Name: Frito Chili Pie Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 medium onion, diced; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1 (14 ounce) can kidney beans, undrained; 1 (5.5 ounce) can tomato paste; 1 (10 ounce) can Rotel (diced tomatoes and green chilies); 2 tablespoons chili powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon sugar; 1/2 teaspoon cumin; 1 (9.25 ounce) bag Fritos chips; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

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Introduction

Frito Chili Pie is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines hearty chili with crunchy corn chips. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a casual meal or game day snack, delivering a satisfying mix of textures and spices.

A white plate holds a single layer of yellow corn chips spread across the bottom. On top, there is a thick, chunky layer of dark brown cooked ground beef mixed with red kidney beans in a sauce, covering most of the chips. Over the beef and beans is a smooth, golden yellow layer of melted cheese sauce that drapes unevenly down the sides. Scattered on top are small pieces of white chopped onions and bright green sliced scallions, adding fresh color contrast. The plate is set on a white marbled surface with some shredded cheese visible nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, diced
1 clove garlic, minced
1 (14 ounce) can kidney beans, undrained
1 (5.5 ounce) can tomato paste
1 (10 ounce) can Rotel
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1 (9.25 ounce) bag of Fritos chips
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

Step 1: In a large skillet or pot, brown the ground beef along with the diced onion and minced garlic over medium heat. Drain off any excess fat once the beef is cooked through.
Step 2: Add the undrained kidney beans, tomato paste, Rotel, chili powder, salt, sugar, and cumin to the browned beef. Stir well to combine, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Let the chili simmer uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 3: Pour the Fritos chips onto a serving dish or distribute a portion onto individual plates or bowls. Spoon the hot chili over the Fritos, then sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top. Add any desired toppings and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a few dashes of hot sauce to the chili while simmering.
Try substituting ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicier chili.
Top with sour cream, chopped green onions, or sliced black olives for added texture and flavor.

Storage

Store leftover chili separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Fritos should be kept in a sealed bag at room temperature to maintain crunch. Reheat the chili on the stove or in the microwave before serving, and add fresh Fritos just before eating to keep them crispy.

How to Serve

This image shows a close-up of a spoonful of chili cheese dip held above a white bowl filled with the same dip. The top layer is melted, gooey yellow cheese that stretches down from the spoon. Below the cheese layer, there are reddish-brown kidney beans mixed with ground meat that is cooked and saucy, visible with bits of red tomato and green chopped onions scattered on top and in the dip. The background has a soft focus with a white marbled surface and colorful blurred cloth in red, yellow, and white hues. The spoon and bowl create a warm, inviting contrast with the vibrant chili colors. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or additional beans and vegetables for a vegetarian version.

What are good toppings to add to Frito Chili Pie?

Popular toppings include sour cream, chopped green onions, diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, and extra shredded cheese for more richness and flavor.

Frito Chili Pie Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 63 reviews

Frito Chili Pie is a comforting, savory dish featuring ground beef chili served over crunchy Fritos corn chips and topped with melted cheddar cheese. This hearty Texas-style casserole combines a rich chili with beans, tomato, and spices, making a perfect quick dinner or game day snack.

Author: Ruby
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Ingredients

Scale

Chili

1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, diced
1 clove garlic, minced
1 (14 ounce) can kidney beans, undrained
1 (5.5 ounce) can tomato paste
1 (10 ounce) can Rotel (diced tomatoes and green chilies)
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon cumin

Assembly

1 (9.25 ounce) bag Fritos chips
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

Brown the Meat: In a large skillet or pot over medium heat, cook the ground beef together with the diced onion and minced garlic. Stir often until the beef is fully browned and the onions are softened. Drain off any excess fat to reduce greasiness.
Make the Chili: To the beef mixture, add the undrained kidney beans, tomato paste, Rotel, chili powder, salt, sugar, and cumin. Stir everything thoroughly to combine all ingredients well. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the chili simmer uncovered for 20 minutes to develop flavors and thicken slightly.
Assemble the Dish: Spread a generous layer of Fritos chips onto your serving dish or individual plates. Spoon the hot chili evenly over the Fritos, making sure to get some beans and tomato chunks in each serving. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top so it melts slightly over the warm chili. Add any additional toppings you like such as sour cream, jalapeños, or green onions before serving.

Notes

For a spicier chili, add chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper with the chili powder.
Drain and rinse the kidney beans if you prefer a less thick sauce.
Try different types of cheese like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for variation.
Leftover chili can be stored separately in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To keep the Fritos crunchy, add them last just before serving and avoid mixing in the chili too early.

Keywords: Frito Chili Pie, chili recipe, Tex-Mex, ground beef chili, easy chili, Fritos chili, game day recipe, comfort food