Frito Chili Pie is a delicious and comforting dish that brings together the fun of snack food with the heartiness of a home-cooked meal. With layers of crunchy Frito corn chips, savory homemade chili, and melted cheese, this dish is perfect for gatherings, game days, or just a cozy night in.
Why Make This Recipe
Making Frito Chili Pie at home is a fantastic way to enjoy a classic dish that is loved by many. It’s simple to prepare, uses readily available ingredients, and can be customized to suit everyone’s taste. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover chili, making it both economical and delicious.
How to Make Frito Chili Pie
Ingredients:
- Frito corn chips
- Homemade chili
- Cheddar cheese
- Onions (optional)
- Sour cream (optional)
- Jalapeños (optional)
Directions:
- Prepare the homemade chili by cooking ground beef with onions and seasoning.
- In a baking dish, layer Frito corn chips, then ladle the chili over the chips.
- Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 15-20 minutes.
- Serve hot with optional toppings like sour cream and jalapeños.
How to Serve Frito Chili Pie
Frito Chili Pie can be served directly from the baking dish for a casual dining experience. You can offer optional toppings such as sour cream, jalapeños, and diced onions on the side so everyone can customize their plate. This allows guests to build their own perfect bowl of deliciousness.
How to Store Frito Chili Pie
If you have leftovers, you can store Frito Chili Pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can be kept for up to 3 days. When you reheat it, you may want to add a few extra corn chips and cheese on top to refresh the texture and flavors.
Tips to Make Frito Chili Pie
- Use a slow cooker for the chili to develop deeper flavors.
- Make sure to pile the chili generously on the Fritos for the best experience.
- Feel free to add extra toppings, such as diced tomatoes, olives, or avocado, for different tastes.
Variation
You can customize Frito Chili Pie by using different types of chips, such as tortilla chips or nacho-flavored chips. For a vegetarian version, simply replace the ground beef with lentils or black beans and use vegetable broth in the chili.
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought chili for this recipe?
Yes, you can use store-bought chili to save time, but homemade chili typically tastes better and allows for more customization.
2. Is Frito Chili Pie suitable for freezing?
You can freeze the chili separately and assemble the dish when you’re ready to eat. However, the Fritos should be added just before baking for the best texture.
3. Can I make this dish spicy?
Absolutely! You can add more spices to the chili, use spicy jalapeños, or try spicy cheese to make your Frito Chili Pie as hot as you like.
Enjoy making and sharing your Frito Chili Pie! It’s a fun, tasty, and easy dish that everyone will love.
Frito Chili Pie
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 bag Frito corn chips
- 2 cups homemade chili Prepared with ground beef and spices
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Optional Toppings
- 1 cup diced onions Optional
- 1 cup sour cream Optional
- 1 cup sliced jalapeños Optional
Instructions
Preparation
- Prepare the homemade chili by cooking ground beef with onions and seasoning.
Layering and Baking
- In a baking dish, layer Frito corn chips, then ladle the chili over the chips.
- Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 15-20 minutes.
Serving
- Serve hot with optional toppings like sour cream, jalapeños, and diced onions on the side.
