Description
Frito Chili Pie is a hearty and comforting Southwestern classic featuring a crispy base of Fritos corn chips topped with a flavorful, slow-simmered chili made from ground beef, beans, and tomatoes. Finished with melted cheddar cheese and your choice of fresh toppings, this dish is perfect for casual dinners or game day gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Chili
- 1 pound (454 g) 85/15 ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 14 ounce (397 g) can kidney beans, undrained
- 5.5 ounce (156 g) can tomato paste
- 10 ounce (284 g) can diced tomatoes and green chiles
- 2 Tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
Assembly and Toppings
- 9.25 ounce (262 g) bag of Fritos corn chips
- 1 cup (113 g) shredded cheddar cheese
- Diced onions
- Diced jalapeno peppers
- Sour cream
- Sliced green onions
- Diced tomatoes
- Chopped bell peppers
Instructions
- Brown the Beef and Aromatics: In a large skillet or pot over medium heat, cook the ground beef with the diced onion and minced garlic until the meat is browned and the onions are softened. Drain any excess fat to reduce greasiness.
- Add Remaining Chili Ingredients: Stir in the kidney beans with their liquid, tomato paste, diced tomatoes and green chiles, chili powder, salt, sugar, and ground cumin. Mix everything thoroughly to combine.
- Simmer the Chili: Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the chili simmer uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This helps the flavors meld and thickens the chili.
- Prepare the Base: Evenly spread the Fritos corn chips onto a large serving dish or individual plates to create a crispy foundation.
- Assemble and Serve: Ladle the hot chili evenly over the Fritos. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top so it melts from the chili’s heat. Add optional toppings like diced onions, jalapenos, sour cream, sliced green onions, diced tomatoes, or chopped bell peppers as desired. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Notes
- Drain excess grease from the beef to keep the chili from being too oily.
- Simmering uncovered helps thicken the chili naturally without added starches.
- Customize your toppings to suit your taste and heat preference.
- Frito Chili Pie is best served fresh to maintain the crispness of the corn chips.
- For a spicier version, add extra jalapenos or hot sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American Southwestern
