Frito Pie Recipe

ByKimberly September 12, 2025September 12, 2025

Frito Pie is the ultimate comfort food mash-up: spicy, beefy chili ladled over crunchy corn chips and showered with gooey cheddar cheese. Every bite is a riot of flavors and textures—a little salty, a little cheesy, and utterly satisfying. Whether you’ve been craving a taste of childhood, need a fast weeknight dinner, or want to feed a hungry crowd for game night, Frito Pie is a guaranteed hit that will have everyone scraping their bowls and asking for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Frito Pie lies in just how straightforward, speedy, and crave-worthy the ingredients are. Each one brings something essential to the party—the beefy, flavorful chili, the crispy corn chips, and that glorious waterfall of cheddar cheese.

Ground Beef (1 pound): Rich, meaty flavor forms the heart of the chili.
Diced Onion (1 small): Adds sweetness and depth to the chili base.
Minced Garlic (2 cloves): Infuses a fragrant, savory punch that balances the spice.
Chili Beans, undrained (1 15-oz can): Adds protein, texture, and that classic chili flavor—all in one swoop.
Diced Tomatoes with Green Chiles (1 10-oz can): Gives just the right hit of tangy heat to the sauce.
Tomato Sauce (1 8-oz can): Pulls everything together with its smooth richness.
Chili Powder (2 tablespoons): The main seasoning hero—don’t be shy!
Cumin (1 teaspoon): Brings a subtle earthiness and warmth.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Rounds out all the flavors.
Black Pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds just a whisper of heat and depth.
Fritos Corn Chips (4 cups): Iconic crunch and a salty foundation for the whole dish.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese (2 cups): Melty, gooey, and absolutely essential for classic Frito Pie.
Optional Toppings: Sour cream, diced red onions, sliced jalapeños, chopped green onions for custom flair and extra flavor.

How to Make Frito Pie

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start with a large skillet on medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks so you get small, tasty crumbles. When the beef is browned and fully cooked, drain away any excess fat to avoid a greasy sauce—this is your flavor-packed foundation for Frito Pie.

Step 2: Add Onion and Garlic

Toss in your diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring often, until the onion is tender and translucent and your kitchen smells amazing from the garlicky goodness.

Step 3: Build the Chili

Stir in the chili beans (liquid and all!), diced tomatoes with green chiles, tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Each ingredient brings another layer of flavor. Now, bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, reduce the heat to low, and let it bubble for 10 to 15 minutes. Stir occasionally—the waiting is the hardest part, but it’s when all those flavors will meld together!

Step 4: Assemble and Serve

Grab your favorite bowls or plates and pile a handful of Fritos corn chips at the bottom. Spoon the hot, aromatic chili over the chips, making sure you get a little bit of everything in each serving. Sprinkle a generous handful of cheddar cheese on top—the steam from the chili will start melting it right away into cheesy perfection.

Step 5: Top It Off

Now comes the fun part: the toppings! Sour cream, diced onions, jalapeños, and green onions all add color, freshness, and layers of flavor. Make your Frito Pie as mild or wild as you please.

How to Serve Frito Pie

Garnishes

Give your Frito Pie a personal touch with a range of garnishes. Cool, tangy sour cream, diced red onions for crunch and color, sliced jalapeños for a fiery kick, and fresh green onions for zip and brightness—it’s almost impossible to go wrong. Let everyone build their own bowl for a little tableside fun.

Side Dishes

Frito Pie is bold and hearty, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or a simple slaw adds a fresh counterpoint. If you’re feeling festive, cornbread or Mexican street corn (elote) are dynamite companions that play off the chili’s flavors beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Take Frito Pie to the next level by serving it “walking taco” style: spoon the chili right into individual lunch-size bags of Fritos for a fun, portable treat—perfect for game day or casual get-togethers. Or, assemble everything in a big 9×13 baking dish, layer-style, and bake until bubbly for a serve-yourself family feast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover chili and toppings in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the Fritos separate—otherwise, they’ll lose their signature crunch and turn soggy.

Freezing

Frito Pie chili freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. It will keep for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight when you’re ready for another batch of Frito Pie magic.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the chili gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until piping hot. Pile fresh Fritos in your bowl, top with the reheated chili, and finish with cheese and your favorite garnishes just before serving.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken work wonderfully in this recipe and will lighten things up a bit, though you may want to add a splash of extra oil since they’re leaner than beef.

Is Frito Pie spicy?

The chili has a gentle heat, mostly thanks to the diced tomatoes with green chiles and chili powder, but you can amp it up by adding more jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce—or keep it mild for everyone to enjoy.

Can I make Frito Pie vegetarian?

Definitely! Swap the ground beef for a plant-based ground “meat” or extra beans and use vegetarian chili beans and tomato sauce. You’ll still get all those classic Frito Pie flavors but meat-free!

What’s the best way to re-crisp Fritos if they get soggy?

If your Fritos have softened, spread them on a baking sheet and toast in a low oven (around 250°F) for a few minutes—they’ll get crunchy again in no time.

Can I make Frito Pie ahead for a party?

Yes, you can prepare the chili a day ahead and reheat it just before serving. Set up a Frito Pie bar with bowls of chips, cheese, and toppings so guests can build their own bowls fresh at the party.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to fall in love with a classic all over again, Frito Pie is calling your name. This dish captures the heart and soul of comfort food and delivers it with every crunchy, cheesy spoonful. Gather your favorite people and give it a try—your kitchen is about to smell incredible!

Kimberly