I’ve always found Chili Cheese Frito Pie to be a classic and crowd-pleasing dish that’s stood the test of time. This delicious and simple one-pot meal is packed with flavor and offers endless variations that are easy to modify to suit anyone’s tastes.
Making a batch of this on Sundays while watching a game is a tradition in my house, but it’s also great for a family dinner any night of the week. The dish is loaded with seasoned ground beef, chili beans, cheese, and Fritos! It’s always a hit with every one I make it for.
Jump to RecipeWhat Is Chili Cheese Frito Pie
Chili Cheese Frito Pie is a dish with Fritos corn chips topped with chili and melted cheese, often garnished with onions and jalapeños. It’s a flavorful and crunchy comfort food favorite.
What is Frito Pie
Frito Pie is a tasty dish that isn’t a pie but more like a casserole. The name dates back to the 1960s1960’s, when Teresa Hernandez in Santa Fe made her mother’s homemade chili and poured it into a bag of Fritos, topping it with cheese.
This simple creation has been enjoyed and adapted in many kitchens. Personally, I love recreating it and making it my own. The beauty of cooking is that you can always substitute ingredients and make your own modifications.
While some recipes suggest a layer of chips at the bottom, I prefer adding them just before serving to avoid soggy chips. The flexibility of this dish means you can always switch things up to suit your taste.
Simple Tips
• Mince onions very fine using a food processor. My son claims to hate onions, but he never complains when they are minced so finely he can’t see them. If someone is allergic to onions, leave them out.
• Choose any type of Frito-Lay chips you like. I’ve used scoops, regular, and chili cheese-flavored ones, all of which are good.
• If you have more chili than chips on hand, save the extra chili by freezing it for a later day.
• This chili not only works for this recipe but also for Hot Dogs, Chili Cheese Fries, and nachos.
• I usually use beef in the chili, but you can substitute it with ground turkey or chicken.
IF you Love This Recipe Try More
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Chopped Italian Sliders: A Savory Delight for Any Occasion
What is Frito pie made of?
Chili Cheese Frito Pie is a simple and tasty dish made with Frito, chili, and cheese. To prepare it, take a small bag of Fritos, pour ladlefuls of hot chili over the chips, and sprinkle shredded cheese on top, letting it melt.
Then, grab a fork and eat it straight from the bag. This quick and fun meal is perfect for casual gatherings or a cozy night, combining crunchy chips, spicy chili, and melty cheese in every bite.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Chili Cheese Frito Pie is a timeless and crowd-pleasing dish that combines seasoned ground beef, chili beans, cheese, and crunchy Fritos into a flavorful one-pot meal. Originating in the 1960s, this versatile casserole has been adapted in countless ways to suit individual tastes.
Easy to prepare and perfect for family dinners or game-day gatherings, this dish offers a comforting blend of textures and flavors. Whether topped with sour cream, jalapenos, or a splash of hot sauce, Chili Cheese Frito Pie remains a hearty, satisfying favorite that continues to delight everyone who tries it.
Chili Cheese Frito Pie
Ingredients
Seasonings
- 1 tsp cumin
- 2 tsp Chilli Powder
- 1/2 tsp Ground black paper
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup Shreddedcheedar cheese
Instructions
- First, preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Use an oven-safe skillet and heat it over medium. Brown the ground beef with onion, peppers, and garlic. Once cooked, drain the grease if you prefer.
- Next, stir the seasonings and add tomatoes, chili beans, and diced jalapenos. Mix everything well to ensure the flavors blend nicely. Then, top the mixture with plenty of cheese. Place the skillet in the oven and let it bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly.
- Once the dish is baked, top it with Fritos and any additional toppings you like. A dollop of sour cream, some sliced jalapenos, or even a splash of hot sauce can elevate the flavors.
- This stand-alone dish is incredibly hearty and satisfying. However, to make it a full meal, you could add a green salad or some cornbread on the side.
- Enjoy this classic comfort food that brings flavor to every bite!
