Frito Chili Pie

Frito Chili Pie is a classic, hearty dish that combines bold flavors with nostalgic comfort. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, this recipe layers crunchy Fritos with a rich, flavorful chili made from ground beef, beans, and zesty spices.

Topped with your favorite garnishes like cheddar cheese, sour cream, and jalapeños, it’s a fun, customizable meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

People will love Frito Chili Pie because it’s the perfect combination of bold, savory flavors and satisfying textures.

The rich and hearty chili pairs beautifully with the crunch of Fritos, while the customizable toppings allow everyone to make it their own.

It’s quick to prepare, crowd-pleasing, and delivers a nostalgic comfort that brings warmth to any meal.

Whether for a game day treat, a family dinner, or a casual gathering, this dish is both fun to eat and utterly delicious!

Key Ingredients:

Ground Beef: Provides a hearty and savory base for the chili.

Kidney Beans: Adds texture and a classic chili flavor.

Tomato Paste & Rotel: Bring a rich, tangy, and slightly spicy tomato base to the dish.

Chili Powder, Cumin, & Garlic: Essential spices for that bold, smoky chili flavor.

Fritos Chips: The crunchy, salty base that makes this pie unique and irresistible.

Cheddar Cheese & Sour Cream (Toppings): Add creaminess and richness to balance the spices.

Frito Chili Pie

Ingredients:

1 pound ground beef

1 medium onion diced

1 clove garlic minced

1 14 ounce can kidney beans undrained

1 5.5 ounce can tomato paste

1 10 ounce can rotel

2 tablespoons chili powder

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon sugar

1/2 teaspoon cumin

1 9.25 ounce bag of Fritos chips

For Topping:

sour cream

grated cheddar cheese

diced red onion

minced jalapeño peppers

tomato

Instructions:

In a large skillet or pot, brown the ground beef, onion, and garlic on medium heat.

Drain off excess fat.

Add kidney beans, tomato paste, rotel, chili powder, salt, sugar, and cumin to ground beef.

Stir to combine.

Turn heat down to medium low.

Allow the mixture to simmer uncovered for 20 minutes.

Pour a bag of fritos onto a serving dish, or pour a single serving of fritos onto each plate or bowl.

Serve the chili over fritos , sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese. Then add desired toppings (cheese, onion, jalapeños)

Tips:

Crescent Cheese Danishes

Loaded Crack Potatoes

Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe

This is a basic, thick chili recipe. If you like chili with beans, add in a can of drained and rinsed kidney beans.

Also, if you have it on hand, try beef broth instead of water to give this chili and even “beefier” flavor.

Notes:

Customize the Heat Level: Use mild, original, or hot Rotel based on your spice preference. Add extra jalapeños for a spicier kick.

Ground Beef Alternatives: Substitute ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter or vegetarian option.

Bean Variations: Swap kidney beans with black beans, pinto beans, or a combination for added variety.

Make it Ahead: Prepare the chili in advance and reheat when ready to serve for easy entertaining.

Serving Suggestions: Serve directly over Fritos for a crunchy texture or layer the chili and Fritos in a casserole dish for a baked version.

Topping Options: Experiment with diced tomatoes, avocado, green onions, or hot sauce to enhance the flavors further.

Leftover Chili: Use any leftover chili for nachos, tacos, or as a topping for baked potatoes

Nutrition Information:

YIELD: 6 SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

YIELD: 6 SERVING SIZE: 1

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat substitute or even more beans.

You could also add other vegetables like bell peppers or corn to make the dish more hearty.

How can I prevent the chili from sticking to the bottom of the pot?

Make sure to stir the chili regularly, especially when it’s simmering.

Also, reducing the heat to medium low after combining all the ingredients will help prevent sticking.

How do I know when the chili is done cooking?

The chili is done when it has thickened to your liking.

This usually takes about 20 minutes of simmering after all the ingredients have been combined.

Can I use ground turkey or a meat substitute instead of ground beef?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based meat substitute for the ground beef to make a leaner or vegetarian version of Frito Chili Pie.

What can I use as a replacement for Rotel tomatoes if I can’t find them?

If you can’t find Rotel tomatoes (which are diced tomatoes with green chilies), you can use a can of diced tomatoes and add some diced green chilies separately to achieve a similar flavor.

Is it necessary to use kidney beans, or can I use a different type of bean?

You can certainly use a different type of bean if you prefer.

Black beans, pinto beans, or even a combination of beans can work well in this recipe.

Are there any alternatives to Fritos chips if I want to make it healthier?

If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can use baked tortilla chips or whole-grain chips as an alternative to Fritos.

These options will provide a lighter crunch.

Can I prepare the chili mixture in advance and reheat it before serving?

Yes, you can make the chili mixture in advance and reheat it before serving.

Just be sure to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and when reheating, you may need to add a little water or broth to maintain the desired consistency.

What can I use if I don’t have kidney beans on hand?

If you don’t have kidney beans, you can use other types of beans like black beans, pinto beans, or even white beans as a suitable replacement.

Is there a way to make the chili less spicy for those who don’t like heat?

To reduce the spiciness of the chili, you can use mild chili powder and skip the minced jalapeño peppers in the toppings.

Adjusting the amount of chili powder and cumin can also help control the heat.

Are there any other recommended toppings besides the ones listed in the recipe?

Frito Chili Pie is quite versatile, and you can customize the toppings to your liking.

Other popular toppings include diced tomatoes, green onions, avocado slices, and olives.

Feel free to get creative with your toppings.