Imagine the aroma of savory ground beef mingling with the warmth of spices and the tang of tomatoes—there’s something about a Frito Chili Pie that evokes comfort and nostalgia.
This dish is as simple to prepare as it’s satisfying, making it a beloved classic in many households.
As the ingredients meld together, they transform into a hearty, flavorful delight topped with melty cheese.
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 large skillet
- 1 wooden spoon
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 can opener
- 1 large serving bowl
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 1 cup water
- 1 can (15 ounces) chili beans, undrained
- 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 4 cups corn chips
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking the Frito Chili Pie, here’s a timeline you can follow:
- Reading & Gathering Ingredients (5 minutes)
- Spend a few minutes reading through the recipe to familiarize yourself with the steps.
- Gather all the necessary ingredients and equipment.
- Preparation (10 minutes)
- Begin prepping by chopping green onions if not already done.
- Open the cans of chili beans and diced tomatoes with green chilies.
- Cooking (30 minutes)
- Minute 0-5: Heat the skillet over medium heat and start browning the ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon.
- Minute 5-10: Once the beef is browned, drain the excess fat.
- Minute 10-15: Add taco seasoning mix and water to the beef. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Minute 15-20: Let the mixture cook for about 5 minutes.
- Minute 20-30: Stir in the chili beans and diced tomatoes with green chilies. Allow the mixture to simmer for an additional 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Assembling & Resting (10 minutes)
- Minute 30-35: Spread the corn chips evenly in a large serving bowl and pour the beef and bean mixture over them. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
- Minute 35-40: Let the dish rest for 5 minutes to allow the cheese to melt.
- Final Touches & Serving (5 minutes)
- Garnish with sour cream and chopped green onions before serving.
Adjust the timing as needed based on your pace and any additional garnishes you might want to add.
Recipe Instructions
Heat the skillet over medium heat and brown the ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon.
Drain excess fat from the skillet.
Add taco seasoning mix and water to the beef, stirring to combine.
Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes.
Stir in the chili beans and diced tomatoes with green chilies.
Allow the mixture to simmer for an additional 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Spread the corn chips evenly in a large serving bowl.
Pour the beef and bean mixture over the corn chips.
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
Let the dish rest for 5 minutes to allow the cheese to melt.
Garnish with sour cream and chopped green onions before serving.
Serving Tips
- Coleslaw: A revitalizing side of coleslaw adds a crunchy and tangy contrast to the rich flavors of Frito Chili Pie.
- Guacamole: Creamy guacamole offers a cool and zesty complement that enhances the overall taste experience.
- Cornbread: Soft, buttery cornbread pairs perfectly with the hearty chili, making for a comforting meal.
- Rice: Serving the dish with a side of rice can make it even more filling and absorb the savory juices of the chili.
- Pickled Jalapeños: Add a spicy kick with pickled jalapeños, providing an extra layer of flavor and heat.
Storage
To store Frito Chili Pie, keep the beef and bean mixture separate from the corn chips to prevent sogginess.
Refrigerate in airtight containers for up to three days.
Freezing
To freeze Frito Chili Pie, store the beef and bean mixture separately in an airtight container.
Freeze for up to three months.
Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat before assembling with fresh chips and toppings.
Reheating
To reheat Frito Chili Pie, use a microwave-safe dish.
Heat on medium power in the microwave, covered, for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway.
Alternatively, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.
Final Thoughts
Frito Chili Pie is a delightful and hearty dish that combines savory flavors and satisfying textures.
The combination of crunchy corn chips, flavorful beef and bean mixture, melted cheese, and invigorating toppings makes it a crowd-pleaser.
It’s perfect for a quick family dinner or a casual gathering with friends.
Feel free to experiment with additional toppings like jalapeños or diced onions for an extra kick.
With its easy preparation and customizable options, Frito Chili Pie is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.
Enjoy each bite and savor the rich, comforting taste of this classic American dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
You can definitely use ground turkey instead of ground beef. It’s a healthier alternative that still absorbs flavors beautifully. Just guarantee you season it well to enhance its mild taste. Don’t forget to drain any excess liquid.
Is This Recipe Suitable for Vegetarians?
You can’t call this recipe vegetarian since it contains ground beef. However, swap the beef with plant-based crumbles or extra beans. You’ll still enjoy the hearty flavor while making it suitable for vegetarians.
How Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
To spice it up, add sliced jalapeños, a dash of hot sauce, or diced habaneros. You can also mix in cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the chili. Experiment until you find the perfect heat!
What Type of Cheese Works Best as a Substitute for Cheddar?
You can substitute cheddar with Monterey Jack or Colby cheese for a milder taste. If you want a stronger flavor, use Pepper Jack or sharp cheddar. These options melt beautifully, enhancing the dish with their distinct textures and flavors.
Are There Any Low-Carb Alternatives to Corn Chips?
You’re looking for low-carb alternatives to corn chips? Try using cheese crisps or pork rinds. They provide a crunchy texture and tasty flavor without the carbs. Experiment with different seasonings to make them even more exciting!
Frito Chili Pie
Equipment
- 1 large skillet
- 1 Wooden spoon
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 can opener
- 1 large serving bowl
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 1 cup water
- 1 can chili beans undrained, 15 ounces
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies 10 ounces
- 4 cups corn chips
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup green onions chopped
Instructions
- Heat the skillet over medium heat and brown the ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon.
- Drain excess fat from the skillet.
- Add taco seasoning mix and water to the beef, stirring to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the chili beans and diced tomatoes with green chilies.
- Allow the mixture to simmer for an additional 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Spread the corn chips evenly in a large serving bowl.
- Pour the beef and bean mixture over the corn chips.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes to allow the cheese to melt.
- Garnish with sour cream and chopped green onions before serving.
Notes
