Frito Pie
User Reviews
4.5
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Prep Time
20 mins
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Cook Time
2 hrs 30 mins
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Total Time
2 hrs 50 mins
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Servings
8 to 10 servings
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Calories
814 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Frito Pie
Description
The recipe begins by building a chili base with sautéed onions and bell peppers, seasoned with chili powder, cumin, cayenne, and salt. Ground beef is browned and combined with kidney beans and two types of canned tomatoes for body and acidity. The chili simmers covered, then uncovered to thicken, allowing flavors to concentrate. The result is a robust, savory chili with a balanced heat level.
Assembly involves transferring the chili into a baking dish or ramekins, topping it with a layer of corn chips pushed lightly into the chili to soften slightly, followed by a generous sprinkle of sharp cheddar cheese. Baking melts the cheese and heats the chips just enough to meld the textures while retaining some crunch.
Frito Pie can be served as a main dish and pairs well with simple sides like salads or steamed vegetables. Garnishing with sliced green onions adds freshness and a mild bite. It's a practical meal for feeding a crowd or satisfying cravings for Tex-Mex style comfort food.
Ingredients
For the Chili:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 onion finely chopped, yellow
- 1 red bell pepper stemmed, seeded and finely chopped
- ¼ cup chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin ground
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt divided
- 6 garlic minced, cloves
- 2 pounds ground beef 85-90% lean
- 30 ounce Kidney Beans canned, dark red, drained and rinsed
- 28 ounce diced tomatoes canned
- 28 ounce tomato puree canned
For the Frito Pie:
- 10.25 ounce corn chips Fritos brand, bag
- 16 ounces cheddar cheese shredded, sharp
- 2 green onions thinly sliced
Instructions
- Make the Chili: Heat the oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat until it is shimmering. Add the onions, bell pepper, chili powder, cumin, cayenne and ½ teaspoon of the salt. Cook until the vegetables have softened, about 7 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Add the beef and increase the heat to medium-high. Cook, breaking up the beef with a wooden spoon, until no longer pink, about 10 minutes. Stir in the beans, diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato puree and the remaining ½ teaspoon salt. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat so it maintains a slow simmer, cover and cook for 45 minutes.
- Remove the lid and continue to simmer for an additional 45 minutes. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the Frito Pie: Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Transfer some or all of the chili to a baking dish or individual ramekins. Top with Fritos, pressing them lightly into the chili. Sprinkle cheddar cheese over the top and bake until the cheese is melted and the chili is bubbling, about 30 minutes. Sprinkle with sliced green onions and serve immediately.
Notes
- Simmer the chili uncovered after initial cooking to thicken and intensify flavors without excess liquid.
- Press the corn chips gently into the chili to allow slight softening during baking without losing crunch entirely.
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for a flavorful, melting topping that complements the spicy chili.
- Green onions add a fresh contrast to the rich chili and melted cheese when sprinkled on top before serving.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8to 10 servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 814 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 814kcal | 41% |
| Carbohydrates | 65g | 22% |
| Protein | 53g | 106% |
| Fat | 39g | 60% |
| Saturated Fat | 18g | 90% |
| Cholesterol | 129mg | 43% |
| Sodium | 1091mg | 45% |
| Potassium | 1649mg | 35% |
| Fiber | 13g | 52% |
| Sugar | 10g | 20% |
| Vitamin A | 1745IU | 35% |
| Vitamin C | 43.3mg | 48% |
| Calcium | 577mg | 58% |
| Iron | 10.1mg | 56% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.5
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