Description
A Texas Frito Pie is a hearty, savory quick meal that layers crunchy Fritos corn chips beneath a rich, spiced chili, topped off with a generous dusting of sharp cheddar cheese and fresh aromatics. The contrast of textures is what makes this dish so universally loved. You get the loud crunch of salty corn chips combined with the warm, velvety coat of seasoned meat and melted cheese in every single forkful.
Ingredients
For the Chili
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1½ tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup beef broth or water
For the Frito Pie
- 1 large bag (9–10 oz) Fritos corn chips
- 2 cups (200 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup diced white onion
- ½ cup sliced jalapeños, optional
- ½ cup sour cream, optional
- Chopped fresh cilantro, optional
Instructions
- Brown the beef: Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add the aromatics: Add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes, until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Season: Add the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and cook for about 1 minute.
- Add the remaining chili ingredients: Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, beans, and beef broth.
- Simmer: Bring the chili to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover partially, and cook for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth if it becomes too thick.
- Build the Frito Pie: Divide the Fritos among serving bowls. Spoon the hot chili generously over the chips.
- Add the cheese: Sprinkle each serving with plenty of shredded cheddar while the chili is hot so the cheese melts.
- Add toppings: Finish with diced onion, jalapeños, sour cream, and cilantro as desired.
Notes
This Texas Frito Pie is all about bold chili, crunchy corn chips, and plenty of melted cheese. It’s wonderfully simple and satisfying, and you can customize each bowl with your favorite toppings. For the best texture, add the Fritos just before serving so they stay crunchy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 620 kcal
Keywords: Texas chili frito pie, walking taco frito pie, homemade frito pie recipe