I absolutely love making Chili Cheese Frito Pie! It’s a delicious and easy-to-make dish that never fails to satisfy my cravings. The combination of crunchy Fritos, savory chili, gooey cheese, and flavorful toppings creates a mouthwatering experience with every bite. This recipe is perfect for a cozy night in or a fun gathering with friends and family.
Just layer the Fritos in a baking dish, top them with chili and cheese, then bake until everything is bubbly and golden. Add your favorite toppings like sour cream, green onions, and jalapeños for an extra kick of flavor. Trust me, once you try this Chili Cheese Frito Pie, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients for Chili Cheese Frito Pie
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 3 cloves small garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 15 ounce can tomato sauce
- 6 ounce can tomato paste
- 1-2 Tablespoons chili powder (or to taste)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons salt
- ¾ cup water (or beef broth)
- 9.25 ounce bag Fritos corn chips (original or chili cheese flavor)
For topping:
- sour cream
- grated cheddar cheese
- diced red onion
- minced jalapeño peppers
Instructions for Chili Cheese Frito Pie
- Cook 2 pounds of ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking it apart as it browns. Add minced garlic (3 cloves) and diced onion (1 small). Once cooked, drain any excess grease. Return mixture to skillet.
- Combine a 15-ounce can of tomato sauce, a 6-ounce can of tomato paste, 1-2 tablespoons of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, 2 teaspoons of salt, and 3/4 cup of water. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the mixture simmer for a minimum of 20 minutes.
- Place a 9.25 ounce bag of Fritos corn chips on a big plate or in a large bowl. Add the chili mixture on top. Alternatively, you can create individual servings in the same way.
- Top your dish with your favorite toppings such as sour cream, grated cheddar cheese, diced red onion, and minced jalapeño peppers.
Tips for Perfecting the Recipe
Choosing the Right Ingredients: The quality of your ingredients can significantly affect the taste of your Frito Chili Pie. Opt for fresh ground beef with a higher fat content for more flavor. When it comes to the Fritos, choose the original for a classic taste or the chili cheese flavor for an extra kick.
Spice to Your Liking: The chili powder and cumin are key to flavoring your chili. Start with the recommended amounts, but don’t be afraid to adjust according to your taste preferences. If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding a dash of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños to the mix.
Simmering the Chili: Allowing your chili to simmer on low heat for at least 20 minutes is crucial for developing the flavors. If you have the time, letting it simmer longer can enhance the taste even more. This slow cooking process melds the spices and meat together, creating a rich and cohesive flavor.
The Layering Technique: For the best texture and flavor distribution, pay attention to how you layer your Frito Chili Pie. Start with a generous layer of Fritos, followed by a hearty helping of chili, and then top with your choice of cheese. The Fritos at the bottom will soften slightly under the chili, providing a pleasant contrast to the crisp ones on top.
Serving Suggestions
Customize with Toppings: One of the joys of Frito Chili Pie is making it your own with various toppings. Offer a selection of sour cream, shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, sliced green onions, avocado slices, and pickled jalapeños. This allows everyone to customize their dish to their liking.
Side Dishes: While Frito Chili Pie is a meal in itself, you can pair it with simple side dishes to round out the dining experience. Consider serving it with a fresh green salad, corn on the cob, or a side of cornbread for a truly comforting meal.
Serving for a Crowd: Frito Chili Pie is an excellent option for feeding a large group. Set up a serving station with the chili, chips, and toppings laid out buffet-style. This not only makes for an interactive dining experience but also simplifies serving at gatherings.
Storage Tips
Storing Leftover Chili: If you have leftover chili, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will continue to meld and develop, often making the chili even more delicious the next day.
Freezing the Chili: For longer storage, the chili can be frozen in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. This is a great way to have a quick and easy meal ready to go on busy days.
Reheating: When reheating the chili, do so gently over medium heat on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure it heats evenly. If the chili has thickened too much upon storage, you can add a little water or broth to reach your desired consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Frito Chili Pie vegetarian? Yes, you can easily make a vegetarian version by substituting the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or extra beans such as black beans, pinto beans, or lentils.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free? Frito Chili Pie can be made gluten-free by ensuring that your chili ingredients are gluten-free (especially the tomato sauce and paste) and by using gluten-free Fritos or an alternative gluten-free corn chip.
How can I make my Frito Chili Pie spicier? To add more heat to your Frito Chili Pie, you can increase the amount of chili powder, add diced jalapeños or serrano peppers to the chili, or incorporate a spicy chili sauce or cayenne pepper into the recipe.
Can I use a slow cooker for the chili? Yes, making the chili in a slow cooker is an excellent option. Brown your meat and onions before adding them to the slow cooker with the rest of the ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours for flavors that are fully developed and melded together.
What if I don’t have tomato paste? If you’re out of tomato paste, you can use extra tomato sauce and simmer your chili for a longer period to reduce and thicken it. Alternatively, a few tablespoons of ketchup can be a quick fix in a pinch.
Chili Cheese Frito Pie
INGREDIENTS
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 3 cloves small garlic minced
- 1 small onion diced
- 15 ounce can tomato sauce
- 6 ounce can tomato paste
- 1-2 Tablespoons chili powder or to taste
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons salt
- ¾ cup water or beef broth
- 9.25 ounce bag Fritos corn chips original or chili cheese flavor
For topping:
- sour cream
- grated cheddar cheese
- diced red onion
- minced jalapeño peppers
INSTRUCTIONS
- Cook 2 pounds of ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking it apart as it browns. Add minced garlic (3 cloves) and diced onion (1 small). Once cooked, drain any excess grease. Return mixture to skillet.
- Combine a 15-ounce can of tomato sauce, a 6-ounce can of tomato paste, 1-2 tablespoons of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, 2 teaspoons of salt, and 3/4 cup of water. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the mixture simmer for a minimum of 20 minutes.
- Place a 9.25 ounce bag of Fritos corn chips on a big plate or in a large bowl. Add the chili mixture on top. Alternatively, you can create individual servings in the same way.
- Top your dish with your favorite toppings such as sour cream, grated cheddar cheese, diced red onion, and minced jalapeño peppers.
