar cheese. Imagine the zest of classic Sloppy Joe filling, but baked into a casserole with corn chips that stay crisp at the edges and melt into the saucy meat and cheese beneath. Every bite is nostalgic yet fresh—perfect for potlucks, game day, or any hungry weeknight. This is comfort food at its most fun, and you’re about to fall in love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Sloppy Joe Frito Pie lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient brings something essential to the party, whether it’s the juicy meat, that crave-worthy crunch, or just the right amount of saucy sweetness. Here’s what you need (and why you need it).
- Ground Beef (1 lb): Classic Sloppy Joe flavor starts here; use lean or regular based on your preference for richness.
- Small Onion, Diced: Adds a mellow sweetness and a bit of needed bite to the filling.
- Ketchup (½ cup): The sweet-tangy backbone of the sauce—don’t skip it for that signature Sloppy Joe vibe!
- Brown Sugar (2 tbsp): Balances out the acidity and gives the filling a rich, caramel-like depth.
- Worcestershire Sauce (1 tbsp): A dash brings a punch of umami and complexity, bringing all the flavors together.
- Fritos Corn Chips (2 cups): The ultimate crunchy base and topping; they soak up some sauce while staying crisp.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese (1 cup): Melts into creamy perfection, holding everything together with its sharp, salty tang.
How to Make Sloppy Joe Frito Pie
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Let’s get this party started! Preheat your oven to 375 °F so it’s toasty and ready when your pie is assembled. Having the right temp ensures cheese melts smoothly and the chips get perfectly golden around the edges.
Step 2: Brown the Beef and Onion
Add your ground beef and diced onion to a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until everything is nicely browned and the onions are tender. Don’t rush—getting a little color on the meat brings out loads of flavor. Drain off any extra fat to keep the casserole from getting greasy.
Step 3: Simmer with Sauce
Now, stir in your ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Give it all a good mix, turn the heat down to low, and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This is where the Sloppy Joe Frito Pie filling gets all its signature flavor—tangy, sweet, and just a hint of smokiness.
Step 4: Layer Chips, Meat, and Cheese
Grab a 2-quart baking dish. Scatter half the Fritos on the bottom to make a crunchy base, then pour all the sloppy Joe mixture over the chips. Sprinkle generously with shredded cheddar cheese for that ooey-gooey factor.
Step 5: Top with More Fritos and Bake
Now finish things off with the remaining Fritos spread evenly over the cheese. Slide the whole dish into your preheated oven, and bake for 10 to 12 minutes—just until the cheese is bubbly and the chips are golden at the edges. Your kitchen will smell downright irresistible.
How to Serve Sloppy Joe Frito Pie
Garnishes
Freshness on top is a game changer! Try a sprinkle of chopped scallions, pickled jalapeño slices, or even a dab of sour cream. Chopped cilantro or diced tomatoes add color and a burst of brightness that takes Sloppy Joe Frito Pie to the next level.
Side Dishes
This hearty casserole goes great with a zippy slaw or a crisp side salad. If you want more southwest flavors, serve it with black beans or charred corn. Don’t forget—extra napkins are a must!
Creative Ways to Present
Get fun and festive by scooping Sloppy Joe Frito Pie into individual ramekins, or serve over a pile of extra Fritos in bowls for a “walking taco” vibe. This dish is also perfect for potlucks—just bake and let everyone scoop their own, buffet style!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If, by some miracle, you have leftovers, simply cover the baking dish tightly or transfer portions to airtight containers. Store in the fridge for up to three days; the flavors meld and get even better over time!
Freezing
To freeze, let the Sloppy Joe Frito Pie cool completely, then wrap in plastic and foil. It’ll keep well for up to two months. For best texture, freeze before adding the top layer of Fritos—add fresh chips just before reheating for maximum crunch.
Reheating
Reheat single servings in the microwave for a quick lunch, or cover the whole dish with foil and warm in a 350 °F oven until heated through (about 15 minutes). If you want extra-crispy chips, pop it under the broiler for a minute at the end.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey makes the Sloppy Joe Frito Pie a bit lighter but still delicious and satisfying. You may want to add a pinch more seasoning since turkey is milder than beef.
How can I spice it up?
Easy! Stir some chopped jalapeños into the beef mixture, use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar, or simply pile on pickled jalapeños as a topping for that extra kick.
Do Fritos get soggy in this casserole?
The magic is in the baking time—Fritos on the bottom soak up some saucy goodness, becoming a little tender but still textured, while the ones on top stay crispy and golden. For maximum crunch, serve right after baking.
Can I make Sloppy Joe Frito Pie ahead of time?
You can prep the beef filling up to two days in advance and keep it refrigerated. When ready to serve, layer with fresh Fritos and cheese then bake so the chips retain their crunch.
What’s the best cheese for this recipe?
Sharp cheddar is classic, but feel free to mix it up with Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a spicy blend. Just make sure it’s a melty cheese so you get that dreamy, gooey top!
Final Thoughts
When it comes to crave-worthy, crowd-pleasing comfort food, it’s hard to beat Sloppy Joe Frito Pie. One simple dish, endless smiles, and pure fun in every bite—give this twist on tradition a try and get ready to make it a new family favorite!
Print
Sloppy Joe Frito Pie Recipe
- Total Time: 35 min
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Kid-Friendly
Description
Sweet, savory, and crunchy — this Sloppy Joe Frito Pie layers zesty beef, melted cheese, and crispy corn chips for an irresistible twist on the classic sandwich.
Ingredients
Ground Beef:
1 lb
Onion, diced:
1 small
Ketchup:
½ cup
Brown Sugar:
2 tbsp
Worcestershire Sauce:
1 tbsp
Fritos Corn Chips:
2 cups
Shredded Cheddar:
1 cup
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 °F.
- Stir in ketchup, sugar, and Worcestershire; simmer 5 minutes.
- Spread half of the Fritos in a baking dish, top with beef and cheese.
- Add remaining chips and bake 10–12 minutes until melty.
Brown beef and onion; drain fat.
Notes
- Substitute turkey for leaner meat.
- Add jalapeños or pickles on top for crunch.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 25 min
- Category: Casserole / Appetizer
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American Southwest
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
