Get ready to experience comfort food at its absolute finest with this Frito Chili Pie Recipe! Imagine hearty, spicy chili ladled over a mound of crunchy Frito corn chips and melty cheddar cheese, all finished with your favorite toppings. This dish is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of big flavors and satisfying textures, all in one irresistible bowl. Whether you need an easy family dinner or a crowd-pleaser for game day, this classic Tex-Mex casserole transforms a handful of humble ingredients into something unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need a long shopping list to make magic—this recipe is all about simple, everyday ingredients coming together for maximum flavor. Each component plays a crucial role, offering heartiness, spice, richness, or a signature crunch. Here’s what you’ll need for the ultimate Frito Chili Pie Recipe:
- Ground beef (1 pound): Provides the savory, meaty base that brings depth to your chili.
- Yellow onion (1 small, diced): Adds sweetness and a bit of texture to balance the richness of the beef.
- Garlic cloves (2, minced): Boosts the flavor and aroma, giving the chili an irresistible kick.
- Chili beans (1 can, undrained): The perfect shortcut for thick, saucy chili with a little bonus spice.
- Diced tomatoes (1 can, 14.5 oz): Lend tanginess and extra body to the chili sauce.
- Tomato sauce (1 can, 8 oz): Brings all the chili flavors together into a luscious, simmered base.
- Chili powder (2 tablespoons): The main source of classic chili warmth and color.
- Ground cumin (1 teaspoon): Contributes subtle earthiness that rounds out the other spices.
- Paprika (½ teaspoon): A gentle, smoky spice that helps bring the chili to life.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances and ties together all the delicious flavors.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Adds just a hint of warmth and bite.
- Fritos corn chips (4 cups): Salty and crisp, they become the crunchy “crust” that makes this pie unique.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1½ cups): Melts into the hot chili for creamy, gooey perfection.
- Optional toppings: sour cream, sliced green onions, jalapeños: The fun finishing touch for extra freshness, tang, or heat.
How to Make Frito Chili Pie Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Sauté the Onion
Start by heating a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion, cooking together until the beef turns a deep brown and the onion softens—this usually takes about 6 to 8 minutes. Be sure to break up the beef as it cooks for even browning. Once browned, carefully drain off any excess fat for a lighter, less greasy chili base.
Step 2: Build Your Chili
With your beef and onions prepped, toss in the minced garlic and immediately follow with the chili beans (don’t drain them!), the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a good stir to ensure the spices are evenly mixed. Let the mixture simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens up and all those beautiful flavors meld together.
Step 3: Assemble the Frito Chili Pie Recipe
Now comes the fun part! Arrange a generous layer of Fritos corn chips on the bottom of your serving bowls or plates. Spoon the hot, zesty chili right over the top, making sure to smother every chip. Next, sprinkle plenty of shredded cheddar cheese so it melts from the heat of the chili. If you like, top it all off with a dollop of sour cream, some sliced green onions, and a few jalapeño slices for a little extra zing.
How to Serve Frito Chili Pie Recipe
Garnishes
The finishing touches are where your Frito Chili Pie Recipe gets its personality! Classic garnishes like sour cream add cool creaminess, while sliced green onions bring bursts of fresh flavor and color. If you crave a little heat, don’t hold back on the jalapeños; their crunch and spice wake up every bite. A sprinkling of chopped cilantro or even a handful of diced tomatoes also never goes amiss.
Side Dishes
Pairing this bold casserole with something light or crisp makes for an even more memorable meal. A simple salad with a tangy vinaigrette helps balance the rich chili, or try serving it with crisp raw veggies like carrots, celery, and bell peppers for a refreshing crunch. For heartier appetites, warm cornbread or a cold slaw is an unbeatable match.
Creative Ways to Present
You can keep things classic in a bowl, or make it seriously fun and portable by serving the chili straight in individual snack-sized Frito bags—perfect for parties and known as a “walking taco!” Or transform it into a crowd-pleasing casserole by layering chips, chili, and cheese in a baking dish, then popping it in the oven until bubbly and golden. However you present your Frito Chili Pie Recipe, don’t forget to serve it piping hot.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers are a blessing with this dish! Store any remaining chili (separately from the Fritos and cheese) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To keep the chips from getting soggy, wait to assemble until you’re ready to serve again.
Freezing
The chili portion of your Frito Chili Pie Recipe freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or plastic bags—label and date them for easy meal prep down the road. It’ll stay good for up to three months. When you’re ready to serve, all you need are fresh Fritos and cheddar to bring that crispy, melty magic back to life.
Reheating
For best results, reheat the thawed chili on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too—just heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between. Assemble freshly with new corn chips and cheese so every bite is as crunchy and gooey as it was on day one.
FAQs
Can I make the Frito Chili Pie Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can easily swap the ground beef for your favorite plant-based meat substitute or increase the beans and add vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. The result is just as flavorful and hearty.
Can I prepare Frito Chili Pie Recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep the chili in advance and refrigerate it right up until serving. Simply reheat the chili, then assemble the pie with fresh chips and cheese right before you’re ready to dig in.
How do I keep the chips from getting soggy?
The secret to super-crispy Fritos is assembling your Frito Chili Pie Recipe just before eating. Have your chili hot and ready, then layer the chips and toppings immediately before serving for unbeatable texture.
Can I bake Frito Chili Pie Recipe instead of layering it?
Definitely! For a baked version, just layer the chips, chili, and cheese in a casserole dish and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 to 15 minutes or until bubbly and golden. This method is fantastic for serving a crowd.
What’s the best cheese for Frito Chili Pie Recipe?
Cheddar is a classic choice for its sharp flavor and gooey melt, but Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a blend of cheeses can all work beautifully. Mix and match based on what you love or have on hand!
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason the Frito Chili Pie Recipe remains a beloved favorite—it’s fast, fun, outrageously flavorful, and endlessly customizable. If you haven’t tried it yet, let this be the sign you’ve been waiting for! Pull out those Fritos, whip up a batch of chili, and dig into a dish that’s sure to win hearts (and taste buds) at any table.
Print
Frito Chili Pie Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Frito Chili Pie recipe is a Tex-Mex favorite that layers crunchy Fritos corn chips with a flavorful homemade chili and gooey cheddar cheese. It’s a hearty and satisfying dish perfect for cozy dinners or game day gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Chili:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) chili beans, undrained
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For Assembly:
- 4 cups Fritos corn chips
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Optional toppings: sour cream, sliced green onions, jalapeños
Instructions
- Cook the Beef: In a skillet, cook beef and onion until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Prepare the Chili: Add garlic, chili beans, tomatoes, tomato sauce, spices. Simmer for 15–20 minutes.
- Assemble: Layer Fritos in bowls, top with chili, cheese, and desired toppings.
Notes
- For a baked version, layer the chips, chili, and cheese in a baking dish and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10–15 minutes.
- Easily made vegetarian by substituting plant-based meat or adding extra beans.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
