Frito Pie Recipe
Frito Pie is a classic comfort food that layers crunchy corn chips with savory chili and melty cheese for a hearty, crowd-pleasing dish. This retro favorite is simple, satisfying, and perfect for game nights, potlucks, or a fun family dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Frito Pie delivers the perfect balance of textures and flavors—crispy chips, flavorful chili, and gooey cheese in every bite. It’s quick to prepare, highly customizable, and a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. Plus, you can make it as mild or as spicy as you like.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Ground beef (or ground turkey)
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Onion, diced
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Garlic, minced
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Chili powder
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Ground cumin
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Tomato sauce
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Canned diced tomatoes
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Kidney beans or pinto beans, drained and rinsed
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Salt and pepper
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Fritos corn chips
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Shredded cheddar cheese (or a Mexican cheese blend)
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Optional toppings: sour cream, diced green onions, jalapeños, chopped cilantro
Directions
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In a large skillet, cook ground beef and onion over medium heat until beef is browned and onion is softened. Drain excess fat.
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Stir in garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
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Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and beans. Stir well and let simmer for 10–15 minutes to blend flavors.
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Spread a layer of Fritos corn chips in the bottom of a baking dish.
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Spoon the chili mixture over the chips, then sprinkle generously with cheese.
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Repeat layers if desired, finishing with cheese on top.
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Bake for 10–15 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Servings and timing
Serves 6–8 people.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: 35–40 minutes
Variations
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Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the chili.
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Vegetarian: Use plant-based crumbles or extra beans instead of meat.
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Tex-Mex Style: Add corn, black beans, and green chilies to the chili mixture.
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Single-Serve Bags: Serve chili directly in small Fritos bags for a fun twist.
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Cheesy Upgrade: Mix cheese into the chili before layering for extra gooeyness.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover chili separately from the chips to keep them crisp. Refrigerate chili in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat chili on the stovetop or in the microwave, then layer with fresh Fritos and cheese before serving.
You can freeze the chili for up to 3 months; thaw overnight before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use canned chili instead of making my own?
Yes, just heat it up and proceed with the layering.
Do the chips get soggy?
If baked and served immediately, they stay mostly crisp. For best texture, add chips just before serving.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Prepare the chili in advance and assemble right before baking.
What’s the best cheese for Frito Pie?
Sharp cheddar or a Mexican blend melts beautifully.
Can I make this without baking it?
Yes, simply layer hot chili over chips and top with cheese to melt.
Can I use flavored Fritos?
Absolutely—chili cheese or BBQ flavors add an extra kick.
Is this dish spicy?
It depends on your chili recipe—adjust seasoning to taste.
Can I make it in a slow cooker?
Yes, keep the chili warm in the slow cooker and serve over chips at the table.
Can I use turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey works perfectly.
What sides go with Frito Pie?
A fresh salad, Mexican street corn, or coleslaw complement it well.
Conclusion
Frito Pie is a fun, nostalgic, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for sharing. With its crunchy, cheesy, and chili-filled layers, it’s comfort food at its finest—and so easy to make. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, this dish always brings smiles to the table
Frito Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
- Total Time: 35–40 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
Frito Pie is a nostalgic comfort food made by layering crunchy Fritos corn chips, hearty homemade chili, and melted cheese for the ultimate crowd-pleasing dish. Perfect for game nights, potlucks, or casual family dinners, it’s quick to prepare and endlessly customizable.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans or pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 cups Fritos corn chips
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend)
- Optional toppings: sour cream, diced green onions, jalapeños, chopped cilantro
Instructions
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef and onion over medium heat until beef is browned and onion is softened. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and beans. Stir well and let simmer for 10–15 minutes to blend flavors.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spread a layer of Fritos corn chips in the bottom of a baking dish.
- Spoon the chili mixture over the chips, then sprinkle generously with cheese.
- Repeat layers if desired, finishing with cheese on top.
- Bake for 10–15 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Notes
For extra heat, add diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the chili.Vegetarian version works great with plant-based crumbles or extra beans.chili in small Fritos bags for a fun single-serve option.Store chili and chips separately to keep chips crisp.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (about 1 1/2 cups)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
