Foolproof Frito Chili Pie for a Quick and Easy Dinner (2024)

Hearty, comforting, and filling, this Frito chili pie makes an easy and delicious meal. It combines spicy chili with crunchy corn chips topped with gooey cheddar cheese; you will surely enjoy every bite.

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Chili is the ultimate comfort food, especially on a cold winter’s day. If you have never had it with corn chips, I can’t wait for you to try this easy Frito pie recipe. The flavors of the homemade chili combined with the salty chips and melted cheese will make it hard to put your spoon down. It goes perfectly with a small batch cornbread for two.

This recipe also makes the perfect amount for two people to enjoy. A lot of recipes for chili are for large parties or gatherings leaving a ton of leftovers but not this one. This recipe cooks in just 20 minutes and you only need one pot. It comes together in this smaller batch easily for an absolutely delicious and fun twist on traditional chili.

You can also try this crockpot chili for two. It is an excellent dump-and-go recipe made in a slow cooker that frees you fro the kitchen.

Ingredients

With a handful of ingredients, you can enjoy this one pot Frito chili pie in just a short time. Here are the ingredients we need to make this recipe:

• Frito corn chips- The star of the show! You can use any type of corn chips for the chili.
• Ground beef- Although ground beef is typically used, you can easily use type of ground meat.
• Aromatics- A small, chopped onion is used along with fragrant garlic to bring out the flavors in the dish.
• Tomato paste- For this chili, a small amount of tomato paste is used.
• Rotel- A can of Rotel is used but you can also use a can of diced tomatoes and green chilis if that is what you have on hand.
• Kidney beans-Kidney beans are typically used but feel free to use whatever type of beans you like.
• Seasonings- What would chili be without seasonings? You’ll need chili powder, cumin and paprika for this recipe.
• Cheddar cheese- Shredded cheese to top the chili.Green onions- A garnish to the chili that adds extra flavor.

Scroll down to the recipe card for quantities used.

Instructions

Gather all your ingredients and one pot for the stovetop. Here are the instructions on how to make Frito chili pies:

Add the ground beef and onions to a pot over high to medium heat, and saute until the meat is browned and the onions are softened. Drain the excess grease.

Reduce the heat to medium, and add in the garlic and chili powder.

Add in the tomato paste.

Sprinkle in cumin and sauté for an additional minute, stirring to combine well.

See Also

Best Damn Slow Cooker ChiliCheesy Broccoli Chicken Rice CasseroleEasy Chili and Baked Bean Recipes

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add the beans.

Pour in the Rotel. Cover the pot and simmer over medium low for 10 minutes.

Layer 1 ounce of Frito chips into the bottom of two serving bowls or plates.

Top with an equal mixture of the chili, and then sprinkle with cheese on top. Garnish with green onions before serving.

Hint: Use a small single-serving bag of Fritos for the perfect amount for each taco pie.

Variations

You can customize this Frito pie recipe in various ways. Here are a few ideas that you might like to give a try:

• Switch up the meat. Any ground meat will work for this recipe such as chicken, turkey or venison instead of beef.
• Make it vegetarian. Turn this dish into a meatless chili recipe and just add more beans to the recipe.
• Use Doritos. Instead of traditional Fritos corn chips, use nacho cheese Doritos to give it an even more cheesy taste to the chili.
• Add rice. You can add about a ½ cup of rice to the chili. The chili is a thicker sauce chili so you might want to add a bit of water to help thin it out. Adjust according to your liking.
• Slow cooker. You can make this recipe in the slow cooker. Just brown meat and sauté onions before transferring to a slow cooker. Place additional ingredients in except chips and cheese. Heat on high for 3-4 hours or low for 6-8 hours. Serve with the chips and top with cheese.
• Add more crunch. If you’d like to add more crunch to the top of the chili then these homemade tortilla strips are perfect.

Tips

• Shred the cheese. I recommend shredding your own cheese to ensure the cheese melts nicely on top of the chili. Pre-shredded cheese has an anti-caking agent to preserve freshness, which means it will not melt as well.
• Top with cheese while chili is hot. Serve it hot to ensure the cheese melts well and you have that gooey chili cheese texture.
• Be adventurous with toppings. There are so many amazing things you can add to chili. You can top with sour cream, diced onions, peppers, tomatoes, jalapenos, shredded lettuce, avocados, and tortilla strips.

Serving suggestions

Frito chili pie pairs fantastically with this small batch cornbread for two. It also goes wonderfully with a side of mexican rice or corn on the cob.

After enjoying this delicious chili, try a quick single serving chocolate chip mug cake or a single serving of cookie dough for dessert.

Storage

Place all remaining chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. I would not refrigerate the chips with the chili as they will get soggy. Place remaining chips in a sealed zip lock bag on the countertop.

For freezing, place chili only in a freezer safe bag or container. It should be good for up to 3 months.

FAQs

Is Frito chili pie a southern dish?

Frito pie originated in Texas but it is a popular dish throughout the Southeastern, Midwestern and Southwestern parts of the United States.

Is this chili spicy?

This chili is mildly spicy since we are using chili powder, cumin and paprika. You can add red pepper flakes or jalapenos if you want to make it even spicier. If you want it less spicy, you can omit any of the spices or play around with them to see which combinations you enjoy.

Can you make this chili without meat?

Absolutely! You can make this chili meatless. Just double up on the beans in place of the meat.

What toppings go well on Frito chili pie?

The skies the limit! You can always add extra cheese, sour cream, diced peppers, tomatoes, onions, jalapenos, shredded lettuce, avocadoes, green onions and homemade tortilla strips.

If you love Southwest flavors, check out these recipes, too.

• Beef queso dip is perfect for dipping corn tortilla chips.
• Slow cooker chicken tacos are perfect for casual dinners.
• Vegetarian Mexican rice is a delicious side dish for tacos.
• Chicken wet burrito is loaded with filling and smothered in sauce.
• Ground pork tacos are a great alternative to traditional beef filling.

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