Frito Chili Pie: Texas-Style Comfort in a Bag

Frito Chili Pie, y'all! A Texas classic: crunchy Fritos, hearty chili, and all the fixings. Easy, crowd-pleasing, and ready in under an hour. Get the recipe now!

Alright, gather 'round, folks! Fancy some Texas comfort food?

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever get a craving for something hearty, cheesy, and just plain fun? this frito chili pie recipe is your answer.

Think chili with a serious crunch and a whole lot of flavour! it’s honestly, one of those dishes that just hits the spot , you know?

Brief Overview

Chili pie frito is a tex-mex creation, perfect for a casual get-together or a quick weeknight dinner. it’s said to have originated in texas, combining the convenience of a walking taco with the comforting taste of homemade chili.

Easy peasy. this easy frito chili pie serves about 6 hungry bellies, takes about 45 minutes tops.

Main Benefits

This dish is all about feel-good food! it's rich, comforting and full of flavour, providing a good dose of protein and fiber.

Perfect for a relaxed dinner with family or friends. what makes this recipe special? well, it's totally customizable and super easy.

I guarantee it will become a family favourite.

Right, let’s get to the good stuff – the ingredients! You know, sometimes I think the hardest part of cooking is just getting all the bits and bobs together.

Ingredients for the Best Frito Pie

Here's what you'll need to make a petro chili recipe version of the best frito pie ! remember that if you are craving quick dinners with chili then this is your perfect fit.

• 1 pound (450g) ground beef. I usually go for a leaner cut, but that's just me.
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped. Finely, or roughly, whatever floats your boat.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced. Don’t be shy, garlic is your friend.
• 1 (15 ounce/425g) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained.
• 1 (15 ounce/425g) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained.
• 1 (15 ounce/425g) can diced tomatoes, undrained. Trust me on this one.
• 1 (8 ounce/225g) can tomato sauce.
• 1 (4 ounce/115g) can diced green chilies, undrained.
• 2 tablespoons chili powder. Adjust to your liking.
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin.
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano.
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat). I like a little kick!
• 1 teaspoon salt.
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
• 1 cup (240ml) beef broth (or water).
• 6 (1-2 ounce/28-57g) individual bags of Fritos corn chips (or one large bag).
• 2 cups (225g) shredded cheddar cheese.
• 1/2 cup chopped white onion.
• Optional toppings: sour cream, sliced jalapenos, green onions, guacamole.

Alright, mate, let's talk frito chili pie ! honestly, it's like a hug in a bag. remember those school fetes? this is the grown-up, way tastier version! this bad boy is a texan staple, and it's dead easy to make.

Think dinners with chili without the fuss. we’re making it even easier!

Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Frito Pie Ever

Right, first things first. Grab your bits and bobs. This petro chili recipe might just become your new favourite.

Main Ingredients: Get 'Em Right

• Ground beef: 1 pound (450g). Get a decent quality one. Not too lean, not too fatty.
• Onion: 1 medium , yellow. The usual suspect.
• Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Don't skimp!
• Kidney beans & Pinto beans: 1 (15 ounce/425g) can each , rinsed.
• Diced tomatoes: 1 (15 ounce/425g) can , undrained. You want the juice.
• Tomato sauce: 1 (8 ounce/225g) can .
• Green chilies: 1 (4 ounce/115g) can , undrained.
• Chili powder: 2 tablespoons .
• Cumin: 1 teaspoon .
• Oregano: 1/2 teaspoon .
• Cayenne pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (optional, for a kick!).
• Salt: 1 teaspoon .
• Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon .
• Beef broth: 1 cup (240ml). Or water if you're skint.
• Fritos corn chips: 6 (1-2 ounce/28-57g) individual bags . Fritos scoops recipes are ace.
• Shredded cheddar cheese: 2 cups (225g). A good strong cheddar.
• White onion: 1/2 cup , chopped.
• Toppings (optional): Sour cream, jalapenos, green onions, guacamole. Treat yo'self!

