Name: Frito Pie Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 small yellow onion, diced; 5 cloves garlic, minced; 1 pound ground beef (80/20); 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 2 teaspoons brown sugar; 1 tablespoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1/2 teaspoon chiles in adobo (optional); 1 (10-ounce) can Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies); 1 (15-ounce) can dark red kidney beans, drained and rinsed; 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce; Kosher salt; Fresh cracked pepper; 6 ounces shredded medium cheddar cheese; 2 cups Fritos corn chips; Sour cream, for garnish; Sliced green onion, for garnish

Print Recipe·4 from 6 reviews

If you’re craving a comforting, crunchy, and downright delicious dish, you’ve got to try this Frito Pie Recipe. It’s a soulful blend of spicy chili, melty cheddar, and crisp corn chips that come together in a warm, hearty meal perfect for any gathering or cozy night in. The magic lies in the layers of flavors and textures—the savory beef chili bubbling with spices, the crunch and saltiness of the Fritos, and the creamy garnish that brings it all home. This recipe is simple yet incredibly satisfying, making it a go-to classic that never fails to bring smiles around the table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a collection of ingredients laid out on a white marbled surface. At the center is a rectangular block of raw ground beef placed on white parchment paper. To the left, there are two open cans with chunky Rotel tomatoes and smooth tomato sauce, and a small white bowl with a thick dollop of tomato paste. Surrounding the beef, several white bowls hold different ingredients: bright yellow shredded cheese at the top, dark red kidney beans to the right, finely chopped white onion below the beans, and light brown corn chips labeled Fritos at the bottom right. Nearby, two small bowls contain spices with various brown and red powders, and finely chopped garlic, both in light-colored bowls. Everything is neatly arranged, with clear labels next to each ingredient. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering these ingredients is a breeze, and each one plays an important role in building the rich layers of flavor and texture this dish is known for. From the robust spices to the creamy cheese topping, every element works in harmony to elevate this Frito Pie Recipe.

1 tablespoon olive oil: For a light sauté that softens the onions and releases their natural sweetness.
1 small yellow onion, diced: Adds a subtle, aromatic base that deepens the flavor.
5 cloves garlic, minced: Gives a fragrant punch to the chili.
1 pound ground beef (80/20): Rich and juicy, it’s the heart of the chili.
1 tablespoon tomato paste: Concentrates and enhances the tomato flavor.
2 teaspoons brown sugar: Balances the spices with a hint of sweetness.
1 tablespoon chili powder: Provides that classic smoky heat.
1 teaspoon cumin: Adds earthy warmth that grounds the dish.
1/2 teaspoon chiles in adobo (optional): For an extra layer of smoky, spicy depth.
1 (10-ounce) can Rotel: Diced tomatoes with green chilies bring juiciness and mild heat.
1 (15-ounce) can dark red kidney beans, drained and rinsed: Adds heartiness and texture.
1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce: Creates a smooth, rich chili base.
6 ounces shredded medium cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully for a gooey topping.
2 cups Fritos corn chips: Essential for that signature crunchy crown that defines the pie.
Kosher salt: To season everything perfectly.
Fresh cracked pepper: Adds a subtle kick and layers of flavor.
Sour cream and sliced green onion, for garnish: They bring freshness and creaminess to balance the spice and crunch.

How to Make Frito Pie Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Onion and Garlic

Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced yellow onion with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook the onions while stirring frequently for about 6 minutes until they’re wonderfully soft and just beginning to caramelize. Then add the minced garlic and cook for one more minute until fragrant. This base is crucial because it unlocks the sweetness and aroma that make the chili so inviting.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Create a little well in the pan and add the ground beef with salt and pepper. Break it apart with your spatula and cook until it’s fully browned. The key here is to let the beef brown well so you get those tasty browned bits that add so much depth—don’t rush this step! Deglaze the pan with the flavorful fat left behind and scrape up every bit stuck to the bottom to mix back into your chili.

