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.
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.
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.
Add onions and garlic
In the rendered fat, sauté the garlic and the onions until soft.
Wake up the flavors
Make a well in the meat and heat the tomato paste and the seasonings.
Stir to combine
Stir the browned beef with warmed tomato paste and seasoning until fully combined.
Add beans and tomatoes
Add the drained beans, rotel tomatoes and diced chilis.
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
- 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
This is the best homemade seedless black raspberry jam recipe made with fresh or frozen black raspberries.
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
Instructions
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat until no longer pink. Do not drain the fat1 Pound Ground Beef
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté in the reserved fat along with the browned beef until the onions are softened and the garlic is fragrant.1 small Onion, 2 cloves Garlic
- Make a well in the meat and heat the tomato paste and the seasonings.1 5.5 ounce can Tomato Paste, 2 Tablespoon chili powder, 1 Teaspoon salt, ½ Teaspoon pepper
- Stir in the kidney beans, Rotel, and diced green chilies. Mix well to combine all the flavors.1 14 ounce can kidney beans, 1 10 ounce can Rotel, 1 4 ounce can Diced Green Chilies
- 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. Add the water if you feel the chili is too thick.½ Cup Water
- 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.1 9.25 ounce bag Fritos, 1 Cup cheddar cheese
- Add your favorite toppings-sour cream, diced onions, jalapeños, or avocado all work great. Serve immediately while everything is hot and melty.
Nutrition
Notes
- 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.
I am Sarah Mock. Welcome!
Sarah Mock is a classically trained Chef and graduate of Johnson & Wales University. A culinary blogger for 16 years Sarah helps the home cook prepare her recipes with professional results.
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