Seasoning Notes: Give It Some Oomph!

The chili powder, cumin, and oregano are your base. Don't mess with those. Cayenne if you're feeling brave. A touch of Worcestershire sauce? Go on, then! For flavour enhancers, A little bit of smoked paprika can add depth! If you’re looking for inspiration, the pioneer woman frito chili pie recipe is a good starting point!

Got no cumin? Ground coriander is a shout. Just not quite the same, mind. This part of the chili pie frito experience!

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

• Large skillet or Dutch oven. Something deep.
• Can opener. Obviously.
• Knife and cutting board. Unless you're Bear Grylls.

No Dutch oven? A big saucepan will do. No fancy knives? Just use a bread knife if you’re desperate! It's all about the Frito Chili Pie , not the equipment!

Easy frito chili pie is all about using what you’ve got! Now that you have what you need, lets have a go! You’re looking for a great fritos and chili dish!

Alright, let's talk Frito Chili Pie . Honestly, it’s pure comfort food in a bag! It's a Texan staple. Did you know that some claim it originated from a Woolworth's lunch counter in the 1960s? Who cares, right? It's delish!

Makin' Magic: Frito Chili Pie, Step-by-Step

This isn't your average Petro Chili Recipe, this is my version.

Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row

First, the mise en place is key, love. Chop your onion and garlic. Rinse and drain your beans. Seriously, doing this first saves SO much time. It's organisation 101, innit?

Safety reminder : Don't cut yourself! Blunt knives are dangerous. Keep the knifes sharp and the cutting board clean.

Step-by-Step: From Zero to Hero

1. Brown the beef: In a large skillet, brown 1 pound of ground beef. Drain the grease, no one likes a greasy chili.
2. Sauté: Add your chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook 'em till they're soft, about 5 minutes .
3. Beans and 'maters: Stir in your kidney and pinto beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and green chilies. Bang them in.
4. Spice it Up: Now for the good stuff. Add chili powder, cumin, oregano, cayenne (if you're brave!), salt, and pepper.
5. Simmer, Darling: Pour in 1 cup of beef broth. Simmer on low for at least 20 minutes . The longer, the better! This is where the Chili Pie Frito magic happens.
6. Crush and Open: Open those Frito bags and crush them slightly. Get ready to assemble The Best Frito Pie you’ve ever had.
7. Layer It Up: Ladle the chili into the Frito bags.
8. Top It Off: Cheese, onions, sour cream, jalapenos...go wild! This Easy Frito Chili Pie is all about you.

Pro Tips: Elevate Your Pie

• Want that restaurant feel? A secret trick of the trade is to add a teaspoon of unsweetened cocoa powder for depth. No one will know.
• Common mistake? Not simmering long enough! It needs time to develop the flavors, like a good brew.
• Make-ahead option: Make the chili a day before. It's even better the next day! Think Dinners With Chili sorted for the week.

Honestly, making frito chili pie is a blast. it’s more about the experience. and hey, if you are looking for a frito chili pie recipe the pioneer woman style, add her touch of love.

Enjoy those fritos and chili !

Recipe Notes for the Best Frito Chili Pie Ever

Okay, so you're about to make frito chili pie , right? awesome choice! it's proper comfort food. here's a few things i’ve learned making this a million times.

Trust me, these notes are game-changers. honestly, i think it all started when i was little, begging my mum for what i later realized was a petro chili recipe but made at home! it was my jam.

Serving Suggestions: Level Up Your Frito Experience

Right, let's talk presentation. forget fancy. frito chili pie is rustic. open the bag of fritos , give them a slight crush (not too much!), and pile that chili in.

Make sure to get cheese in every bite and i really mean every bite.

For sides, something light is key. think coleslaw. also, try sweetcorn. a crisp salad is your friend after dinners with chili, you know? as for drinks, try a proper, ice-cold fizzy drink.

