If you’ve ever wondered how to make Frito chili pie, you’re in for a treat! This classic comfort food is a perfect blend of crunchy Fritos, hearty chili, and gooey melted cheese — all baked together to create a dish that’s both simple and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a game day snack, or just craving something warm and tasty, Frito chili pie is an easy recipe that delivers big flavor with minimal fuss.
What Is Frito Chili Pie?
Frito chili pie is a beloved Southwestern dish that layers crispy corn chips (Fritos) with a savory chili base and plenty of melted cheese. It’s like a chili casserole with a crunchy twist. The dish is quick to assemble and can be customized with your favorite chili recipe, making it a versatile and crowd-pleasing meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make a classic Frito chili pie, gather these ingredients:
– 1 bag (about 9 ounces) of original Fritos corn chips
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 cup diced onion
– 3 teaspoons minced garlic
– 1 tablespoon chili powder
– 2 teaspoons oregano
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– 1 teaspoon coriander
– 1 teaspoon salt
– ½ teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
– 1 (10-ounce) can Rotel tomatoes (undrained)
– 1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Optional toppings: chopped green onions, sour cream, jalapeños, or cilantro for extra flavor and freshness.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Frito Chili Pie
1. Prepare Your Pie Dish and Chips
Spray a 9-inch pie pan or a similar baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Pour the entire bag of Fritos into the bottom of the dish, spreading them out evenly to create a crunchy base.
2. Cook the Chili
Heat a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion, cooking for about 8 minutes until the meat is browned and the onions are soft. Drain any excess fat.
Add the minced garlic, chili powder, oregano, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper. Stir well and cook for another minute to toast the spices.
Pour in the beef broth, tomato sauce, undrained Rotel tomatoes, and the drained beans. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 5 minutes to blend the flavors and heat through.
3. Assemble the Pie
Pour the hot chili mixture evenly over the Fritos in the pie pan. Then sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously on top.
4. Bake and Broil
Place the assembled pie in the oven and broil on HIGH for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly browned. Keep a close eye on it to avoid burning.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool slightly. Serve it warm, topped with your favorite garnishes like sour cream, green onions, or jalapeños if you like a little extra kick.
Tips for Customizing Your Frito Chili Pie
– Use canned chili for a shortcut: If you’re short on time, canned chili works perfectly. Just heat it up and pour over the Fritos before adding cheese.
– Make it vegetarian: Swap ground beef for plant-based meat or extra beans and veggies. Add corn or bell peppers for more texture.
– Adjust the spice level: Add more chili powder, cayenne, or diced jalapeños if you like it spicy, or tone it down for milder tastes.
– Try different cheeses: Sharp cheddar is classic, but pepper jack or a Mexican cheese blend can add a new twist.
– Add toppings: Sour cream, avocado slices, fresh cilantro, or sliced olives make great finishing touches.
Why Frito Chili Pie Is a Family Favorite
This dish is a winner because it’s simple, quick, and hits all the right notes: crunchy, cheesy, and full of hearty chili flavor. It’s a one-dish meal that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers. Plus, it’s budget-friendly and easy to customize to suit your family’s tastes.
Making Frito chili pie is a fun way to bring a taste of Tex-Mex comfort food into your kitchen without spending hours cooking. The combination of crunchy Fritos, rich chili, and melted cheese is irresistible and sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation.
Give this recipe a try tonight — it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s as easy to make as it is delicious!
Frito chili pie is a simple, flavorful dish combining crunchy corn chips, savory chili, and melted cheese baked to perfection. It’s perfect for quick family meals or casual gatherings.