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
Scale
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.