Or maybe a shandy.

Storage Secrets: Making it Last (If it Does!)

Right, here's the deal. Frito Chili Pie is best eaten immediately . The Fritos get soggy if you leave it too long. But, if you have leftover chili, no worries.

Pop it in an airtight container in the fridge. it'll be good for 3-4 days. reheat it on the hob or in the microwave.

As for freezing, the chili freezes perfectly. just let it cool completely before you freeze it and defrost the petro chili recipe properly.

Then, cook it on the stove or in the microwave. the texture might be a little different, but the taste will be spot on.

Variations: Your Pie, Your Rules

Feeling adventurous? Let's tweak this Easy Frito Chili Pie . If you're veggie, ditch the beef and use veggie mince. Honestly, it's just as good.

Want to spice things up? add a pinch of chili flakes. swap cheddar for monterey jack cheese. or try using some fritos scoops recipes.

They're great for piling high with toppings. remember the best frito pie is the one you like the best!

Nutrition Basics: Fueling Up Texan Style

Okay, let's be real. Frito Chili Pie isn't exactly a health food. But hey, everything in moderation, yeah?

Each serving is roughly 650-750 calories. there's protein from the beef and fibre from the beans. but there's also fat and carbs.

So, maybe don't eat it every day. now that i remember it, i'm sure that the pioneer woman recipe for frito chili pie would be so much more caloric, and i love it!

Honestly, this frito chili pie recipe the pioneer woman or not, is about enjoying yourself. so, go on, dig in! you've earned it! don't feel guilty that is so good, and don't worry too much about chili pie frito being perfect— just get stuck in and have some fun.

Enjoy your awesome Frito Chili Pie !

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is Frito Chili Pie, and why is everyone so obsessed?

Frito Chili Pie is a beloved dish, especially popular in Texas and the Southwest! It's basically a walking taco taken to the next level: a bag of Fritos corn chips topped with hearty chili, cheese, and your favourite toppings. Think of it as comfort food with a kick, perfect for a casual meal or a tailgating party. It’s so simple, even a novice cook could manage it, and the flavour is absolutely smashing.

Can I make frito chili pie ahead of time?

You can definitely prep certain components in advance! The chili can be made a day or two ahead and stored in the refrigerator; in fact, the flavours often meld together even better overnight. Just assemble the frito chili pie right before serving to keep the Fritos nice and crunchy, otherwise you'll end up with a soggy bottom, and nobody wants that!

I'm watching my waistline. Is there a healthier way to make Frito Chili Pie?

You can lighten up your frito chili pie without sacrificing flavour! Use lean ground beef or even ground turkey, and load up on veggies in the chili. Opt for reduced-fat cheese, and consider swapping sour cream for Greek yogurt. You could even try baking the chili and chips in a casserole dish instead of individual bags to control portion sizes more easily. Remember everything in moderation, even Frito Chili Pie!

What kind of chili works best for Frito Chili Pie?

The best chili for Frito Chili Pie is a matter of personal preference, really! A classic Texas-style chili, like the one in the recipe, is always a winner - thick, meaty, and not too soupy. You can adjust the spice level to your liking. Just make sure it's not too watery, or your Fritos will get soggy faster than you can say "Bob's your uncle!".

My local shop doesn't stock Fritos, what else can I use for my Frito Chili Pie?

If you are fresh out of Fritos, there are some alternatives. Doritos are a good swap, giving a similar flavour, if a little richer. Tortilla chips work nicely, but they can become soggy quicker, and will benefit from being served right away. If you are really down to the bare cupboard, crackers can work but are not the best option!

I've got leftover Frito Chili Pie – how do I store it and can I reheat it?

Unfortunately, once assembled, Frito Chili Pie doesn't store particularly well because the chips will get soggy. The best approach is to store the chili separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Then, when you're ready to eat, simply assemble a fresh Frito Chili Pie! It's like building your own delicious Lego set, but edible.

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