If you are craving a flavorful, comforting dish that’s both nostalgic and packed with bold Southwestern flair, you’re in for a treat with this Frito Chili Pie Recipe. This hearty classic layers crispy Fritos corn chips beneath a rich, spicy chili that’s simmered to perfection with ground beef, beans, and plenty of savory seasonings. Topped with melty cheddar cheese and fresh, zesty garnishes, it’s a party of textures and flavors that’s simply irresistible and perfect for any casual gathering or a cozy night in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are not just simple pantry staples—they each bring something special to this Frito Chili Pie Recipe. From the crispy base of Fritos chips to the slow-simmered chili bursting with spices and tomatoes, every element works together to create a balance of hearty, spicy, and fresh flavors and satisfying textures.
- 1 pound (454 g) 85/15 ground beef: Provides rich protein with just enough fat for flavor without greasiness.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth to the chili base.
- 1 clove garlic, minced: Brings warmth and aromatic complexity.
- 14 ounce (397 g) can kidney beans, undrained: Gives body and heartiness, and keeps the chili satisfyingly chunky.
- 5.5 ounce (156 g) can tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor while thickening the chili.
- 10 ounce (284 g) can diced tomatoes and green chiles: Adds freshness, mild heat, and a burst of color.
- 2 Tablespoons chili powder: The signature spice that packs flavor and a gentle kick.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances and balances all the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon sugar: Balances acidity from the tomatoes for a rounded chili flavor.
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin: Introduces smoky, earthy undertones to the chili.
- 9.25 ounce (262 g) bag of Fritos corn chips: The crunchy, salty base that makes this chili pie unforgettable.
- 1 cup (113 g) shredded cheddar cheese: Melts over the chili for rich creaminess and tang.
- Diced onions, jalapeno peppers, sour cream, sliced green onions, diced tomatoes, chopped bell peppers: Optional toppings to add extra freshness, heat, and creaminess.
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 your ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic. Cook them together until the beef is nicely browned and the onions soften and become translucent. This step builds the foundational flavor of your chili. Drain off any excess fat to keep your chili from getting greasy while still preserving juicy, savory meat.
Step 2: Add Remaining Chili Ingredients
Once the beef and aromatics are ready, pour in the kidney beans along with their liquid, tomato paste, diced tomatoes and green chiles, chili powder, salt, sugar, and ground cumin. Stir everything well to combine all those bold flavors uniformly. This combination creates the heart and soul of your chili, layering spice and richness.
Step 3: Simmer the Chili
Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the chili simmer uncovered for 20 minutes. This slow simmer allows the flavors to deepen and meld beautifully, while the tomato paste and beans help thicken the chili. Stir occasionally to keep everything from sticking and burning. The aroma filling your kitchen at this point is pure comfort.
Step 4: Prepare the Base
Spread a generous layer of the Fritos corn chips onto a large serving dish or divide them among individual plates. This crunchy base is essential to the Frito Chili Pie Recipe experience, providing a salty bite that contrasts perfectly with the saucy chili topping.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
Ladle the hot chili directly onto the bed of Fritos. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the chili while it’s still warm so it melts to perfection. This melting cheese creates a luscious, gooey layer that ties the dish together. Customize your pie with your favorite toppings like diced onions, jalapeno peppers, dollops of sour cream, sliced green onions, diced tomatoes, or chopped bell peppers for an added pop of color and texture. Serve right away and dive into pure deliciousness!
How to Serve Frito Chili Pie Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes bring so much life and visual appeal to your Frito Chili Pie Recipe. Fresh diced onions add crunch and sharpness, while jalapeno peppers offer a spicy kick for heat lovers. A cool dollop of sour cream adds creamy contrast, balancing the chili’s spice beautifully. Bright green onions and chopped tomatoes provide freshness and a splash of color that makes every bite more enticing.
Side Dishes
Although the Frito Chili Pie easily stands on its own, pairing it with simple sides can elevate your meal. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness. Cornbread or warm tortillas complement the chili’s Tex-Mex roots and help mop up every flavorful bite. For a refreshing contrast, serve chilled sliced avocado or a cold cucumber salad alongside.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Frito Chili Pie Recipe in individual clear cups layered with chips, chili, cheese, and toppings for a portable party snack. Try baking it briefly after assembly for extra melty cheese and a toasty finish. You can also swap Fritos for tortilla chips or add black beans for variations that showcase your creativity while sticking to that beloved Frito Chili Pie spirit.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (which is rare because this dish is incredibly popular), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The chili and chips should be kept separate to avoid sogginess—reassemble with fresh chips before serving again.
Freezing
The chili portion of this Frito Chili Pie Recipe freezes beautifully. Simply cool it completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. It will keep well for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove.
Reheating
Reheat the chili on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Avoid microwaving the chips; instead, add fresh Fritos just before serving to maintain their crunch and texture that make this dish so special.
FAQs
Can I make Frito Chili Pie Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply swap out the ground beef for a plant-based meat substitute or extra beans and vegetables. The chili powder, beans, and tomato base still deliver that rich, comforting taste you love.
What type of cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar cheese is classic, providing a tangy, melty topping that complements the chili beautifully. However, feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack or a spicy pepper jack for an extra kick.
How spicy is this recipe?
This Frito Chili Pie Recipe has a moderate level of spice from the chili powder and green chiles. You can adjust the heat by adding more jalapenos or chili powder if you love it hotter or by reducing these ingredients for a milder taste.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
You can definitely prepare the chili a day ahead and reheat it when ready to serve. Just wait to add the Fritos and toppings until the last moment to keep everything crunchy and fresh.
What can I serve with Frito Chili Pie Recipe for a full meal?
Complement your chili pie with a simple green salad, cornbread, or some roasted veggies to round out the meal with freshness, texture, and balance.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about the combination of crunchy Fritos and hearty, flavorful chili in this beloved Frito Chili Pie Recipe. It’s a dish that feels both indulgent and comforting at the same time, perfect for sharing with friends or simply enjoying on a relaxed evening. I hope you give it a try soon and create some delicious memories around this classic Southwestern favorite!
Print
Frito Chili Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic Frito Chili Pie recipe combines savory ground beef chili with crunchy Fritos corn chips, topped with melted cheddar cheese and an array of fresh toppings. It’s a comforting, hearty dish perfect for casual family meals or game day snacks, delivering rich flavors with a pleasing mix of textures 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: In a large skillet or pot over medium heat, cook the ground beef along with diced onions and minced garlic until the beef is browned and the onions become soft. Drain excess fat to reduce greasiness.
- Add Remaining Chili Ingredients: Stir in the kidney beans with their liquid, tomato paste, diced tomatoes and green chiles, chili powder, salt, sugar, and ground cumin. Mix everything thoroughly to combine the flavors well.
- Simmer the Chili: Lower the heat to medium-low and let the chili simmer uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step thickens the chili and allows all the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Prepare the Base: Spread the Fritos corn chips evenly in a large serving dish or on individual plates to form a crunchy base for the chili pie.
- Assemble and Serve: Spoon the hot chili over the Fritos, then sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top so it melts slightly from the residual heat. Garnish with optional toppings like diced onions, jalapeno peppers, sour cream, sliced green onions, diced tomatoes, or chopped bell peppers. Serve immediately to enjoy the perfect blend of textures and flavors.
Notes
- Drain excess fat after browning the beef for a less greasy chili.
- The chili simmers uncovered to thicken; stirring prevents sticking.
- Optional toppings add freshness and heat—customize to your taste.
- Serve immediately to keep Fritos crunchy under the chili.
- This dish can be easily doubled for larger gatherings.
