Frito pie is a dish popular in the Midwestern, Southeastern, and Southwestern United States, whose basic ingredients are chili, cheese, and corn chips (traditionally Fritos). Additions can include salsa, refried beans, sour cream, onion, rice, or jalapeños. There are many variations and alternative names used by region. Frito pie can be prepared in a casserole dish, but an alternate preparation can be in a single-serve Fritos-type corn chip bag with various ingredients as toppings. In Mexico a similar type of dish is chilaquiles.
Preparation of Frito pie
Ingredients
For chili:
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- 1 tbsp.extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 medium white onion, chopped and divided
- 3cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp.tomato paste
- 1 lb.ground beef
- 1 1/2 tbsp.chili powder
- 1 tsp.ground cumin
- 1 tsp.dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp.cayenne pepper
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1(28-oz.) can crushed tomatoes
- 1(15-oz.) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1(4-oz.) can green chili
For serving:
- 6(1-oz) bags Fritos
- 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced
- 2 c.shredded Cheddar
- Sour cream, for serving (optional)
Directions on how to prepare Frito pie
- In a large pot over medium heat, heat oil. Add half onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute more, then add tomato paste, stirring to combine. Add ground beef and cook until no longer pink. Drain fat and return to heat.
- Add chili powder, cumin, oregano, cayenne, and season generously with salt and pepper. Pour in crushed tomatoes, pinto beans, and green chili and bring chili to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 20 minutes. Season with more salt and pepper, if necessary.
- Build Frito pie: open bag(s) and ladle in chili. Top with cheddar, remaining chopped white onions, jalapeños, and sour cream if using.
Nutrition (per serving): 591 calories, 31 g protein, 42 g carbohydrates, 5 g fiber, 9 g sugar, 34 g fat, 12 g saturated fat, 976 mg sodium.
