Frito Pie is a classic American comfort food that combines the crunch of corn chips with a hearty, flavorful chili, topped with melted cheese and fresh toppings. This dish is quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for casual gatherings, game day, or a simple weeknight dinner. With its layers of savory chili, crispy Fritos, and gooey cheese, Frito Pie delivers a satisfying mix of textures and flavors that everyone will love. Customize it with your favorite toppings like sour cream, jalapeños, and green onions for an extra kick.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 cups Fritos corn chips
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Optional Toppings:
- Sour cream
- Sliced jalapeños
- Chopped green onions
- Chopped cilantro
- Diced tomatoes
Instructions:
- Cook the Beef:
- In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Aromatics and Spices:
- Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Stir in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the spices are fragrant.
- Simmer the Chili:
- Add the kidney beans, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors are well blended and the chili thickens slightly.
- Assemble the Frito Pie:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large baking dish, spread half of the Fritos on the bottom. Top with half of the chili, then half of the shredded cheese.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining Fritos, chili, and cheese.
- Bake:
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve:
- Remove the Frito Pie from the oven and let it cool slightly. Serve warm with optional toppings like sour cream, jalapeños, green onions, cilantro, and diced tomatoes.
Enjoy your Frito Pie, a delicious and easy-to-make dish that’s sure to be a hit with family and friends!
