Description
Frito Pie is a classic, crowd-pleasing comfort dish that combines crunchy Fritos corn chips with hearty chili, melted cheese, and a variety of optional toppings like sour cream, onions, and jalapeños. Originating in the American Southwest, this dish is perfect for casual family dinners, potlucks, or game days. The mix of crunchy chips, savory chili, and creamy cheese makes for a satisfying, quick-to-prepare meal that’s both nostalgic and adaptable. Whether baked in a casserole dish or served individually in small Frito bags (the famous “Walking Taco”), Frito Pie is versatile and full of flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 can 10 ounces diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 can 15 ounces ranch-style beans
- 1 cup corn kernels fresh, canned, or frozen
- 1 bag 10.25 ounces Fritos, divided
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
-
Preparation: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
-
Layering the Base: Spread ¾ of the Fritos in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
-
Cooking the Meat: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
-
Seasoning: Stir in the taco seasoning until well mixed.
-
Mixing in Vegetables: Add diced tomatoes, beans, and corn to the skillet. Stir until combined.
-
Assembling the Pie: Pour the beef mixture over the Fritos in the baking dish, spreading evenly.
-
Cheese Topping: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.
-
Baking: Bake for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
-
Serving: Serve topped with the remaining Fritos and optional taco toppings like sour cream, jalapeños, tomatoes, and lettuce.
Notes
- Customizing Your Chili:
- Canned vs. Homemade: If you’re short on time, canned chili works well, but for the best flavor, consider making your chili from scratch. A homemade beef chili with ground beef, tomatoes, beans, and classic spices like cumin and chili powder will make the dish richer and more flavorful.
- Vegetarian Options: For a plant-based variation, swap the beef chili for a bean chili or a vegetable-based chili. Black beans or lentils can provide a hearty texture that pairs well with the Fritos and cheese.
- Cheese Tips:
- Shredding Fresh Cheese: Always shred your own cheese if possible. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting as smoothly. Freshly shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack will give you the best gooey, creamy melt.
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Pepper Jack can add a bit of spice, while mozzarella offers a milder, creamier texture.
- Keeping Fritos Crunchy:
- Layering Tip: To avoid soggy chips, wait to add the Fritos until just before serving. If you’re baking the Frito Pie in a casserole dish, consider adding a layer of chili first, followed by the Fritos and cheese, and then bake briefly (10-15 minutes) to retain the crunch.
- Serving as a “Walking Taco”: For a fun and portable version, serve the chili and toppings directly in small bags of Fritos, which helps keep the chips crunchy longer as guests eat.
- Serving Suggestions:
- Frito Pie Bar: If you’re serving a large group, set up a Frito Pie bar where guests can customize their toppings. Offer a variety of options like sour cream, guacamole, diced onions, fresh jalapeños, salsa, and diced tomatoes.
- BBQ Variation: For a unique twist, substitute the chili with pulled pork or BBQ brisket, and top with pickled onions and barbecue sauce for a smoky flavor profile.
- Storage and Reheating:
- Making in Advance: You can prepare the chili portion in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the chili and assemble the Frito Pie just before serving to preserve the chips’ crunch.
- Leftovers: If you have leftovers, store the chili and toppings separately from the Fritos to prevent sogginess. Reheat the chili on the stovetop or microwave and layer over fresh Fritos when ready to eat.
- Creative Variations:
- Frito Pie Casserole: For a baked version, assemble the Frito Pie in a casserole dish, layering the chili, cheese, and Fritos, and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Healthy Version: Lighten up the recipe by using baked Fritos and swapping out ground beef for a mix of vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and beans. You can also use low-fat cheese or reduce the cheese quantity to cut down on calories.