Frito Pie
When I was planning the menu for Clara’s first birthday party, I had my heart set on serving mini chicken pot pies as the main course. They were the main dish at my baby shower, and I thought it would be fun to incorporate a savory pie into the menu. However, once I really started thinking about it, I realized I would have to buy over 50 of the ramekins to bake the pies in and then I’d have no use for them after the party. When my friend Annie suggested Frito Pie, I knew she was onto something. It would be much easier to make and serve, something that is definitely a plus when it comes to party food.
When I mentioned making Frito Pie for the party, I got a glazed over look from so many people. I thought it was a common food all over the country, but apparently I was wrong. For those of you not in the know, it’s basically chili served over Fritos. I thought it was a fun play on the pie theme, and it was a big hit with everyone that tried it. I kept it simple with toppings, serving it with cheese, sour cream and green onions. If you want to go all out, add sliced (fresh or pickled) jalapeños, red onions and cilantro. We scaled back the heat some since we wanted the kiddos to enjoy this too, but I’ve included the original amount below. Like all of the party food, this dish was well received (especially with the cornbread whoopie pies) and will definitely be making an appearance on our menu again soon.
2 ½ pounds ground beef
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, diced
6 cloves garlic, minced
Kosher salt, to taste
2 tablespoons ground cumin
2 tablespoons chili powder
2 tablespoons dried oregano
2 tablespoons freshly ground black pepper
1¼ tablespoons garlic powder
1 tablespoon paprika
1½ teaspoons cayenne pepper
2 bay leaves
1½ cups water or beef broth
1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
1 10.5-ounce bag Fritos (or other corn chips)
For serving:
Freshly shredded cheese
Sour cream
Sliced jalapeños
Sliced green onions
Fresh chopped cilantro
- 1
Add the beef to a large pot or Dutch oven set over medium-high heat, working in batches if needed. Cook, stirring until browned, about 10 minutes. Drain in a colander and return the pot to the stove.
- 2
Heat the oil, then add the onion. Cook, stirring frequently, until the onion is browned and starting to caramelize, 12-15 minutes. Add garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until the garlic is fragrant and slightly softened. Add salt, cumin, chili powder, oregano, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne, and bay leaves. Stir until the mixture is fragrant and smooth, about 1 minute.
- 3
Add reserved beef, water or beef broth and tomatoes and bring mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chili has thickened to your liking. Add additional water or beef broth as needed to thin the chili to your desired consistency.
- 4
To serve, place chips in serving bowls and ladle chili over the top. Sprinkle on the cheese and top with other garnishes, if desired.
Looks absolutely delicious!! Can’t wait to try this! Pinning now.
This looks so good! It completely reminds me of my days as a 13 year old working in the little league snack shack serving Frito boats. We’d snip the side off of a bag of Fritos and pour chili inside and top it with cheese. Yours, of course, is the gourmet version, with a great quality of chili, judging from the recipe and the photo. Delicious!
This looks so good! It completely reminds me of my days as a 13 year old working in the little league snack shack serving Frito boats. We’d snip the side off of a bag of Fritos and pour chili inside and top it with cheese. Yours, of course, is the gourmet version, with a great quality of chili, judging from the recipe and the photo. Delicious!
This looks really good. I had to ask a friend when I moved to the USA what Frito Pie actually was, and her description didn’t move me. Your blog post did! Yum!
This looks really good. I had to ask a friend when I moved to the USA what Frito Pie actually was, and her description didn’t move me. Your blog post did! Yum!
I remember my dad requesting for my mom to make this every year on his birthday! I always liked it, but this recipe sounds way better than the one my mom would make!
I remember my dad requesting for my mom to make this every year on his birthday! I always liked it, but this recipe sounds way better than the one my mom would make!
This is ultimate summer food for me. I love it, Courtney!
This is ultimate summer food for me. I love it, Courtney!