Frito Pie Recipe
Make Frito Pie Recipe in just 30m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Chili
Assemble & Toppings
Method
Chili
- 1
Cook aromatics and beef
Heat a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add vegetable oil. When shimmering, add diced onion and cook 3–4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant. Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon; cook until no longer pink, about 6–8 minutes.
- 2
Season and simmer
Stir in tomato paste and cook 1 minute. Add chili powder, cumin, paprika, brown sugar, salt, and pepper; stir to coat the meat and toast spices 30 seconds. Pour in tomato sauce and beef broth, scrape up any browned bits, and bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low and simmer, uncovered, 10–12 minutes until slightly thickened. Taste and adjust seasoning (add more salt or chili powder if desired). Keep warm.
Assemble & Toppings
- 3
Portion Fritos: Divide Fritos into two shallow bowls or plates, about 1 cup per serving, spreading them into an even layer so chips support the chili.
- 4
Top with chili: Spoon the hot chili evenly over the bed of Fritos (about 1/2 of the chili per serving). Make sure you distribute meat and sauce so chips soak slightly but don't become completely soggy.
- 5
Add cheese and melt: Sprinkle shredded cheddar over the hot chili. If you prefer melted cheese, place the assembled bowls under a broiler for 1–2 minutes or microwave for 20–30 seconds until cheese is bubbly and slightly melted. Watch carefully to avoid burning chips or cheese.
- 6
Finish with toppings: Scatter diced onion and pickled jalapeños over the cheese. Add dollops of sour cream, a drizzle of hot sauce if using, and sprinkle with chopped cilantro.
- 7
Serve immediately: Serve the Frito Pie hot so chips stay crisp around the edges and enjoy.