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Frito Pie

Decadent Frito Pie: Comfort Food Your Family Will Love

This Frito Pie recipe combines savory chili with crispy corn chips and melty cheese, creating a comforting dish that the whole family will enjoy.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 550
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chili Base
  • 1.5 pounds Ground Beef (80/20) Substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter alternative.
  • 1 cup Yellow Onion, diced Use shallots for milder flavor if desired.
  • 1 tablespoon Garlic, minced Use garlic powder (1 teaspoon) in a pinch.
  • 2 tablespoons Chili Powder Adjust for heat preference or use a chili blend.
  • 1 tablespoon Smoked Paprika Regular paprika can be used if smokiness is less important.
  • 1 tablespoon Cumin Substitute with coriander for a different taste.
  • 1 can Rotel Tomatoes (10 ounces) Diced tomatoes can be used for a milder flavor.
  • 1 can Tomato Paste (6 ounces) Use tomato sauce as a substitute.
  • 1 can Chili Beans or Ranch-Style Beans (10 ounces) Swap for black or pinto beans if desired.
  • 1 cup Beef Broth Chicken broth or water with seasoning are acceptable alternatives.
  • 1 tablespoon Salt Adjust based on dietary needs.
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper White pepper can be used for a different profile.
For the Cheese Topping
  • 1 cup Cheddar Cheese, shredded Try Monterey Jack or vegan cheese for alternatives.
  • 1 cup Pepper Jack Cheese, shredded Regular cheese can be used for a milder taste.
For Serving
  • 1 bag Fritos or other corn chips (9 ounces) Tortilla chips can be a suitable substitute.

Equipment

  • oven-safe skillet

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Frito Pie
  1. In a large oven-safe skillet, heat over medium heat and add 1 ½ pounds of ground beef. Break the meat apart with a spatula as it cooks for about 8–10 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
  2. Add 1 cup of diced yellow onion and 1 tablespoon of minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 3–5 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
  3. Sprinkle in 2 tablespoons of chili powder, 1 tablespoon of smoked paprika, and 1 tablespoon of cumin. Stir well and toast for about 1 minute.
  4. Pour in 1 can of Rotel tomatoes, 1 can of tomato paste, and 1 can of chili beans with 1 cup of beef broth. Stir together and season with 1 tablespoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of black pepper, then simmer.
  5. Let the chili simmer uncovered for about 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens.
  6. Once thick, sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 1 cup of shredded pepper jack cheese evenly across the top.
  7. Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake for about 10–15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
  8. As the Frito Pie comes out of the oven, sprinkle a generous handful of Fritos or other corn chips on top before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 1200mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 5gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Keep Fritos separate until serving to maintain their crunch. Adjust spices gradually while cooking for best flavor.

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