Frito Pie

The Ultimate Comfort Food, A Crunchy, Cheesy, and Hearty Chili Dish for Every Occasion!

Frito Pie is a beloved dish that combines two of the best comfort food components: a rich, flavorful chili and the crunch of frito corn chips. This dish is simple, satisfying, and versatile, making it perfect for casual dinners, game-day gatherings, and potlucks. Frito Pie originated in the American Southwest and has since become a staple in many homes across the country. It’s easy to prepare and can be customized with your favorite toppings to make it truly your own. Serve it up in bowls or in individual Frito bags for a fun and authentic twist!

Frito Pie is ideal for informal occasions where you’re looking to serve something delicious without too much fuss. It’s a fantastic dish for:

• Game day: A crowd-pleaser that pairs perfectly with sporting events, especially football or Super Bowl gatherings.
• Casual dinners: It’s quick to whip up on busy weeknights when you need a fast, filling meal.
• Potlucks: Frito Pie can be made in large quantities and transported easily to any gathering.
• Cookouts or BBQs: Frito Pie offers a hearty side dish option or can be served as a main for a crowd.
• Tailgating: Serve the Frito Pie right in the bag for a portable and no-mess meal.

How to Make Frito Pie from Scratch:

Making Frito Pie is as easy as preparing a simple chili and layering it over crispy Frito chips, but a few tips can elevate this dish from good to great. Here’s the step-by-step process:

1. Cook the Chili:
   • Start by browning the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Breaking up the meat as it cooks is important to ensure it cooks evenly. Once browned, drain off any excess fat.
   • Add chopped onions and minced garlic to the beef and cook until the onions are translucent and the garlic is fragrant, usually about 3-5 minutes.
   • Stir in your seasonings: chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. You can adjust these spices to your taste, but these are the essential flavors that give Frito Pie its characteristic punch.
   • Next, add a can of diced tomatoes and a can of kidney beans (optional, for added texture and protein). Stir everything together and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. If your chili looks too thick, you can add a splash of water or beef broth.
2. Prepare Your Fritos:
   • While your chili is simmering, grab a bag of Fritos. You can use regular-sized Fritos, but for an even better texture, try using the thicker “Scoops” version.
   • If you want to serve this dish traditionally, keep the Fritos in individual bags and serve the chili directly into each bag. Otherwise, you can layer the Fritos into a serving dish or individual bowls.
3. Assemble the Pie:
   • Once the chili is ready, it’s time to assemble! Place a generous handful of Fritos at the bottom of each bowl or directly into the bags (if you’re using the individual serving method). Ladle the hot chili over the Fritos.
   • Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top and let the heat of the chili melt it. You can add as much cheese as you like – the more, the better!
4. Add the Toppings:
   • Frito Pie is all about customization. Some of the best toppings include sour cream, sliced jalapeños, diced onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. You can get creative and add guacamole, salsa, or even some hot sauce for an extra kick.

When to Flip:

No flipping is necessary for Frito Pie, as it is a layered dish. The magic happens as the chili melds with the crunchy Fritos, creating a perfect bite with each scoop.

How to Reheat Frito Pie:

If you have leftovers, the best way to reheat Frito Pie is to keep the chili separate from the Fritos. Here’s how to do it:

• Microwave: Reheat the chili in a microwave-safe dish for about 2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Then, serve it fresh over a new batch of Fritos.
• Oven: You can also reheat Frito Pie in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and place the chili in an oven-safe dish. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 10-15 minutes or until hot. Assemble the Frito Pie as usual after reheating.

Can You Save the Batter?:

There is no batter involved in making Frito Pie, so this section doesn’t apply. However, you can save the chili by refrigerating it in an airtight container for up to 3 days. It tastes even better the next day!

Can You Freeze Frito Pie?:

Yes, you can freeze the chili portion of Frito Pie for future use. Here’s how:

• Freezing the Chili: Allow the chili to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or bag. Label it with the date, and it can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• Thawing and Reheating: When ready to eat, thaw the chili in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave and assemble with fresh Fritos.
• Note: Do not freeze the Fritos, as they will become soggy when reheated.

Ingredients:

• 1 bag (about 300g) of Fritos corn chips
• 500g ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (400g) of diced tomatoes
• 1 can (400g) of kidney beans (optional)
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• Optional toppings: sour cream, sliced jalapeños, diced onions, cilantro, lime wedges, guacamole

Directions:

1. Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat.
2. Add Aromatics and Spices: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for about 3-5 minutes until softened. Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Simmer the Chili: Add the diced tomatoes and beans (if using). Stir everything together and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
4. Prepare the Fritos: While the chili is cooking, layer the Fritos in a serving dish or individual bowls.
5. Assemble: Pour the hot chili over the Fritos and top with shredded cheddar cheese. Add any other desired toppings.
6. Serve: Serve immediately, with all the melted cheese and toppings.

Editor’s Note:

For a fun twist, you can serve Frito Pie in individual Fritos bags, cutting them open and spooning the chili directly into the bag. It’s a fun and easy way to eat this dish, especially for outdoor events or tailgates.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fat: 24g
• Fiber: 6g
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 900mg

Chilaquiles Easy Recipes

Frito Pie

The Ultimate Comfort Food, A Crunchy, Cheesy, and Hearty Chili Dish for Every Occasion!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Frito Pie

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 6 people

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 300 g Fritos corn chips
• 500 g ground beef
• 1 onion chopped
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 400 g diced tomatoes
• 400 g kidney beans (optional)
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

 

• Optional toppings: sour cream, sliced jalapeños, diced onions, cilantro, lime wedges, guacamole

Notes

For a fun twist, you can serve Frito Pie in individual Fritos bags, cutting them open and spooning the chili directly into the bag. It’s a fun and easy way to eat this dish, especially for outdoor events or tailgates.

Keyword Frito Pie