Introducing the Frito Chili Pie, a scrumptious and satisfying meal that combines the crunch of Fritos corn chips with the heartiness of a savory chili.
This fun, flavorful dish is perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends and will have everyone coming back for seconds. Get ready to dive into this easy-to-make, comfort food classic that’s sure to be a hit with everyone at the table!
Frito Chili Pie is the ultimate comfort food that combines the best of both worlds – a handful of Frito chips and flavorful chili. This easy-to-make Texas-style chili is perfect for gatherings, game nights, or cozy family dinners.
With its customizable nature and endless variations, there’s no reason not to make this delicious and satisfying recipe may be the best thing in your meal rotation.
So, gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a mouthwatering Frito Chili Pie that will leave everyone asking for more!
Common Questions About Frito Chili Pie
Do I need to cook the chili from scratch?
While this easy recipe calls for homemade chili, you can also use store-bought canned chili or your favorite chili recipe as a time-saving alternative.
Can I make Frito Chili Pie vegetarian?
Yes, you can make a vegetarian version of Frito Chili Pie by substituting the ground beef with a meatless crumble or cooked lentils and using a vegetarian chili recipe.
Is Frito Chili Pie spicy?
The spiciness of Frito Chili Pie depends on the type of tomatoes with green chilies and the chili powder used. You can adjust the heat to your preference by choosing mild, medium, or hot varieties of these ingredients.
Storage
You can store leftovers in the fridge or freezer which makes this perfect for having a microwaveable lunch ready later on!
Refrigerator
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the leftover chili mixture on the stovetop or in the microwave and assemble the dish with fresh Fritos and cheese.
Freezer
While it’s not recommended to freeze the assembled Frito Chili Pie, you can freeze the cooked chili mixture in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave before assembling the dish.
Tips
This chili Frito pie is a fun way to have dinner with the family. They’re especially popular with the kids!
- Use lean ground beef for a healthier option and to reduce excess grease.
- Feel free to adjust the amount and type of cheese to your liking.
- Toast the Fritos in the oven for a few minutes at 350°F to enhance their crunchiness before assembling the dish.
- Customize the dish with your favorite toppings such as avocado, black olives, or fresh cilantro.
Ingredients
This Frito pie recipe is an easy dinner. With some chili beans, veggies, and chips, you’ve got yourself a winner!
- Lean ground beef
- Small onion
- Green pepper
- Garlic cloves
- Tomato sauce
- Tomatoes with green chilies, like Rotel
- Chili powder
- Dried oregano
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Crunchy corn chips, such as Fritos
- Shredded cheese, sharp cheddar, or your favorite blend
How to Make Frito Chili Pie
This is one of my all-time favorite chili recipes. It’s so yummy you’ll probably finish it off in one go!
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium heat until about halfway done.
- Add the onions and green peppers, and cook for about 3-4 minutes or until the vegetables are soft and the beef is completely cooked.
- Drain and return the mixture to the pan.
- Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Pour in the tomato sauce, tomatoes, and seasonings.
- Bring the mixture to a low boil, reduce the heat, and cook until all the liquid is absorbed or about 20 minutes.
- Spread the corn chips onto a platter and top them with the chili mixture (see notes for serving options).
- Sprinkle with cheese and allow it to set for a couple of minutes to allow the cheese to melt.
- Serve with toppings of your choice.
Kitchen Supplies You’ll Need for Frito Chili Pie
Whether it’s for game day or just a regular day, this simple recipe is a great way to enjoy time with the family.
- Large skillet or Dutch oven
- Cutting board and knife
- Can opener
- Measuring spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Large platter or individual plates
What to Serve With Frito Chili Pie
I think this easy Frito pie will satisfy on its own. Here are some great ideas just in case!
Pair your Frito Chili Pie with a refreshing green salad, tangy coleslaw, or a simple cucumber salad to balance the rich flavors of the dish. A side of cornbread or warm tortillas can also complement the hearty chili. To round off the meal, serve with a cold beverage such as iced tea, lemonade, or a frosty beer.
Why You Should Make Frito Chili Pie
When it comes right down to it, this is just one of those popular dinner recipes that makes people happy.
- Easy to make: This recipe requires minimal prep time and basic cooking skills, making it perfect for busy weeknights or novice cooks.
- Crowd-pleaser: The combination of crunchy Fritos and savory chili is sure to satisfy everyone’s taste buds.
- Customizable: Frito Chili Pie can be easily adapted to suit different dietary preferences or spice levels.
- Fun and interactive: Guests can enjoy building their own Frito Chili Pie with their favorite toppings, adding a fun and interactive element to mealtime.
Variations and Add-Ins for Frito Chili Pie
Pile it high with some salty corn chips or try some of these other ideas. It won’t be much time before it’s all gone!
- Add beans: Include kidney or black beans in the chili mixture for extra protein and fiber.
- Spice it up: Incorporate diced jalapeños, green chili, or a dash of hot sauce to the chili for an extra kick.
- Swap the protein: Try using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
- Go Tex-Mex: Add a spoonful of salsa or a sprinkle of taco seasoning to the chili mixture for a Tex-Mex twist.
- Layer it up: Create a Frito Chili Pie casserole by layering Fritos, chili mixture, and cheese in a baking dish and baking it in the oven until bubbly and golden.
If you love this easy Frito Chili Pie recipe, you’re going to love these other easy BEEF dinners too. Please click each link below to find the easy, printable recipe!
More Easy Dinner Ideas
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Frito Chili Pie
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 small onion finely diced (about ½ cup)
- ½ cup green pepper finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic finely minced
- 15 oz tomato sauce 1 can
- 10 oz tomatoes with green chilies mild, like Rotel (1 can)
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
- 9 oz corn chips 1 bag
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded – or your favorite blend
Serving Options
Green onions
Sour cream
Red onion, finely diced
Jalapenos, sliced
Extra cheese
Instructions
- In a large skillet or dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium heat until about half way done.
- Add the onions and green peppers and cook about 3-4 minutes or until vegetables are soft and the beef is completely cooked.
- Drain and return it to the pan.
- Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Pour in the tomato sauce, tomatoes, and seasonings.
- Bring to a low boil, reduce the heat and cook until all the liquid is absorbed, about 20 minutes.
- Spread the corn chips onto a platter and top them with the chili mixture. **see notes
- Sprinkle with cheese and allow it to set for a couple of minutes to allow the cheese to melt.
- Serve with toppings of your choice.
- Store any leftovers in the refrigerator.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information for the recipe is provided as a courtesy and is approximate. Please double-check with your own dietary calculator for the best accuracy. We at Yummi Haus cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site.
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