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Frito Pie Recipe
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5 from 2 votes

Frito Pie Recipe

This Frito pie recipe is easy to make and always satisfying, with a big bowl of your favorite chili smothered in crunchy Fritos corn chips and lots of cheese.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time50 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: chili, corn chips, fritos
Servings: 8
Calories: 759kcal

Ingredients

FOR THE CHILI

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 large onion chopped
  • 2 jalapeno peppers chopped
  • 1 small bell pepper or sweet pepper chopped
  • 1 spicy chili pepper chopped (optional for a nice and extra spicy chili)
  • 4 cloves garlic chopped
  • 2 cans red kidney beans
  • 3 cans fire roasted tomatoes 42 ounces, or use equivalent fresh
  • 2 tablespoons ancho powder
  • 2 tablespoons guajillo powder
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon red chili flakes
  • Salt and pepper to taste

FOR THE FRITO PIE

  • 8 cups corn chips
  • 8 ounces shredded cheddar cheese
  • FOR SERVING: Sliced jalapeno peppers chopped onion, spicy chili flakes, fresh chopped parsley or cilantro

Instructions

  • Heat the oil in a large pot and add the ground beef, onion and peppers. Cook them down about 10 minutes, or until the beef is cooked through and the vegetables are softened.
  • Add the garlic and cook another minute, stirring.
  • If using fresh tomatoes, chop them and add them to the pot. Cook about 10 minutes to let them break down. If using canned fire roasted tomatoes, just add them to the pot and go to the next step.
  • Add the remaining ingredients and give it all a good stir.
  • Reduce the heat and cook the chili on low for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors develop, stirring every now and then. I usually simmer 1 hour. Adjust for seasonings if you wish.

FOR THE FRITO PIE

  • Divide the chili into 8 bowls.
  • Top with corn chips, cheddar cheese and the remainder of the fixin's. You can also serve the chili over the top of the corn chips or mix them in as desired.

Notes

Frito Pie Casserole. Another popular way to prepare Frito pie is in casserole form. To do so, add the cooked chili to a large baking dish. Top with corn chips and cheese, then bake for 10 minutes at 350 degrees F until the cheese is melted. Top with your favorite toppings and serve.
Walking Tacos. This is a hugely popular way to serve Frito pie. Basically slice open a small bag of Frito corn chips, scoop in some hot chili, cheddar cheese and toppings. It's easy to walk around and still enjoy your walking tacos!

Nutrition

Calories: 759kcal | Carbohydrates: 62g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 48g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 13g | Monounsaturated Fat: 16g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 70mg | Sodium: 1638mg | Potassium: 472mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 2106IU | Vitamin C: 33mg | Calcium: 384mg | Iron: 4mg