I absolutely love making Chili Cheese Frito Pie! It’s a delicious and easy-to-make dish that never fails to satisfy my cravings. The combination of crunchy Fritos, savory chili, gooey cheese, and flavorful toppings creates a mouthwatering experience with every bite. This recipe is perfect for a cozy night in or a fun gathering with friends and family.
Just layer the Fritos in a baking dish, top them with chili and cheese, then bake until everything is bubbly and golden. Add your favorite toppings like sour cream, green onions, and jalapeños for an extra kick of flavor. Trust me, once you try this Chili Cheese Frito Pie, you’ll be hooked!
Tips for Perfecting the Recipe
Choosing the Right Ingredients: The quality of your ingredients can significantly affect the taste of your Frito Chili Pie. Opt for fresh ground beef with a higher fat content for more flavor. When it comes to the Fritos, choose the original for a classic taste or the chili cheese flavor for an extra kick.
Spice to Your Liking: The chili powder and cumin are key to flavoring your chili. Start with the recommended amounts, but don’t be afraid to adjust according to your taste preferences. If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding a dash of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños to the mix.
Simmering the Chili: Allowing your chili to simmer on low heat for at least 20 minutes is crucial for developing the flavors. If you have the time, letting it simmer longer can enhance the taste even more. This slow cooking process melds the spices and meat together, creating a rich and cohesive flavor.
The Layering Technique: For the best texture and flavor distribution, pay attention to how you layer your Frito Chili Pie. Start with a generous layer of Fritos, followed by a hearty helping of chili, and then top with your choice of cheese. The Fritos at the bottom will soften slightly under the chili, providing a pleasant contrast to the crisp ones on top.
Ingredients for Chili Cheese Frito Pie
2 pounds ground beef
3 cloves small garlic, minced
1 small onion, diced
15 ounce can tomato sauce
6 ounce can tomato paste
1-2 Tablespoons chili powder (or to taste)
1 teaspoon ground cumin
2 teaspoons salt
¾ cup water (or beef broth)
9.25 ounce bag Fritos corn chips (original or chili cheese flavor)
For topping:
sour cream
grated cheddar cheese
diced red onion
minced jalapeño peppers
Instructions for Chili Cheese Frito Pie
Cook 2 pounds of ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking it apart as it browns. Add minced garlic (3 cloves) and diced onion (1 small). Once cooked, drain any excess grease. Return mixture to skillet.
Combine a 15-ounce can of tomato sauce, a 6-ounce can of tomato paste, 1-2 tablespoons of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, 2 teaspoons of salt, and 3/4 cup of water. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the mixture simmer for a minimum of 20 minutes.
Place a 9.25 ounce bag of Fritos corn chips on a big plate or in a large bowl. Add the chili mixture on top. Alternatively, you can create individual servings in the same way.
Top your dish with your favorite toppings such as sour cream, grated cheddar cheese, diced red onion, and minced jalapeño peppers.