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A pie pan filled with Frito Pie with a spoon scooping it up.
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Frito Pie

This Frito Pie has a hearty Beef Chili that's made with simple ingredients. Toppings include melted cheese, Fritos, green onions, and sour cream. This is an easy casserole to prepare ahead of time and is also freezer-friendly!
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time35 minutes
Total Time45 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Servings: 6
Calories: 645kcal
Author: Stephanie

Ingredients

  • 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), see notes
  • 1 (16 oz.) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 Tablespoon cream cheese softened
  • 2 cups cheddar cheese shredded
  • 2 cups Fritos

Seasonings

  • 1 Tablespoon sugar
  • ¾ Tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon EACH: ground cumin, smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350° F.
  • Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the diced onions and cook for 5 minutes, until softened. Add the diced peppers and garlic and cook for 2 minutes, until fragrant.
  • Add the ground beef and cook and crumble until browned and cooked through. Drain any grease if needed.
  • Add the seasonings and stir to combine.
  • Add the tomato sauce and drained diced tomatoes.
  • Combine the Masa Harina and the chicken broth until well-combined. Add to the chili, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Stir in beans and heat uncovered for 10-15 minutes, until the liquid has thickened and reduced.
  • Swirl in the softened cream cheese. This adds a hint of creaminess that offsets the seasonings nicely.
  • Transfer to a pie pan or a 9x13 baking dish. Top with cheddar cheese and Fritos.
  • Bake, uncovered, for 13 minutes. Let it sit 5 minutes prior to serving.
  • Serving Suggestion: Garnish with green onions if desired and serve with sour cream. This also goes great with Cornbread or Corn Casserole.

Notes

Masa Harina:
  • This is Corn Flour that is commonly found in most grocery stores. You can use white or yellow. It's a great secret weapon used to thicken up the chili and add a hint of corn flavor to it.
  • If you don't have it, you can use 1-2 Tablespoons of Tomato Paste to thicken up the chili instead.

Crock Pot Method

  • Prepare the onions, peppers, garlic, and beef in a skillet on the stove top per instructions.
  • Transfer to a Crock Pot and add seasonings, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes. Combine the Masa Harina and chicken broth. Add to chili and stir to combine.
  • Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5.
  • Top with Cheese and cover until cheese is melted. Add Fritos just before serving.
PRO TIP: Reserve the juice from the diced tomatoes and set aside. Use only if you prefer to thin out the chili at any point.

Nutrition

Calories: 645kcal | Carbohydrates: 43g | Protein: 30g | Fat: 40g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Cholesterol: 96mg | Sodium: 1298mg | Potassium: 864mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 1151IU | Vitamin C: 23mg | Calcium: 405mg | Iron: 5mg