Jul 14 2026
Restaurantsla BarbecueFrito Pie Recipe

Frito Pie Recipe

Inspired by la Barbecue
Time20m
Serves2

Chopped brisket, pulled pork, or la Barbecue chili, housemade pickled jalapenos, cheddar cheese, black beans, diced white onion

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Ingredients

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Filling

Method

Filling

  1. 1

    Prep meat or chili

    If using chopped brisket or pulled pork, warm it gently in a small saucepan or microwave until hot (about 3–5 minutes stovetop over low, or 1–2 minutes in microwave). If using La Barbecue chili, warm until simmering (about 5–8 minutes stovetop). Break up large chunks so the filling will sit evenly on chips.

  2. 2

    Prepare black beans and onion

    Drain and rinse the canned black beans. If desired, warm the beans for 1–2 minutes in the microwave or in the same pan with the meat to heat through. Finely dice white onion (or use pre-diced). Reserve half of the diced onion for garnish if you prefer a sharper crunch.

  3. 3

    Combine filling components

    In a bowl, fold together the warmed meat or chili, warmed black beans, and half of the diced onion. Taste and season lightly with salt and pepper if needed (meats/chilis may already be seasoned). Stir in 2 tablespoons of the pickled jalapeños if you want even distribution of heat; reserve remaining jalapeños for garnish.

Assemble & Finish

  1. 4

    Arrange Fritos

    Place 3 cups of Fritos in a shallow oven-safe skillet or on an ovenproof platter in a roughly even layer so each serving will have chips across the bottom.

  2. 5

    Top with filling

    Spoon the warm filling evenly over the Fritos, distributing meat/ chili and beans so each portion has both. Be gentle so chips don’t get completely crushed.

  3. 6

    Add cheese and bake

    Sprinkle 1 cup shredded cheddar evenly over the filling. Place the skillet or platter under a preheated broiler or in a 400°F (200°C) oven for 3–5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling. If using a broiler, watch closely to avoid burning the chips.

  4. 7

    Garnish and serve

    Remove from oven and immediately top with remaining diced white onion, housemade pickled jalapeños to taste, chopped cilantro, and dollops of sour cream if using. Serve with lime wedges on the side to squeeze over. Break into portions and serve hot so chips remain crisp and cheese is melty.

  5. 8

    Alternative single-serve method

    For individual portions, fill oven-safe ramekins or foil-lined muffin cups with a layer of Fritos, a scoop of filling, and cheese. Bake 5–7 minutes at 375°F (190°C) until cheese melts.

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