Frito Pie
A quintessential Southwestern comfort food, this Frito Pie features a rich, savory beef chili simmered with aromatic spices, ladled over a bed of crunchy Fritos corn chips. Finished with a generous topping of sharp cheddar cheese, crisp onions, and zesty jalapeños, it's a satisfying and easy-to-make meal perfect for any casual gathering.
For 4 servings
7 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat
- a.Add the chopped yellow onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute more, until fragrant.
- 3
Add the ground beef to the pot
- a.Use a spoon to break it apart and cook for 5-7 minutes until it's fully browned. Carefully drain off any excess grease.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Sprinkle in the chili powder, ground cumin, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir continuously for 1 minute to toast the spices and coat the beef.
- 5
Pour in the undrained diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth
- a.Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
- 6
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer
- a.Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook for at least 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld and the chili to thicken.
- 7
Step 7
- a.To serve, place a generous handful of Fritos corn chips in individual bowls or, for a traditional experience, directly in single-serving Fritos bags. Ladle the hot chili over the chips. Garnish with shredded cheddar cheese, diced white onion, sliced jalapeños, and a dollop of sour cream, if desired. Serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best experience, assemble each Frito Pie just before serving to ensure the chips remain crunchy.
- 2Make the chili ahead of time! The flavors will deepen overnight. Simply reheat and serve over fresh chips.
- 3For a thicker chili, simmer uncovered for the last 5-10 minutes.
- 4Don't be afraid to customize your toppings. Try adding cilantro, avocado, or a squeeze of lime.
- 5Serving this for a crowd? Set up a Frito Pie bar with the chili in a slow cooker on 'warm' and let guests build their own.
- 6Store leftover chili separately from the chips in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Substitute the ground beef with two cans of pinto or black beans (rinsed and drained) or a plant-based ground meat alternative. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
Spicier VersionSpicier Version
Add one or two chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce along with the tomatoes for a smoky heat. You can also increase the amount of chili powder or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Different MeatDifferent Meat
Try making the chili with ground turkey, chicken, or even chorizo for a different flavor profile. Adjust cooking times as needed.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Protein Powerhouse
The ground beef provides a significant amount of high-quality protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscles, supporting immune function, and maintaining overall body strength.
Rich in Lycopene
Tomatoes are an excellent source of the antioxidant lycopene, which is more easily absorbed by the body when cooked. Lycopene is linked to a reduced risk of certain chronic diseases.
Source of Iron
Beef is a great source of heme iron, a type of iron that is more readily absorbed by the body than the non-heme iron found in plants. Iron is crucial for transporting oxygen in the blood and preventing fatigue.
Frequently asked questions
A typical serving of this Frito Pie contains approximately 650-750 calories, depending on the specific ingredients and toppings used. The majority of calories come from the ground beef, chips, and cheese.