Frito Chili Pie Recipe: Tasty Comfort Food

Frito Chili Pie is a simple yet delicious dish that people love throughout the United States. It combines crunchy Fritos corn chips, warm chili, and melted cheese to make the perfect meal. Frito Chili Pie is a simple yet delicious dish that people love throughout the United States. It combines crunchy Fritos corn chips with warm chili. In this post, we’ll learn about where it came from, how to make it, and some fun ways to mix it up!

Where Did Frito Chili Pie Come From?

The History

Frito Chili Pie is connected to the history of Fritos corn chips. In 1932, a man named Charles Elmer Doolin from San Antonio, Texas, bought a recipe for corn chips from a local vendor. He worked hard to make the chips super crunchy and salty, and that’s how the Fritos brand began. Over time, people started adding Fritos to other foods, and one of the most popular recipes that emerged was the Frito Chili Pie.

The dish became popular in the 1940s and 1950s. Since chili was already a favorite food in Texas, it made sense to pour it over Fritos and add cheese on top. It was tasty, simple, and easy to share.

Who Invented It?

Two places say they invented Frito Chili Pie:

1. Texas: Some Texans believe Daisy Dean Doolin, the mother of Charles Doolin, is responsible for its creation. She loved experimenting with Fritos and made the dish famous in her kitchen.
2. New Mexico: Another story says Teresa Hernández, a cook in Santa Fe, started serving chili right in a Fritos bag at a Woolworth’s lunch counter in the 1960s. Today, people call this version a “walking taco.”

No matter where it came from, Frito Chili Pie is now a favorite comfort food in the Southwest and beyond.

What’s in Frito Chili Pie?

The Main Ingredients

Frito Chili Pie is made with just a few basic ingredients:

• Fritos corn chips: These crispy chips make the base of the dish.
• Chili: Warm, beefy chili gives the dish its hearty flavor.
• Cheese: Shredded cheddar cheese adds gooey, melty goodness.

Toppings You Can Add

While the classic recipe is simple, you can make your Frito Chili Pie even better with these toppings:

• Diced onions: Add a little crunch and a strong flavor.
• Sour cream: Makes the dish creamy and cools down the heat.
• Jalapeños: Perfect for those who like a spicy kick.
• Avocado slices: Add creaminess and a fresh taste.
• Cilantro: A sprinkle of green herbs to brighten the dish.

How to Make Frito Chili Pie at Home

Ingredients You Need

Here’s a simple shopping list for Frito Chili Pie:

• 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey if you want a lighter version)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (15-ounce) can of kidney beans or pinto beans (optional)
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 bag Fritos corn chips
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• Toppings: sour cream, jalapeños, diced onions, cilantro

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Chili:
   • In a large pan, cook the ground beef over medium heat until it’s brown. Drain any extra grease.
   • Add the diced onions and garlic, and cook until they’re soft.
   • Mix in the tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, and beans (if you’re using them). Let it simmer for 15-20 minutes so the flavors come together. Add salt and pepper to taste.
2. Build the Pie:
   • In a baking dish, pour a layer of Fritos corn chips at the bottom.
   • Spoon the warm chili over the Fritos.
   • Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese all over the top.
3. Bake or Serve:
   • Baked version: Heat the oven to 375°F and bake the dish for 10-15 minutes, until the cheese melts.
   • Quick version: Skip the baking and serve the chili hot over the chips. The chili will melt the cheese on its own!
4. Add Toppings:
   • Finish your Frito Chili Pie with any toppings you like, such as sour cream, onions, or jalapeños.

Different Ways to Make Frito Chili Pie

Regional Styles

Depending on where you live, Frito Chili Pie may look a little different:

• Walking Tacos (Midwest): This version serves chili and toppings right in a small Fritos bag. You can eat it with a fork while walking around.
• Pepper Bellies (California): This style adds bell peppers and spicy chili for a bigger kick.

Healthy Swaps

If you want to make a healthier version of Frito Chili Pie, try these ideas:

• Use turkey or plant-based meat as a substitute for ground beef.
• Choose baked corn chips instead of regular Fritos.
• Add fresh toppings like lettuce, avocado, or tomatoes for an extra boost of veggies.

Is Frito Chili Pie Healthy?

Calorie Breakdown

A typical serving contains approximately 400-600 calories, depending on the amount you eat and the toppings you add.

Tips for a Healthier Dish

• Use lean ground meat to reduce fat.
• Swap in baked corn chips.
• Add plenty of vegetables, such as diced tomatoes, avocado, or lettuce, to balance the dish.

Frito Chili Pie in Pop Culture

On TV and at Events

Frito Chili Pie has become famous in pop culture. It has been featured on TV shows like Breaking Bad and The Pioneer Woman. You’ll also find it at fairs, sports games, and family cookouts.

A Party Favorite

Frito Chili Pie is perfect for events like football games, potlucks, and carnivals. It’s easy to make, and everyone loves it.

Why Frito Chili Pie Is Here to Stay

Frito Chili Pie is a classic because it’s easy to make, tasty, and fun to eat. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a meal that everyone will enjoy. Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or try a new twist, it will always be a crowd-pleaser.

Now that you know the history, recipe, and fun variations, it’s time to give Frito Chili Pie a try. Make it tonight and share this tasty classic with your family!

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Frito Chili Pie: Tasty Comfort Food

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• Author: Brittany Harris
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings

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Description

Crunchy, cheesy, and loaded with savory chili goodness—this Frito Chili Pie is pure comfort food that’s quick, easy, and perfect for weeknight dinners or game day snacking

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Ingredients

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• 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (15-ounce) can kidney or pinto beans (optional)
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 bag Fritos corn chips
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Toppings:

• Sour cream, jalapeños, diced onions, cilantro

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Instructions

1. Cook the Chili:

• In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain any excess grease.
• Add the diced onions and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant.
• Stir in the tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, and beans (if using). Let the chili simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to come together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

2. Build the Pie:

• In a baking dish, spread a layer of Fritos corn chips at the bottom.
• Spoon the warm chili evenly over the chips.
• Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously on top.

3. Bake or Serve:

• Baked Version: Preheat the oven to 375°F and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Quick Version: Skip the baking and serve the hot chili straight over the chips. The heat from the chili will melt the cheese perfectly.

4. Add Toppings:

• Top with sour cream, diced onions, fresh jalapeños, and a sprinkle of cilantro for extra flavor and texture.

Notes

• Crunch Factor: Add a few extra Fritos on top just before serving to keep that irresistible crunch.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced fresh jalapeños to the chili for some heat.
• Make Ahead: Cook the chili ahead of time and assemble the pie just before baking or serving.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6 servings
• Calories: 288kcal
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 603mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 18g
• Cholesterol: 73mg