Frito Chili Pie: A Classic Comfort Food
What’s better than a warm, comforting dish made with simple ingredients? Frito Chili Pie! This flavorful meal combines crunchy Fritos corn chips with hearty chili and melted cheese. For many, it’s a nostalgic reminder of childhood, a quick and easy dinner, or a fun party snack.
The beauty of Frito chili pie is its simplicity and adaptability. You can easily customize it to your liking, adding your favorite toppings or tweaking the chili recipe. Plus, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
In this article, we’ll explore various Frito chili pie recipes, toppings, and serving suggestions. We’ll also share tips and tricks to help you create the perfect Frito chili pie every time.
The Classic Frito Chili Pie Recipe
Frito chili pie is quick to make and easy to customize. Here’s a look at what you’ll need for the basic recipe.
Core Ingredients
- Fritos corn chips. These crunchy chips form the base of the dish. You can use scoops or regular Fritos, depending on your preference.
- Chili. Canned chili works great for a quick meal, or you can use your favorite homemade chili recipe. Wolf Brand Chili is a popular choice for its flavor and convenience.
- Cheese. Shredded cheddar cheese is the classic topping. Many people prefer a sharp cheddar for its bold taste.
Basic Preparation
Making Frito chili pie is as easy as layering the ingredients:
- Arrange Fritos on a plate or in a bowl.
- Top with chili and shredded cheese.
You can heat the pie in the microwave to quickly melt the cheese, or bake it in the oven for a more thorough warming.
Homemade chili for Frito pie
The best Frito pie is built on a sturdy foundation of delicious homemade chili. Here’s a recipe for a basic chili that you can customize to your own taste.
Ingredients for a basic chili
- Ground meat: Ground beef is most common, but you can also use ground turkey or pork. Usually about 1 pound.
- Aromatics: Onion and garlic are classic, but you can also experiment with other vegetables. Try 1 medium onion and 1 clove of garlic to start.
- Beans: Kidney beans are the classic choice, but feel free to substitute your favorite beans. One 14-ounce can of kidney beans should be plenty.
- Tomatoes: Tomato paste and Rotel (diced tomatoes and green chiles) add depth and a little spice. You’ll want one 5.5-ounce can of tomato paste and one 10-ounce can of Rotel.
- Spices: Chili powder, cumin, salt, and a pinch of sugar are the basics. Aim for 2 tablespoons of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and ½ teaspoon of ground cumin, and adjust to your own taste.
Instructions
- Brown the ground meat in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the remaining ingredients and stir to combine. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and simmer for at least 20 minutes, or longer, to allow the flavors to meld. The longer it simmers, the better it will taste!
Variations and substitutions
The great thing about Frito chili pie is that there’s no single “right” way to make it. Here are a few simple variations and substitutions you can try.
Meat alternatives
If you’re looking for a leaner option, try using ground turkey or ground chicken instead of ground beef. You could also make a keto-friendly version using turkey chili.
For a vegetarian chili pie, substitute two 14-ounce cans of beans for the ground meat. Think about using a mix of kidney, pinto, and black beans for added flavor and texture.
Cheese substitutions
Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or Colby Jack cheese can be used instead of cheddar. Think about the flavor of the cheese and how well it will complement the other ingredients.
For a dairy-free version, use vegan shredded cheese or skip the cheese altogether. There are lots of good vegan cheese products on the market these days. Just be sure to choose one that melts well.
Other ingredient swaps
If you like a saucier chili, add a 15-ounce can of tomato sauce to the recipe. This will also make the chili a little milder.
Toppings and serving suggestions
Half the fun of a Frito chili pie is loading it up with all your favorite toppings. You can keep it simple or go wild — it’s all good!
Popular toppings
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt. Adds a cool, creamy tang that balances out the richness of the chili.
- Salsa or pico de gallo. For a fresh, zesty kick.
- Guacamole or avocado. Adds creaminess and healthy fats.
- Diced onions or green onions. For a sharp, pungent bite.
Serving ideas
Frito chili pie is super versatile. You can serve it up in a big casserole dish or make individual servings. For parties, individual servings are the way to go. Just use those little snack-size bags of Fritos!
As for side dishes, rice, a simple green salad, or a veggie platter all go great with Frito chili pie.
Walking Frito Chili Pie
Okay, so you want individual Frito chili pies? That’s where the walking Frito chili pie comes in. These are great for parties, tailgates, or anytime you want something portable and fun. The best part? You eat it right out of the bag.
How to Make a Walking Frito Chili Pie:
- Gently crush the Fritos inside the bag. You want them broken up a bit, but not pulverized.
- Open the bag carefully.
- Spoon in your favorite chili recipe and top with shredded cheese.
- Add any other toppings you love – sour cream, onions, jalapenos, whatever!
- Grab a fork and dig in! You’re eating right out of the bag, hence the “walking” part.
Wrapping Up
Frito chili pie is easy to make, easy to customize, and almost always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you bake it in a casserole dish or serve it up in individual bags, this dish is comforting and versatile, perfect for a casual weeknight dinner, a tailgate party, or a potluck supper.
There are so many ways to make it your own. Experiment with different flavors of chili. Try different toppings. Add some heat with jalapeños, or cool it down with a dollop of sour cream.
There’s a reason Frito chili pie has endured for generations. It’s just plain good. Enjoy!