Get ready to fall in love with a nostalgic classic that brings together bold flavors and irresistible crunch! Frito Chili Pie is the ultimate comfort food, a hearty mix of savory chili spooned over piles of crispy corn chips and crowned with melty cheddar cheese. Each mouthful hits you with layers of texture and zest, whether you’re serving it at a backyard cookout, game day party, or just for a cozy family dinner. The beauty of Frito Chili Pie lies in its simplicity and the way every ingredient melds together to create a dish everyone adores.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Part of what makes Frito Chili Pie such a staple is how easy it is to pull together. Each ingredient adds its own magic to this beloved dish, and you probably have most of them on hand right now!

Ground Beef: Provides a hearty, savory base that makes the chili wonderfully filling and satisfying.
Onion: A small diced onion adds natural sweetness and depth to the chili.
Garlic: Minced garlic brings a boost of flavor and aroma that makes the chili irresistible.
Chili Beans (undrained): These add protein and body to the chili, plus a touch of extra seasoning from the can.
Diced Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes bring juiciness and a bit of tang to balance the richness of the meat and beans.
Tomato Paste: Creates a thick, hearty chili that coats every chip perfectly.
Chili Powder: Adds that signature chili warmth and a touch of spice.
Ground Cumin: Offers earthiness that makes each bite more complex.
Smoked Paprika: Introduces a subtle smoky undertone that deepens the chili flavor.
Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the other ingredients.
Fritos Corn Chips: The crispy crunch that makes Frito Chili Pie totally iconic!
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melty and rich, a must-have for that gooey topping everyone loves.
Chopped Green Onions and Sour Cream (optional): Brighten and cool the dish as garnishes for extra flair.

How to Make Frito Chili Pie

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Onions

Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add your ground beef and diced onion, cooking for 6 to 8 minutes. The goal is to brown the meat and soften the onions, building a flavorful base for your chili. Once it looks rich and browned, carefully drain off any excess grease to keep the chili from getting oily.

Step 2: Add the Garlic

Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for just one minute. This will release an incredible aroma and deepen the overall flavor of your chili, so don’t skip or rush this step!

Step 3: Mix in the Beans, Tomatoes, and Seasonings

To that tasty skillet, add the chili beans (including the liquid from the can), diced tomatoes, and tomato paste. Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together so the flavors begin to meld. The mixture should look thick and chunky at this stage.

Step 4: Simmer the Chili

Turn the heat down to low and let your chili simmer gently for 10 to 15 minutes. This gives the spices a chance to bloom and the sauce to thicken—a crucial stage for a luscious Frito Chili Pie.

Step 5: Assemble Your Frito Chili Pie

Now for the best part! On individual plates or bowls, layer a generous handful of Fritos corn chips. Spoon a big helping of steaming chili over the chips, then finish with shredded cheddar cheese. The residual heat will start to melt the cheese into gooey perfection.

How to Serve Frito Chili Pie

Garnishes

A good Frito Chili Pie can stand on its own, but garnishes take it to the next level. Chopped green onions add sharpness and freshness, while a dollop of sour cream helps to cool off the spices and provide a creamy contrast. Don’t be afraid to get creative with sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of chopped cilantro if you’re feeling adventurous.

Side Dishes

While this dish could easily be a meal by itself, serving it with some cool sides makes for a balanced spread. A crisp green salad or some crunchy carrot sticks can lighten things up. If you’re feeding a hungry crowd, cornbread or buttery dinner rolls on the side provide an extra cozy touch.

Creative Ways to Present

Think outside the bowl! Try serving Frito Chili Pie “walking taco” style by spooning the chili directly into individual snack-size corn chip bags for a fun, portable treat. Or, layer everything in a casserole dish and bake until bubbly for a delicious twist on the classic.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover Frito Chili Pie, store the chili and toppings separately from the corn chips to protect their crunch. Place the chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to three days. Keep your cheese and garnishes in separate small containers for easy assembly later.

Freezing

The chili portion of this recipe freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely, then spoon it into freezer-friendly bags or containers—just leave some space for it to expand. It’ll keep for up to three months. When you’re ready, simply thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Warm your chili gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or microwave it in short bursts, stirring occasionally. Wait until just before serving to layer it over fresh Fritos and top with cheese to keep everything crisp and melty.

FAQs

Can I make Frito Chili Pie vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or extra beans, and you’ve got a hearty and equally delicious vegetarian version everyone will enjoy. The rest of the ingredients and method remain the same.

Do I have to use Fritos, or can I try other corn chips?

Fritos are iconic and give that signature crunch, but feel free to experiment with other corn chips if you’d like. Thicker chips hold up well under the chili, but you can also try blue corn or organic varieties for a twist.

How spicy is this Frito Chili Pie?

This version is mild to medium in heat, making it family-friendly. If you like things spicier, simply add jalapeños, more chili powder, or your favorite hot sauce to dial up the heat to your preference.

Can I assemble Frito Chili Pie in advance?

It’s best to keep the chili separate from the Fritos until serving to preserve that wonderful crunch. Prepare all your components ahead of time, then assemble right before mealtime for the best texture and flavor.

What’s the best cheese to use on top?

Shredded cheddar is the classic choice thanks to its meltiness and sharp flavor, but Monterey Jack or a Mexican cheese blend also work beautifully if you want to mix things up.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing like sharing a big, bubbly Frito Chili Pie with the people around your table. Whether you’re new to this classic or it’s already your go-to comfort food, I hope you’re inspired to dig in and make it your own. Give this recipe a try—it’s the kind of simple, crowd-pleasing dish that might just become a tradition in your home too!

Frito Chili Pie Recipe

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4.7 from 9 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Frito Chili Pie recipe is a comforting and hearty dish that combines crunchy Fritos corn chips with a flavorful beef and bean chili topped with melted cheddar cheese. It’s a satisfying meal that’s perfect for cozy nights in or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chili:

1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (15-ounce) can chili beans (undrained)
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Additional Ingredients:

4 cups Fritos corn chips
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Chopped green onions and sour cream for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the meat is browned and the onion is soft, about 6–8 minutes. Drain any excess grease, then stir in the garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
Prepare the Chili: Add the chili beans, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine and bring to a simmer. Let simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
Serve: Layer Fritos on the bottom of individual bowls or plates, spoon the warm chili over the top, and sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese. Garnish with green onions and sour cream if desired.

Notes

For a spicier version, add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
This recipe also works well in a casserole dish—just layer Fritos, chili, and cheese and bake at 350°F for 10 minutes.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American