If you’re craving a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that bursts with bold flavors and irresistible crunch, then look no further than this classic Frito Chili Pie Recipe. It’s the kind of meal that wraps you up in a warm hug, combining hearty chili with crispy Fritos, melty cheese, and vibrant toppings for a satisfying dish that’s perfect for family dinners or game day gatherings. Every bite delivers a lively mix of textures and a deliciously spicy kick that will keep you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients together for this Frito Chili Pie Recipe is simple, but each one plays an essential role in building up layers of flavor, texture, and color. From the savory ground beef to the zesty diced tomatoes and crunchy Fritos, you’ll be amazed at how these straightforward components come together into something truly special.
- Ground beef (1 pound 85/15): The hearty protein heart of the chili, adding richness and depth.
- Onion (1 medium, diced): Brings sweetness and aromatic complexity once cooked down.
- Garlic (1 clove, minced): Adds a punch of flavor that enhances every component.
- Kidney beans (14 oz can, undrained): Creamy beans that provide texture and soak up all the chili goodness.
- Tomato paste (5.5 oz can): Concentrates that savory tomato flavor and thickens the chili.
- Diced tomatoes and green chiles (10 oz can): Adds brightness and a mild heat that livens up the dish.
- Chili powder (2 tablespoons): The spice blend that brings warmth and signature chili flavor.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential to bring all the flavors into balance.
- Sugar (1 teaspoon): A subtle counterpoint to the acidity of the tomato, rounding out the taste.
- Ground cumin (½ teaspoon): Earthy spice that deepens the chili’s profile.
- Fritos corn chips (9.25 oz bag): The crunchy base that makes this dish truly stand out.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Melts perfectly over the chili, adding creamy richness.
- Diced onions, jalapeno peppers, sour cream, sliced green onions, diced tomatoes, chopped bell peppers: Great for topping, bringing freshness, heat, and zing.
How to Make Frito Chili Pie Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Aromatics
Start by heating a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fully browned and the onions have softened to sweet perfection. Don’t forget to drain any excess fat at this point—that keeps your chili rich but not greasy.
Step 2: Add Remaining Chili Ingredients
Now it’s time to build that classic chili flavor! Stir in the kidney beans (with their liquid for extra richness), tomato paste, diced tomatoes with green chiles, chili powder, salt, sugar, and ground cumin. Mix everything together thoroughly so all those flavors can meld in harmony.
Step 3: Simmer the Chili
Reduce the heat to medium-low and let your chili simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes. Stir it occasionally to prevent sticking, and watch as it thickens and deepens in flavor. This step is where the magic happens and all those ingredients come alive as one cohesive, mouthwatering chili.
Step 4: Prepare the Base
While the chili simmers, grab a large serving dish or set out individual plates. Spread the Fritos corn chips evenly across the bottom—this crunchy bed will soak up the chili juices and provide the signature texture that makes this dish extra fun to eat.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
To serve, ladle the hot chili right over the Fritos, making sure every chip gets some saucy goodness. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top while the chili is still piping hot, allowing it to melt just right. Finish things off with your favorite toppings like diced onions, jalapeno slices, sour cream, green onions, tomatoes, or bell peppers for a fresh pop of color and flavor. Serve immediately so the chips stay crispy and the cheese is delightfully gooey.
How to Serve Frito Chili Pie Recipe
Garnishes
One of the best parts of this Frito Chili Pie Recipe is how easily you can customize it with garnishes. Try crisp diced onions or sliced jalapenos for a spicy crunch, rich dollops of sour cream to cool everything down, colorful diced tomatoes and chopped bell peppers for a fresh bite, or scatter sliced green onions on top for some oniony brightness. These little touches elevate the dish and let everyone tailor their portion to their taste buds.
