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
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: 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.
