Hatch Green Chile Frito Pie

Hatch Green Chile Frito Pie is a hearty and flavorful Tex-Mex dish that combines the bold flavors of hatch green chiles with savory ground beef, cheese, and crunchy Fritos. This recipe brings together a comforting blend of ingredients, perfect for a satisfying meal any day of the week.

How to make Hatch Green Chile Frito Pie

Ingredients:

2 pounds of grown beef browned.

1 large bag of chili cheese Fritos

4 to 8 oz of hatch green chilies you can use canned if need be but not advised

1 large yellow onion

1 can drained and rinsed Kidney or Pinto beans I prefer pintos made at home in the crock pot with a bit of bacon added in but that’s up to you.

1/2 pound of cheese, use you favorite kind of cheese for best results

4 oz of sour cream

Chile powder to taste

Taco seasoning to taste

Instructions:

Cook ground beef most the way threw then drain and add in diced onions and hatch green Chiles. Cook until onions become translucent then take of the heat.

Add in half a bag of the chili cheese Fritos and 4 oz of sour cream, 1/2 bag of cheese, beans and mix in 9×13 baking.

Next break up the or leave whole the last half bag of Fritos and sprinkle over the top of the mixture, do the same with the cheese.

Cover with tinfoil and cook for 30 minutes or until cheese is melted then turn over to 400 remove foil layer and cook until good and browned about 15 minutes or so on 400.

Notes:

Choosing the Beef: Use lean ground beef to minimize excess fat. Brown it until mostly cooked through, then drain any remaining fat before adding other ingredients.

Handling Hatch Green Chiles: If using fresh hatch green chiles, roast them first to enhance their flavor. Remove the skins and seeds before dicing. Canned chiles can be used as a substitute but fresh ones are recommended for better taste.

Onions and Flavor: Dice the yellow onion finely to ensure it cooks evenly with the ground beef and green chiles. Cooking until translucent helps develop sweetness and flavor.

Balancing Texture: When mixing the ingredients in the baking dish, ensure even distribution of Fritos, cheese, beans, and sour cream. This ensures every bite has a balance of creamy, crunchy, and savory elements.

Layering Fritos and Cheese: Layering Fritos and cheese on top adds a crispy texture and gooey topping. Break up the Fritos for a more even distribution or leave them whole for a crunchier texture.

Baking Tips: Covering the dish with foil during the initial baking prevents the cheese from drying out and helps melt it evenly. Removing the foil in the final baking stage allows the top to become crispy and golden brown.

Seasoning Adjustments: Taste the mixture before baking and adjust the amount of chile powder and taco seasoning to suit your preference for spiciness and flavor.

Make-Ahead and Storage: This dish can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to bake. It also reheats well, making it a convenient option for leftovers.

Garnishing and Serving: Serve the Hatch Green Chile Frito Pie with additional sour cream, chopped cilantro, or diced tomatoes for added freshness and flavor.

Variations: Feel free to customize the recipe by adding ingredients like corn kernels, bell peppers, or different types of cheese to suit your taste.

Nutrition Information:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for beef if you prefer a lighter option.

Adjust cooking times as needed.

Can I use a different type of Fritos or chips?

Yes, you can use regular Fritos or even tortilla chips if you prefer.

Choose a flavor that complements the dish.

What’s the best way to roast fresh hatch green chilies?

Roast fresh hatch green chilies over an open flame or under the broiler until charred.

Place in a sealed plastic bag to steam, then peel off the skin and remove seeds before dicing.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, omit the ground beef and bacon, and increase the amount of beans or add vegetables like bell peppers or corn for protein and texture.

How spicy is this dish with hatch green chilies?

The spice level can vary depending on the variety of hatch green chilies used and personal preference.

Start with a smaller amount and adjust to taste.

What type of cheese works best?

Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of both are popular choices.

Choose a cheese that melts well for a creamy texture.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the pie ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Increase baking time slightly if baking from cold.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

What can I serve with Hatch Green Chile Frito Pie?

It’s delicious on its own, but you can serve it with a side salad, guacamole, or salsa for added freshness.

Can I freeze Hatch Green Chile Frito Pie?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled pie before baking.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed, adjusting baking time as needed.