Frito Pie(Chili)
A hearty and flavorful chili layered over crunchy Fritos, topped with fresh vegetables and condiments, perfect for casual gatherings and comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. lean ground beef ⓘ
- 3.5 Tbsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 tsp. sugar ⓘ
- 1 large onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 green pepper, chopped
- 2 (8 oz.) cans tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 can Ro-Tel tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 cup water ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 tsp. oregano ⓘ
- 2 cans kidney beans (undrained) ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. cooking oil ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. flour ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a large kettle.
- Add chili powder, salt, sugar, chopped onion, chopped green pepper, tomato sauce, Ro-Tel tomatoes, water, minced garlic, and oregano to the beef.
- Cover and simmer for 1 hour.
- In a small bowl, mix cooking oil and flour until smooth.
- Add undrained kidney beans to the flour mixture.
- Add the bean mixture to the kettle with the chili.
- Cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 30 minutes.
- Serve the chili over Fritos and top with cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, chopped onion, taco sauce, sour cream, and guacamole, letting each person serve themselves.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the chili mixture. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef if you prefer a leaner option. If you're out of kidney beans, black beans work well too. Remember to adjust the seasoning to taste, especially if using canned beans that may have added salt.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chili over a generous layer of Fritos, allowing each guest to customize their toppings with cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, chopped onion, taco sauce, sour cream, and guacamole. This dish pairs beautifully with Beefed Up Cornbread for a hearty meal. For a lighter option, consider a side salad to balance the richness.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Frito Pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short intervals until heated through. If the chili thickens, add a splash of water to reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Frito Pie(Chili) contains roughly 869 calories, with 39g protein, 83g carbohydrates, and 45g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (118% of the Daily Value), protein (78% of the Daily Value), and iron (78% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1015mg per serving (44% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Frito Pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chili a day in advance. Just let it cool completely before storing it in the refrigerator. Reheat it gently before serving. The flavors will deepen and enhance, making it even more delicious!
What can I use instead of Fritos?
If you're looking for alternatives to Fritos, consider using tortilla chips or even crushed corn chips for a similar crunch. You can also serve it over baked potatoes for a unique twist on this classic dish.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
Absolutely! You can freeze the chili for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for the best texture and flavor.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).