Step 3: Add Spices and Tomato Paste

Now, stir in the tomato paste along with chili powder, cumin, brown sugar, optional chiles in adobo, and more salt and pepper. Cooking these together for about a minute allows the spices to bloom and marry with the tomato paste, forming the chili’s unmistakable bold and smoky heart.

Step 4: Combine Tomatoes, Beans, and Sauce

Pour in the can of Rotel, the kidney beans, and tomato sauce. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer. Keep it uncovered and simmer on low heat for around 8 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. This simmering melds all the flavors beautifully and thickens the chili slightly, setting the stage for the next layers.

Step 5: Bake with Cheese and Fritos

While your chili simmers, preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Transfer the chili to a deep dish pie pan that’s about 11.5 inches in diameter. Top generously with shredded cheddar cheese. Bake for about 10 minutes until the cheese melts completely and starts bubbling around the edges. Then, sprinkle the Fritos corn chips on top for that iconic crunch and finish things off with dollops of sour cream and freshly sliced green onions.

How to Serve Frito Pie Recipe

A white large pot with two side handles sits on a white marbled surface. Inside, the base layer is browned ground meat, spread evenly across the bottom. On top of this base, there are three distinct piles: shiny dark red kidney beans on the upper left, chunky bright red diced tomatoes in the lower center, and thick smooth red tomato sauce to the right. The meat has a textured, crumbly look, while the beans are smooth and glossy. The tomato pieces are irregular in shape, adding a rough texture, and the sauce has a velvety surface, mixing slightly with the meat around its edges. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To truly elevate your Frito Pie Recipe, a handful of sour cream and freshly sliced green onions on top add the perfect balance of creaminess and brightness. These garnishes cut through the chili’s richness and provide a refreshing contrast that keeps each bite exciting and delightful.

Side Dishes

This dish is wonderfully versatile but pairs beautifully with simple sides like a fresh green salad, grilled corn on the cob, or even classic coleslaw. These sides offer a crisp, light balance to the rich and hearty flavors of the pie.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving your Frito Pie in individual ramekins layered with chili, cheese, and Fritos for personal servings. Or, scoop the warm chili over a bed of Fritos in a large bowl for a deconstructed approach. Either way, this presentation will be nothing short of a crowd-pleaser.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover Frito Pie Recipe refrigerates beautifully in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Let it cool completely before storing to keep the flavors intact and prevent sogginess of the Fritos.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, this chili base freezes incredibly well. Freeze before baking and topping with Fritos and cheese—freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. This lets you enjoy a quick Frito Pie any time by just reheating and adding fresh toppings.

Reheating

When ready to enjoy leftovers, thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave until warmed through, then sprinkle fresh Fritos, cheese, sour cream, and green onions on top. This refreshes the dish’s signature flavors and textures perfectly.

FAQs

Can I make this Frito Pie Recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles, lentils, or extra beans. You might also add veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms to keep it hearty and flavorful.

What can I substitute for Fritos if I don’t have any?

If Fritos aren’t on hand, tortilla chips or even corn chips work well to provide that satisfying crunch and corn flavor that complements the chili.

Is this recipe spicy?

It has a gentle kick thanks to the chili powder, cumin, and Rotel tomatoes. If you like it milder, reduce the spices or omit the chiles in adobo. For more heat, add extra chili powder or a dash of cayenne.

Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?

You can definitely make the chili base a day ahead and refrigerate it. When ready, just assemble, bake with cheese, and add Fritos and garnishes right before serving for the freshest result.

How many servings does this recipe make?

This Frito Pie Recipe comfortably serves 8 people, making it perfect for family dinners or feeding a crowd at casual gatherings.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you make this Frito Pie Recipe, it quickly becomes one of those beloved dishes you’ll want to make again and again. It’s the perfect combination of easy, hearty, and hands-down delicious—all wrapped up in a nostalgic package that brings joy to every bite. Grab those ingredients and enjoy a dinner that’s pure comfort in every scoop.