Side Dishes
Keep sides simple to complement, not compete, with the smoky, savory pie. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast, while classic coleslaw adds creamy crunch. For extra indulgence, warm cornbread or tortilla chips make perfect companions, soaking up any extra chili and adding their own comforting textures.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to shake things up? Serve this chili pie in individual mason jars layered with Fritos, chili, cheese, and toppings for a fun, portable option. Alternatively, bake it briefly with cheese on top until bubbling and golden for a warm casserole feel. You can also create mini versions using small bowls or ramekins, making it a fantastic appetizer at parties or game day snacks.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The chili will keep beautifully for up to 3 days. Keep the Fritos separate if possible, as they tend to lose their crunch when soaked. Reassemble just before serving for the best texture.
Freezing
This Frito Chili Pie Recipe is freezer-friendly! Freeze the chili portion (without Fritos or fresh toppings) in a sealed container for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently. Adding fresh Fritos and toppings at serving time will keep your dish tasting fresh and delicious.
Reheating
Reheat your chili gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Microwaving works well, too—just cover loosely and stir halfway through for even heating. Once hot, assemble your chili pie with fresh Fritos and toppings for that irresistible contrast of textures.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative, extra beans, or hearty vegetables like mushrooms and bell peppers. The rich tomato base and bold spices ensure the chili remains flavorful and satisfying.
What type of cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar cheese is traditional and melts beautifully, adding that classic tang and gooeyness. However, feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack for a spicy kick, or even a blend of cheeses for a more complex flavor.
Can I use other chips instead of Fritos?
Fritos corn chips have a uniquely sturdy texture that holds up well under chili’s moisture, making them ideal. If unavailable, choose another thick and crunchy corn chip. Avoid thin or soft chips that may become soggy too quickly.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a nice, moderate spice level thanks to the chili powder and green chiles, but it’s very adaptable. Add fresh jalapenos or hot sauce to amp up the heat, or omit spicy toppings for a milder version perfect for kids.
How long does it take to prepare and cook?
This recipe comes together in about 40 minutes, including browning the beef, simmering the chili, and assembling the pie. It’s an excellent go-to for a tasty weeknight meal that feels special without a lot of fuss.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a deliciously comforting dish that combines big, bold flavors with a fun, crunchy twist, this Frito Chili Pie Recipe is a must-try. It’s perfect for bringing people together around the table, whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a lively gathering. Give it a shot, and you might just discover your new favorite way to enjoy chili!
Print
Frito Chili Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Southwestern
Description
This classic Frito Chili Pie recipe combines a hearty, flavorful chili made with ground beef, beans, and spices, served over a crispy bed of Fritos corn chips and topped with melted cheddar cheese and fresh garnishes. Perfect for a comforting meal or game day snack, it offers a delicious blend of textures and bold southwestern flavors in just 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Chili Ingredients
- 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
Base and Toppings
- 9.25 ounce (262 g) bag of Fritos corn chips
- 1 cup (113 g) shredded cheddar cheese
- Diced onions (optional)
- Diced jalapeno peppers (optional)
- Sour cream (optional)
- Sliced green onions (optional)
- Diced tomatoes (optional)
- Chopped bell peppers (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Beef and Aromatics: Heat a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic. Cook until the beef is fully browned and the onions are softened, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat to reduce greasiness.
- Add Remaining Chili Ingredients: Stir in the undrained kidney beans, tomato paste, diced tomatoes with green chiles, chili powder, salt, sugar, and ground cumin. Mix everything thoroughly to combine the flavors.
- Simmer the Chili: Reduce heat to medium-low and let the chili simmer uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the chili to thicken and the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Prepare the Base: While the chili simmers, spread the Fritos corn chips evenly on a large serving dish or individual plates, creating a crunchy base for the chili.
- Assemble and Serve: Once the chili is ready, ladle it generously over the Fritos. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top, letting it melt slightly from the chili’s heat. Add any desired optional toppings such as diced onions, jalapenos, sour cream, green onions, diced tomatoes, or chopped bell peppers. Serve immediately and enjoy the comforting flavors!
Notes
- For a spicier chili, add extra jalapenos or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Drain excess fat carefully to reduce grease but keep some for flavor.
- Use 85/15 lean-to-fat ratio ground beef for optimal taste and texture.
- Leftover chili can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles or additional beans, and ensure Fritos are suitable.
- Serve immediately to keep the Fritos crunchy; otherwise, they may become soggy.
