If you grew up anywhere near Texas, you probably know and love Frito Pie. And if you didn’t, oh honey, you’re in for a treat. It’s a big pile of crunchy, salty Fritos topped with a hearty homemade beef chili and loaded up with cheese, sour cream, onions, and jalapeños.
It’s the kind of food you’ll find at football games, county fairs, and church potlucks, and it’s every bit as fun to make at home. The chili simmers for just 20 minutes, so dinner’s ready fast, and everybody gets to build their own bowl.
You’ll find more hearty ground beef dinners in my beef recipes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick homemade chili: Simple pantry spices and a 20-minute simmer give it real flavor.
- Crunchy and saucy: The salty corn chips and rich chili are a perfect match.
- Build-your-own fun: Set out the toppings and let everyone make their own.
- Feeds a crowd: Two pounds of beef makes about 8 servings.
- Party-ready: Serve it as “walking tacos” right in the chip bags for game days and parties.
Ingredients Breakdown
Here’s what goes into this Frito pie. You’ll find exact amounts in the recipe card at the bottom of the page.
- Ground beef: Two pounds make a meaty, satisfying chili.
- Garlic and onion: Cooked right along with the beef for savory flavor.
- Tomato sauce and tomato paste: They create a thick, rich chili base.
- Chili powder and cumin: The classic chili spices. Start with 1 tablespoon of chili powder and add more to taste.
- Salt: Two teaspoons season the whole pot.
- Water or beef broth: Beef broth gives you an even beefier chili.
- Fritos corn chips: A 9.25-ounce bag, original or chili cheese flavor.
- Toppings: Sour cream, grated cheddar, diced red onion, and minced jalapeños.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Brown the beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown and crumble the ground beef with the garlic and onion. Drain off the extra grease and put the beef back in the skillet.
2. Add the sauce and spices
Stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, salt, and water or broth until everything is combined.
3. Simmer
Turn the heat down to medium-low and let the chili simmer for at least 20 minutes so the flavors come together.
4. Assemble
Spread the Fritos on a large plate or in a big bowl (or divide them into individual bowls or bags) and spoon the chili right over the top.
5. Top it off
Finish with your favorite toppings and dig in.
Tips and Variations
- Drain the grease: It keeps the chili from tasting heavy and helps the chips stay crunchy.
- Season to taste: Start with 1 tablespoon of chili powder, taste, and add up to another if you like it bolder.
- Assemble right before serving: The chips stay crunchiest when the chili goes on at the last minute.
- Add beans: Stir in a can of drained, rinsed kidney beans or chili beans if you like.
- Make walking Frito pies: Spoon the chili and toppings straight into individual snack-size bags of Fritos.
- Use broth: Swap the water for beef broth for a richer chili.
How to Serve This Recipe
Set up a little Frito pie bar with bowls of shredded cheddar, sour cream, diced red onion, and jalapeños, and let everybody pile on their favorites. It’s perfect for game days, birthday parties, and casual weeknights.
Add something fresh on the side, like Fresh Corn and Tomato Salad or a scoop of Easy Homemade Guacamole. Feeding a crowd? Put out a bowl of Buffalo Chicken Dip too.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Frito pie?
It’s a Southwestern classic made by spooning chili over Fritos corn chips and topping it with cheese, onions, sour cream, and jalapeños.
Can I add beans to the chili?
Yes. Stir in a can of drained and rinsed kidney beans or chili beans.
How long does the chili need to simmer?
At least 20 minutes over medium-low heat, so the flavors can blend.
What is a walking Frito pie?
It’s Frito pie served right in an individual snack-size bag of Fritos. Just spoon the chili and toppings into the bag and eat it with a fork.
Can I use water instead of broth?
Yes. Either works, but beef broth gives the chili a beefier flavor.
You May Also Love
- Classic Beef Chili
- Cheesy Taco Pasta
- Easy Ground Beef Quesadillas
- 5-Ingredient Beef Enchilada Casserole
- Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole
Frito Pie
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Large serving plate or bowl
Ingredients
Chili
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 3 small cloves garlic minced
- 1 small onion diced
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
- 1-2 tablespoons chili powder to taste
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 3/4 cup water or beef broth
Base
- 1 (9.25-ounce) bag Fritos corn chips original or chili cheese
Toppings
- sour cream
- grated cheddar cheese
- diced red onion
- minced jalapeños
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown and crumble the ground beef with the garlic and onion. Drain off the extra grease and return the mixture to the skillet.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, salt and water (or broth) until combined.
- Turn the heat down to medium-low and simmer for at least 20 minutes.
- Spread the Fritos on a large plate or in a large bowl (or individual bowls or bags) and spoon the chili over the top.
- Finish with your choice of toppings.
.
- Servings: Makes about 8 servings with 2 pounds of beef and a 9.25-ounce bag of chips.
- Beans: Add 1 can of drained, rinsed kidney beans or chili beans if you like.
- Broth: Beef broth instead of water gives a beefier chili.
- Walking Frito pie: Spoon the chili and toppings straight into individual snack-size bags of Fritos.
- Nutrition: Estimated per serving from the chili and chips (80/20 beef, drained, 1 1/2 tbsp chili powder), without toppings.
