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Frito Chili Pie

Frito Chili Pie Recipe

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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 720
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef (85/15)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • ½ tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
  • 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • ½ cup water
  • 1 (9.25 oz) bag Fritos corn chips
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • Toppings: sour cream, diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, chopped fresh cilantro

Method
 

  1. Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high. Brown the ground beef, breaking it up, until no pink remains, about 7 minutes. Add onion and cook 3 minutes, then add garlic for 30 seconds.
  2. Drain excess fat, leaving about 1 tbsp. Stir in chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook 1 minute, stirring constantly.
  3. Add tomato sauce, kidney beans, and water. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low and cook 10 minutes until thickened.
  4. Preheat broiler to high. Divide Fritos among oven-safe bowls or spread in the skillet. Top with a layer of cheese, then chili, then remaining cheese. Broil 2 to 3 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden in spots.
  5. Remove from broiler and add sour cream, tomatoes, jalapeños, and cilantro. Serve immediately.

Notes

The chili can be made a day ahead and reheated on the stove. Only assemble and broil the chips right before serving so they stay crunchy. For the crispiest base, use Fritos Scoops. The chili amount is generous; you may have a little left over for another meal if you prefer a lighter chip-to-chili ratio.