Hearty Frito Pie: Quick & Easy Comfort Food (Print Version)
Frito Pie is a classic comfort food, quick to make and perfect for a weeknight meal. Enjoy layers of chili, cheese, and crunchy Fritos for an easy family dinner.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 25 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
# Ingredients:
→ The Hearty Chili Base
01 -
1 1/2 lbs lean ground beef (85/15)
02 -
1 tbsp olive oil
03 -
1 medium yellow onion, diced
04 -
3 cloves garlic, minced
05 -
2 tbsp chili powder
06 -
1 tsp ground cumin
07 -
1 tsp smoked paprika
08 -
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
09 -
1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
10 -
2 tbsp tomato paste
11 -
1/2 cup beef broth
12 -
Salt and black pepper to taste
→ The Iconic Crunch & Melt
13 -
1 (9 oz) bag Frito corn chips (original flavor)
14 -
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
→ Fresh Finishes & Zesty Zing
15 -
1/2 cup sour cream
16 -
2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
17 -
1 jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional, for garnish)
# Instructions:
01 -
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. This initial step sets the stage for your delicious Hearty Frito Pie: Quick & Easy Comfort Food, ensuring everything is ready for assembly and a smooth cooking process.
02 -
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat. Add 1 1/2 lbs lean ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until browned. Drain any excess fat. Add 1 medium yellow onion, diced, and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in 3 cloves garlic, minced, for 1 minute.
03 -
Stir in 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, and 1 tsp smoked paprika into the beef mixture. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for another minute, stirring constantly, to deepen the flavor profile of your Hearty Frito Pie: Quick & Easy Comfort Food.
04 -
Pour in 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (undrained) and 1/2 cup beef broth. Add 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let it cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing flavors to meld. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
05 -
Spread half of the 1 (9 oz) bag Frito corn chips evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Spoon the hearty chili base over the Fritos. Sprinkle 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese over the chili. Top with the remaining Frito corn chips and the remaining 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
06 -
Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the Hearty Frito Pie: Quick & Easy Comfort Food is heated through. Keep an eye on it to prevent the Fritos from getting too dark or overly crispy on top.
07 -
Remove from oven and let stand for a few minutes before serving. Serve warm, topped with 1/2 cup sour cream, 2 green onions, thinly sliced, and optionally, 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced. Enjoy this ultimate Hearty Frito Pie: Quick & Easy Comfort Food!
# Notes:
01 -
Feel free to swap kidney beans for black beans or pinto beans for a different flavor profile in your chili base.
02 -
The chili base can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before assembling and baking.
03 -
For an extra kick, add a dash of hot sauce to your individual serving. A side salad balances the richness perfectly.
04 -
Store any leftover Frito Pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large skillet or Dutch oven
02 -
Measuring cups and spoons
03 -
Cutting board
04 -
Chef's knife
05 -
Can opener
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 834 kcal
Total Fat: 55 g
Total Carbohydrate: 42 g
Protein: 50 g