Classic Frito Pie is the ultimate comfort food: crunchy corn chips piled high with hearty Weeknight Beef Chili and your favorite toppings. It’s easy to assemble, satisfying, and perfect for a casual dinner or game-day spread.
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🧀 The Ingredients
This Frito Pie layers bold, comforting flavors and satisfying textures for an easy meal everyone can customize to taste. Find ingredient notes (including substitutions and variations) below.
📝 Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- Corn chips (Fritos): Fritos give the pie its signature salty crunch. Use another sturdy corn chip if needed.
- Weeknight Beef Chili: Homemade chili makes this hearty and flavorful. Use your favorite beef chili or a store-bought version for convenience.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: For the best melt, shred cheddar from a block. Pre-shredded cheese works too, though it may melt less smoothly.
- Chopped onion: Adds a fresh, crisp bite. Use white, yellow, or red onion, or leave it off if you prefer.
- Sour cream: A dollop adds a cool, creamy contrast. Plain Greek yogurt is an easy substitute.
- Chopped jalapeño (optional): Adds a little heat and freshness. Omit it for a milder pie, or use pickled jalapeños for tang.
🔥 Tips and Tricks for Perfect Frito Pie
- Assemble just before serving: Add the chili and toppings to the corn chips right before you eat to keep them crunchy.
- Warm the chili: Heat the Weeknight Beef Chili before assembling so the cheese melts easily.
- Shred cheese from a block: Freshly shredded cheddar melts smoothly and evenly.
- Make it your own: Set out onion, sour cream, and jalapeño so everyone can customize their serving.
- Feed a crowd: Arrange the chips on a platter or baking sheet, spoon chili over the top, and finish with cheese and garnishes.
- Keep the chips crisp: For individual portions, serve the chili over the chips rather than mixing everything together.
👩🏼🍳 How to Make Classic Frito Pie
- Step 1: In a large pot over medium heat, sauté the veggies until soft. Add the beef and cook until no longer pink. Discard most of the rendered grease.
- Step 2: Add the remaining ingredients and simmer for at least 30 minutes. Set aside.
- Step 3: Place a layer of corn chips in a bowl or small serving vessel.
- Step 4: Ladle on a thick layer of warm chili.
- Step 5: Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Step 4: Garnish with your desired toppings, including chopped onions, sour cream, and chopped jalapeños.
🍽️ How to Serve
- Serve it in the bag: Open an individual bag of Fritos across the top and gently butterfly the sides open. Spoon in warm chili, then add cheese and garnishes right in the bag for an easy, fun single-serving Frito Pie.
- Serve right away: Spoon warm Weeknight Beef Chili over corn chips, add shredded cheddar, and finish with your favorite garnishes.
- Make individual portions: Divide the chips among bowls or plates, then let everyone add chili, cheese, onion, sour cream, and jalapeño to taste.
- Set up a topping bar: Place the garnishes in small bowls so guests can customize their Frito Pie.
- Pair with simple sides: Serve with a simple green salad, creamed corn, or fresh fruit to round out the meal.
🙋🏽♂️ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Frito Pie ahead of time?
You can make the chili ahead and reheat it when ready to serve. Keep the chips and toppings separate until serving so the chips stay crunchy.
What kind of chili works best for Frito Pie?
A thick, hearty chili works best because it coats the chips without making them soggy too quickly. Weeknight Beef Chili is a great choice.
Can I customize Frito Pie with different toppings?
Absolutely. Add your favorite toppings, or set out a few options so everyone can build their own bowl or bag.
🥨 More Homemade “Concession Stand” Recipes
Ready to make the best Frito Pie in the world? Go for it!
And when you do, be sure to take a photo of it, post it on Instagram, and tag @HowToFeedaLoon and hashtag #HowToFeedaLoon!
Classic Frito Pie with Weeknight Beef Chili
Classic Frito Pie is made with crunchy corn chips, hearty Weeknight Beef Chili, melty cheddar, and your favorite fresh toppings. A quick, nostalgic snack or meal that’s easy to customize.
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Servings: 4
Calories: 363kcal
Video
Equipment
- pot for making chili
- small bowls or skillets for serving
Ingredients
- 4 cups beef chili
- 1 3.375 oz bag Fritos or any corn chips
- 2 cups cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 cup onion chopped, for garnish (optional)
- 1 cup sour cream for garnish (optional)
- 1 jalapeño seeded and finely chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the beef chili and keep warm.4 cups beef chili
- Place a heaping handful of corn chips in each bowl.1 3.375 oz bag Fritos
- Ladle about 1 cup of the warm chili over the corn chips. Top with cheese and desired toppings. Serve at once!2 cups cheddar cheese, 1 cup onion, 1 cup sour cream, 1 jalapeño
Notes
NOTE: Watch the video in the recipe card for visual guidance.
- Make the chili a day ahead for easier serving; its flavor gets even better overnight.
- For the best crunch, assemble the Frito Pie just before serving.
- Shred cheddar from a block for the smoothest melt.
- Serve in bowls or spoon the chili and toppings into individual Fritos bags opened across the top.
Nutrition
Calories: 363kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 17g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0.003g | Cholesterol: 90mg | Sodium: 390mg | Potassium: 183mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 963IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 467mg | Iron: 0.2mg
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