Introducing your new go-to for speedy, satisfying weeknight meals: our 20-minute Frito Pie recipe! This Tex-Mex classic layers rich, hearty chili, perfectly melted cheese, and the irresistible crunch of Fritos for a dinner that’s bursting with flavor and fun. Forget complicated recipes and long cooking times; this dish delivers maximum taste with minimal effort, making it ideal for busy families or anyone craving a quick and comforting meal. It’s a true crowd-pleaser that brings together simple ingredients for an unforgettable experience.

For the Hearty Chili Base

• ▢ 1 lb ground beef (80/20 lean preferred for optimal flavor and texture)
• ▢ 1 white onion, diced (a yellow onion also works well for a slightly sweeter touch)
• ▢ 1 tbs minced garlic (approximately 3 cloves, or adjust to your preference)
• ▢ 15 oz can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• ▢ 15 oz can kidney beans, drained and rinsed (black beans can also be used for a different texture and taste)
• ▢ 15 oz can tomato sauce
• ▢ 6 oz can tomato paste (adds significant depth and richness to the chili)
• ▢ ½ cup water (or beef broth for an even richer flavor profile)
• ▢ 1 ½ tsp cumin
• ▢ 1 tsp chili powder
• ▢ ½ tsp salt (adjust to your taste, and remember Fritos are salty!)

Essential Toppings

The beauty of Frito Pie lies in its customizable toppings! These are our recommended essentials to complete the authentic Tex-Mex experience, but always feel free to add your own favorites or omit any you don’t prefer.

• ▢ 1 bag Fritos (classic corn chips, or Frito Scoops for easier chili delivery!)
• ▢ Shredded iceberg lettuce (provides a refreshing crunch and color contrast)
• ▢ Shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild, depending on your preference for creaminess and flavor)
• ▢ Diced tomatoes (fresh, ripe tomatoes or well-drained canned diced tomatoes)
• ▢ Fresh onion (diced red onion for a pop of color, or thinly sliced green onions for a milder flavor)
• ▢ Lime (wedges for squeezing, adding a crucial bright, acidic finish)

Optional Toppings & Flavor Boosters:

• Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: For a creamy, cooling contrast to the savory chili.
• Jalapeños: Freshly sliced or pickled for an extra layer of heat and tang.
• Salsa or Pico de Gallo: Adds vibrant freshness and a burst of complementary flavors.
• Avocado or Guacamole: For a rich, creamy texture and healthy fats.
• Olives: Sliced black olives for a subtle briny, salty touch.
• Hot Sauce: A few dashes of your favorite hot sauce for an added kick.

• Step 1: Brown the Beef and Aromatics

  Begin by heating a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, diced white onion, and minced garlic to the hot pan. Cook thoroughly, breaking up the ground beef with a spoon as it browns. Continue cooking until the beef is fully cooked through and the onion has softened and turned translucent, typically taking about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, carefully drain any excess grease from the skillet to ensure your chili isn’t overly oily and has a cleaner flavor profile. This initial step is vital for building the foundational savory flavors of your Frito Pie chili.

• Step 2: Simmer the Flavorful Chili Base

  To the skillet with the browned beef and aromatics, incorporate both cans of drained and rinsed pinto and kidney beans, the tomato sauce, tomato paste, and water (or beef broth if using). Stir all these ingredients together until they are thoroughly combined. Next, add in your seasonings: cumin, chili powder, and salt. Stir vigorously to ensure the spices are evenly distributed throughout the mixture, awakening their full aroma and taste. Bring the entire mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and allow the chili to cook for at least 10 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and to allow all the wonderful flavors to meld and deepen. This quick simmer is key to achieving that rich, developed taste in just 20 minutes!

• Step 3: Assemble and Enjoy Your Frito Pie

  Once your chili has reached its perfectly simmered state, it’s time for the exciting assembly of your Frito Pie. For individual servings, lay a generous bed of crunchy Fritos (or Frito Scoops for better structural integrity with each spoonful!) on the bottom of a plate, in a bowl, or even directly in a Frito bag cut open lengthwise—the classic “walking taco” style. Spoon a hearty portion of the hot, flavorful chili mixture over the Fritos. Then, unleash your creativity with your favorite toppings: a scattering of crisp shredded lettuce for freshness, a generous handful of shredded cheddar cheese that will melt beautifully from the chili’s warmth, vibrant diced tomatoes, a sprinkle of fresh diced onion for a mild bite, and a crucial squeeze of fresh lime juice to brighten all the rich flavors. Serve immediately and savor every delicious bite of this quick, comforting, and utterly delightful Tex-Mex classic!

For a visual guide and more inspiration, watch Julia Pacheco’s video on quick and easy weeknight dinner ideas. The segment featuring this delicious Frito Pie starts around the 8:40 mark in the video, demonstrating just how simple and fast it is to create this family favorite!

Nutrition Information

Below is an approximate nutritional breakdown for one serving of this Frito Pie. Please be aware that these values can fluctuate based on the specific brands of ingredients used, any substitutions made, and precise serving sizes. This information is provided as a general guideline for your convenience.