A Crunchy, Flavor-Packed Comfort Dish
If you love cheesy, crunchy, and hearty meals, this Cheesy Frito Skillet is about to be your new favorite! Packed with savory seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, and crunchy Fritos, this one-pan meal is quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying.
I love this recipe because it’s family-friendly, budget-friendly, and made in just 30 minutes! It’s perfect for busy weeknights, game days, or whenever you crave bold, cheesy goodness.
Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe
Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or even black beans work great as a substitute.
Q: What’s the best cheese to use?
A Mexican blend, cheddar, or Monterey Jack melt beautifully in this dish.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Cook the meat mixture ahead, then reheat and add Fritos right before serving to keep them crunchy.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or stovetop for best results.
Q: What toppings go well with this dish?
Try sour cream, diced tomatoes, jalapeños, green onions, or avocado for extra flavor!
What You Need to Make Cheesy Frito Skillet
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef (or turkey)
- ½ cup diced onion
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (10 oz) can Rotel tomatoes (diced tomatoes with green chilies)
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 cup enchilada sauce (or taco sauce)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- 2 cups Fritos corn chips
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro (for garnish)
How to Make Cheesy Frito Skillet
Step 1: Cook the Meat
- Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat.
- Add ground beef and diced onion, cooking until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Stir in garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
Step 2: Add the Filling Ingredients
- Stir in Rotel tomatoes, black beans, corn, and enchilada sauce.
- Simmer for 5 minutes, letting the flavors blend.
Step 3: Add Cheese & Bake
- Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the mixture.
- Top with Fritos, spreading them out for crunch.
- Place skillet in the oven and broil for 2-3 minutes until cheese is melted.
Step 4: Garnish & Serve
- Remove from oven and top with chopped cilantro.
- Serve hot with sour cream, jalapeños, or avocado slices!
Tips for the Best Cheesy Frito Skillet
✔ Use an oven-safe skillet – This makes it easy to broil the cheese to bubbly perfection.
✔ Don’t add Fritos too soon – They can get soggy if mixed in early, so add them right before serving.
✔ Want it spicier? – Add hot sauce, diced jalapeños, or cayenne pepper.
✔ For extra creaminess – Stir in ½ cup of sour cream before adding cheese.
✔ Make it a full meal – Serve over rice or with a side of guacamole.
Reader Reviews
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Emma L. – “So easy and delicious! The Fritos add the perfect crunch!”
🌟🌟🌟🌟 James K. – “A new family favorite! I used ground turkey, and it was amazing.”
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Samantha W. – “Perfect for busy weeknights! Served with sour cream and avocado, and it was incredible.”
🌟🌟🌟🌟 Lucas R. – “Such a fun, cheesy dish! Loved the mix of flavors.”
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Jessica T. – “This was a hit for game night! Everyone asked for the recipe.”
Printable Recipe
Cheesy Frito Skillet
This Cheesy Frito Skillet is a quick, easy, and cheesy one-pan meal packed with savory ground beef, crunchy Fritos, and melty cheese—perfect for busy weeknights!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (or turkey)
- ½ cup diced onion
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (10 oz) can Rotel tomatoes (diced tomatoes with green chilies)
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 cup enchilada sauce (or taco sauce)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- 2 cups Fritos corn chips
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Meat
- Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat.
- Add ground beef and diced onion, cooking until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Stir in garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
Step 2: Add the Filling Ingredients
- Stir in Rotel tomatoes, black beans, corn, and enchilada sauce.
- Simmer for 5 minutes, letting the flavors blend.
Step 3: Add Cheese & Bake
- Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the mixture.
- Top with Fritos, spreading them out for crunch.
- Place skillet in the oven and broil for 2-3 minutes until cheese is melted.
Step 4: Garnish & Serve
- Remove from oven and top with chopped cilantro.
- Serve hot with sour cream, jalapeños, or avocado slices!
Check out some of our other recipes / crafts.
Blissful Blueberry Shortcake Cake
Make Delicious Ice Cream in a Bag in Just 15 Minutes
If You Enjoyed This Recipe, Please Share!
If you loved this Cheesy Frito Skillet, don’t keep it to yourself! Share it on social media, pin it on Pinterest, or send it to a fellow cheese lover. I’d love to see your versions—tag me if you try it!
