Frito Chili Pie is a classic American comfort dish that perfectly blends bold chili flavors with the irresistible crunch of Fritos corn chips. This hearty and satisfying meal is a crowd-pleaser for game days, family dinners, and casual gatherings, offering a warm, flavorful experience that everyone will enjoy.
With a rich blend of seasoned ground beef, zesty beans, and melted cheddar cheese, each bite delivers a combination of spicy, savory, and crunchy textures. Customizable with your favorite toppings, Frito Chili Pie is as versatile as it is delicious.
- Simple ingredients come together quickly for an easy and satisfying meal.
- The combination of crunchy Fritos and hearty chili offers a unique textural experience.
- Perfect for sharing at casual get-togethers or quick weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- Ground Beef (1 pound): Provides a savory, protein-packed base with rich flavor and hearty texture.
- Medium Onion, diced (1): Adds natural sweetness and depth to the chili when sautéed.
- Garlic Clove, minced (1): Enhances the aroma and gives a subtle pungent flavor to the dish.
- Kidney Beans, undrained (14 ounces): Contribute creaminess, fiber, and a mild earthiness to the chili.
- Tomato Paste (5.5 ounces): Intensifies the tomato flavor and thickens the chili for a rich consistency.
- Rotel (10 ounces): A zesty blend of diced tomatoes and green chilies that adds a spicy kick.
- Chili Powder (2 tablespoons): The key seasoning that imparts warmth and bold, smoky spice.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the savory flavors in the chili mixture.
- Sugar (1 teaspoon): Balances acidity from the tomatoes and rounds out flavors.
- Cumin (1/2 teaspoon): Adds an earthy, slightly nutty taste typical in chili recipes.
- Fritos Chips (9.25 ounces): Crunchy corn chips that serve as the base, providing texture and contrast.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese (1 cup): Melts over the chili for creamy richness and sharp flavor.
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef with Aromatics
Cook the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat, adding diced onion and minced garlic. Browning the meat properly develops deeper flavors and the onion and garlic add sweetness and aroma. Be sure to drain excess fat to keep the chili from being greasy.
- Add Beans, Tomato Paste, and Rotel
Stir in undrained kidney beans, tomato paste, and Rotel for a balanced tomato and chili base. Mixing these ingredients well ensures every bite is flavorful and the chili has a slightly thickened texture.
- Season and Simmer the Chili
Add chili powder, salt, sugar, and cumin then reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes to deepen the flavors, allowing the spices to meld and the liquid to reduce slightly.
- Prepare Fritos on Plates or Bowls
Spread the Fritos chips evenly on serving plates or individual bowls. This crunchy base contrasts perfectly with the warm chili topping and keeps the dish fun and texturally interesting.
- Top with Chili and Cheese
Ladle the hot chili over the Fritos, then sprinkle generously with shredded cheddar cheese. The cheese melts over the chili creating a creamy layer that balances the spices and adds richness.
- Add Optional Toppings
Customize your Frito Chili Pie by adding sour cream, fresh avocado slices, jalapeños, or chopped green onions for extra flavor, creaminess, and heat according to personal preference.
- Use undrained beans and Rotel to retain moisture and enhance chili texture.
- Simmering uncovered helps thicken the chili without becoming too watery.
- Serving immediately after topping ensures Fritos stay crunchy.
Storage Tips
Store leftover chili and Fritos separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat chili gently on the stove or microwave, and add fresh Fritos when serving to maintain crunch.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Frito Chili Pie with a side of crisp green salad or coleslaw for freshness. Accompany with sour cream, sliced jalapeños, or diced avocado for added creaminess and heat contrast.
- Use lean ground beef to reduce grease and improve texture.
- Sauté onions and garlic until translucent to build a flavorful chili base.
- Allow chili to simmer gently to avoid toughening the meat and ensure even flavor blending.
FAQs
- Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles or omit meat and add extra beans and vegetables for texture.
- What can I use instead of Fritos chips?
Tortilla chips or even crushed corn chips work well as a crunchy base if Fritos are unavailable.
- How spicy is this chili?
It has a mild to moderate spice level thanks to Rotel and chili powder. Adjust the spices or toppings like jalapeños to increase heat.
- Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, the chili can be made a day in advance and reheated. Add fresh Fritos and toppings just before serving.
- Is this recipe gluten-free?
Fritos chips are naturally gluten-free, and the recipe ingredients do not contain gluten, but always check packaging to confirm if needed.
Frito Chili Pie
Equipment
- 1 large skillet or pot for cooking the chili
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion diced
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 can kidney beans 14 ounces, undrained
- 1 can tomato paste 5.5 ounces
- 1 can Rotel 10 ounces
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 9.25- ounce bag of Fritos chips
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Brown ground beef with diced onion and minced garlic in a large skillet or pot over medium heat until fully cooked; drain excess fat.
- Add kidney beans, tomato paste, Rotel, chili powder, salt, sugar, and cumin; stir to combine.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve Fritos chips on a platter or individual bowls.
- Top chips with the chili mixture and sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Add desired toppings such as sour cream, fresh avocado, or jalapeños.
Notes
- Customize with toppings like sour cream or jalapeños for added flavor and texture.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat thoroughly before serving.
- Use ground turkey for a leaner variation.
