Dad's Frito Pie

Dive into nostalgia with "Dad's Frito Pie," a crowd-pleasing, Tex-Mex-inspired casserole that's as comforting as it is flavorful. Layered with crunchy Fritos corn chips, hearty chili seasoned with a blend of smoky chili powder, cumin, and paprika, and topped with gooey melted cheddar cheese, this recipe delivers bold flavors in every bite. Ready in under an hour, it's perfect for busy weeknights or game-day gatherings. Garnish with fresh green onions and a dollop of sour cream for a finishing touch your family will love. Try this quick and easy Frito Pie recipe today for a satisfying, one-pan meal that’s sure to become a new household favorite!

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes (canned)
• 15 ounces kidney beans (canned), drained and rinsed
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup water
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 10 ounces Fritos corn chips
• 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 stalks green onions, sliced (optional, for garnish)
• 0.5 cup sour cream (optional, for serving)

Directions

Step 1

In a large skillet or pot, heat over medium heat and add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat, if necessary.

Step 2

Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 3

Sprinkle in the chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to coat the beef and onions in the spices.

Step 4

Add the canned diced tomatoes, kidney beans, tomato paste, and water. Stir everything to combine. Bring to a simmer and reduce the heat to low. Let it cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to let the flavors meld.

Step 5

While the chili is cooking, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 6

In a 9x13-inch baking dish, spread a generous layer of Fritos corn chips to cover the bottom.

Step 7

Pour the prepared chili evenly over the layer of Fritos, spreading it out with a spoon.

Step 8

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the chili.

Step 9

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 10

Remove the Frito Pie from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with sliced green onions, if desired.

Step 11

Spoon servings into bowls and top with sour cream for extra creaminess. Serve warm and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2362.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4254.0

Total Fat 269.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 104.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 46.5g
Cholesterol 601.1mg	0%
Sodium 6473.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 293.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 47.1g	0%
Total Sugars 29.5g
Protein 185.1g	0%

Vitamin D 48.0IU	0%
Calcium 2495.6mg	0%
Iron 26.9mg	0%
Potassium 4701.0mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 55.9%

Protein: 17.0%

Carbs: 27.0%