Name: Chili Pie Fritos (plus 3 servings suggestions)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1 Pound Ground Beef; 1 small Onion (diced); 2 cloves Garlic (minced); 1 5.5 ounce can Tomato Paste; 2 Tablespoon chili powder; 1 Teaspoon salt; ½ Teaspoon pepper; 1 14 ounce can kidney beans (drained and rinsed); 1 10 ounce can Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies); 1 4 ounce can Diced Green Chilies; ½ Cup Water; 1 9.25 ounce bag Fritos; 1 Cup cheddar cheese (shredded)

Fritos Chili Pie is one of those retro comfort meals that never gets old! Layers of crunchy chips, hearty chili, and melty cheddar cheese are so delicious when you serve it up in a casserole dish or build individual bowls.

Prep Time 10

4 servings

Jump to Recipe

A bowl of chili pie topped with onions, cheese, and Fritos chips sits on a plate surrounded by more Fritos, with a spoon and a partially opened chip bag in the background.

If you grew up loving chili and corn chips, this recipe is going to take you straight back. Grab your slow cooker and add my recipe for Crock Pot Cowboy Soup to your game day menu!

Ingredients:

Simple ingredients, big flavor! This chili pie recipe keeps it easy with pantry staples and a whole lot of cheesy goodness.

Toppings

Here are some suggestions for toppings if you want to go beyond the classic cheese.

Classic Favorites:

Sour cream - cool and creamy to balance the spice.
Diced red or white onion - adds crunch and zing.
Sliced jalapeños - fresh or pickled for a spicy kick.
Shredded lettuce - for a taco-salad-style crunch.
Chopped fresh tomatoes - adds freshness and color.
Diced avocado or guacamole - creamy and rich.
Extra shredded cheese - cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend.

Creative Add-Ons:

Hot sauce - your favorite brand for extra heat.
Crumbled queso fresco - mild, salty cheese that melts slightly.
Corn salsa or black bean salsa - for a Tex-Mex twist.
Green onions - milder than raw onion, great for color.
Cilantro leaves - fresh and herby (optional if you're team "yes cilantro").
Lime wedges - a squeeze of lime brightens the whole dish.
Crushed tortilla chips - mix textures with different crunch.

Recipe Card?

To find the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions CLICK HERE to go to the recipe card.

Substitutions

Need to make a swap? Here are a few easy ingredient substitutes that work just as well.

Kidney beans - Black beans or pinto beans.
Ground beef - Ground turkey or plant-based crumbles.
Rotel - Use plain diced tomatoes + a tablespoon of salsa.
Diced chilies - Leave out for less spice, or sub with chopped jalapeños.
Cheddar cheese - Use Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or a Mexican blend.
Fritos - Try tortilla chips or corn chips if Fritos aren't available.

Can canned chili be used?

Absolutely! If you have a favorite chili that comes in a can, use it! I am providing a homemade chili option for those who want it. Use what you love.

How to make Fritos Chili Pie

This is a great beginner-friendly dinner that comes together quickly. These step-by-step photos will walk you through exactly how to make this nostalgic recipe.

Cooked ground beef in a cast iron skillet with a wooden spoon, ready for your next chili pie Fritos creation, placed on a rustic wooden surface.

Cook the Ground Beef

In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat until the beef is browned and cooked through. Keep the rendered fat in the pan.

Ground beef, chopped onions, and minced garlic cooking in a cast iron skillet on a wooden surface, with a wooden spoon resting in the pan.

Add onions and garlic

In the rendered fat, sauté the garlic and the onions until soft.

A cast iron skillet with cooked ground beef, diced onions, tomato paste, spices, and a wooden spoon on a rustic wooden surface.

Wake up the flavors

Make a well in the meat and heat the tomato paste and the seasonings.

A cast iron skillet filled with cooked ground meat and sauce, with a wooden spoon resting inside, sits on a weathered wooden surface.

Stir to combine

Stir the browned beef with warmed tomato paste and seasoning until fully combined.

A cast iron skillet on a wooden surface filled with cooked ground meat, diced green chiles, kidney beans, and chopped tomatoes being mixed with a wooden spoon.

Add beans and tomatoes

Add the drained beans, rotel tomatoes and diced chilis.

A cast iron skillet filled with chili made of ground beef, kidney beans, and tomato sauce, with a wooden spoon resting inside, on a rustic wooden surface.

Simmer

Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the chili simmer uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This thickens the mixture and deepens the flavor. If you feel the chili is getting too thick, add the water.

Assemble the Chili Pie

Pour the Fritos onto a serving dish (or divide into individual bowls). Spoon the hot chili over the chips, then sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese.

Did you make this recipe?

Do you have feedback that would be helpful to others? If so can help this small business owner by leaving a rating and a review in the comments section? Thank you for being part of the Savoring The Good Community. ~ Sarah

3 Ways To Serve Chili Pie With Fritos

I serve Frito pie 3 different ways. Depending on weather I am making this meal to be eaten on the go, family style or as an individual portion.

Walking taco style

Using individual bags of Fritos (the ones you would use in packed lunches), open the bag and give the chips a squeeze to lipghtly crush them.
Portion out the chili into the bag.
Top with shredded cheddar cheese and any toppings you would like.

Family Style

A cast iron skillet filled with chili pie fritos, topped with melted cheese, chopped onions, and Fritos corn chips, with a Fritos bag and a cloth napkin nearby on a wooden table.

Move the chili to the center of the pan and surround it with fritos.
Top with cheese and other garnishes beore serving.

Individual Portions

In a bowl place a handful of Frito chips.
Top with your homemade chili and garnishes.

Storage Tips

Have leftovers? Here's how to keep them tasty.

Chili only: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stove or microwave until hot.
Fritos + chili: If already combined, the chips will get soft-but you can still reheat and enjoy.
Freezing: Freeze the chili portion only (no chips or cheese). Thaw overnight and reheat before serving with fresh chips.

Make-Ahead Tips

Want to prep ahead? This dish is super make-ahead friendly with just a couple of tweaks.

Make the chili up to 2 days in advance and store it in the fridge.
Reheat the chili before serving and then assemble over fresh Fritos.
Don't add chips or cheese until ready to serve to prevent sogginess.

Seasonal Favorite

Two jars of seedless blackberry jam on a wooden table.

This is the best homemade seedless black raspberry jam recipe made with fresh or frozen black raspberries.

Black Raspberry jam Recipe

Frito Pie Recipe