Frito Pie

Ingredients

1 Tablespoon olive oil

1 cup yellow onion, diced

½ diced green bell pepper, or 2 seeded jalapeno peppers

3 cloves garlic, diced

1 lb. ground beef, 85% lean

8 oz. tomato sauce

1 (14.5 oz.) can diced tomatoes, drained

1 cup chicken broth

1/8 cup masa harina, (corn flour), see notes

1 (16 oz.) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed

1 Tablespoon cream cheese, softened

2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded

2 cups Fritos

Seasonings

1 Tablespoon sugar

¾ Tablespoon chili powder

1 teaspoon EACH: ground cumin, smoked paprika

½ teaspoon salt

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350° F.

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the diced onions and cook for 5 minutes, until softened. Add the diced peppers and garlic and cook for 2 minutes, until fragrant.

Add the ground beef and cook and crumble until browned and cooked through. Drain any grease if needed.

Add the seasonings and stir to combine.

Add the tomato sauce and drained diced tomatoes.

Combine the Masa Harina and the chicken broth until well-combined. Add to the chili, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Stir in beans and heat uncovered for 10-15 minutes, until the liquid has thickened and reduced.

Swirl in the softened cream cheese. This adds a hint of creaminess that offsets the seasonings nicely.

Transfer to a pie pan or a 9×13 baking dish. Top with cheddar cheese and Fritos.

Bake, uncovered, for 13 minutes. Let it sit 5 minutes prior to serving.

Serving Suggestion: Garnish with green onions if desired and serve with sour cream. This also goes great with Cornbread or Corn Casserole.

Nutrition Information:

Calories: 645kcal, Carbohydrates: 43g, Protein: 30g, Fat: 40g, Saturated Fat: 16g, Cholesterol: 96mg, Sodium: 1298mg, Potassium: 864mg, Fiber: 8g, Sugar: 9g, Vitamin A: 1151IU, Vitamin C: 23mg, Calcium: 405mg, Iron: 5mg

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is masa harina, and can I substitute it with regular flour?

Masa harina is a type of corn flour used in Mexican and Latin American cuisine.

It’s essential for achieving the authentic flavor and texture in this recipe.

Substituting it with regular flour won’t provide the same result, so it’s best to use masa harina if possible.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

Yes, you can make a vegetarian or vegan version of Frito Pie. Simply replace the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or crumbled tofu, and use vegan cheese and cream cheese.

Adjust seasonings and flavorings to suit your preference.

Can I use other types of beans instead of kidney beans?

Absolutely! You can substitute kidney beans with other varieties like black beans, pinto beans, or a mix of beans, depending on your taste and what you have on hand.

How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop.

You may need to add a little extra chicken broth to maintain the desired consistency.

Can I prepare this dish in advance and bake it later?

Yes, you can prepare the Frito Pie in advance, refrigerate it, and then bake it when you’re ready.

Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it will be starting from a cooler temperature.

This is convenient for meal planning or entertaining.

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef if you prefer a lighter or poultry-based option.

Just be sure to cook and season the poultry in a similar way for great flavor.

Is it necessary to use both green bell pepper and jalapeno peppers?

No, you can use either green bell pepper or jalapeno peppers based on your heat preference.

Green bell peppers are milder, while jalapenos add a spicy kick.

Adjust the choice of peppers to suit your taste.

What can I use if I don’t have masa harina?

If you don’t have masa harina, you can try using cornmeal as a substitute.

While it won’t be identical, it will add a similar corn flavor and thickness to the dish.

Can I make this dish without beans for a lower-carb option?

Certainly, if you want a lower-carb version, you can omit the kidney beans.

The dish will still be delicious with all the other flavors and ingredients.

What are some additional toppings I can add?

Frito Pie is quite customizable. You can top it with various ingredients like sliced jalapenos, diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro, green onions, or even a dollop of guacamole to enhance the flavors and add freshness.

The choice of toppings is up to your preference.