Description

Frito Pie is a hearty, comforting casserole that combines savory ground beef chili with crunchy Fritos and melted cheddar cheese. This one-dish meal features a flavorful chili base with onions, peppers, garlic, tomato sauce, kidney beans, and a touch of masa harina for thickening. Baked until bubbly and topped with crispy corn chips and cheese, it’s perfect for casual family dinners or game day gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Chili Base

1 Tablespoon olive oil
1 cup yellow onion, diced
½ diced green bell pepper (or 2 seeded jalapeno peppers)
3 cloves garlic, diced
1 lb. ground beef (85% lean)
8 oz. tomato sauce
1 (14.5 oz.) can diced tomatoes, drained
1 cup chicken broth
1/8 cup masa harina (corn flour)
1 (16 oz.) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 Tablespoon sugar
¾ Tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon salt
1 Tablespoon cream cheese, softened

Topping and Serving

2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
2 cups Fritos corn chips

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the assembled pie later.
Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add diced onions and cook for 5 minutes until softened. Add diced green bell pepper or jalapenos and garlic, cooking for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
Cook Ground Beef: Add ground beef to the pot, breaking it up as it browns. Cook until no longer pink, about 7-8 minutes. Drain excess grease if necessary.
Add Seasonings: Stir in sugar, chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and salt to evenly coat the meat mixture.
Add Tomato Ingredients: Pour in tomato sauce and drained diced tomatoes, stirring well to combine.
Incorporate Masa Harina and Broth: In a separate bowl, mix masa harina with chicken broth until fully combined. Add this mixture to the pot, bring chili to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer.
Add Beans and Simmer: Stir in kidney beans and let the chili simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes, allowing the liquid to thicken and flavors to meld.
Blend in Cream Cheese: Swirl in the softened cream cheese, adding creamy richness to balance the spices.
Assemble in Baking Dish: Transfer the chili mixture into a pie pan or 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, followed by the Fritos corn chips.
Bake and Rest: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 13 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Serve: Optionally garnish with sliced green onions and serve with sour cream, cornbread, or corn casserole for a complete meal.

Notes

For a spicier dish, use jalapenos instead of green bell pepper.
Masa harina helps to thicken the chili and gives a subtle corn flavor—ensure it’s mixed well with broth before adding to avoid lumps.
Drain excess grease from ground beef to keep the dish from becoming too oily.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture retention.
This recipe can be made with ground turkey or plant-based protein for healthier or vegetarian variations.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Casserole
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Frito Pie, Chili Casserole, Comfort Food, Ground Beef Chili, Baked Chili, Tex-Mex