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Pioneer Woman Frito Chili Pie Recipe

Pioneer Woman Frito Chili Pie recipe
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This chili pie is a Tex-Mex-inspired classic featuring layers of corn chips, meaty chili, and shredded cheese baked until bubbly and golden. It’s both savory and satisfying, offering a delightful mix of textures—soft chili beneath and crisp Fritos above. Whether served in a casserole dish or assembled individually in bowls, it’s a crowd-pleasing meal that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.

Ingredients

Scale

  • 1 lb ground beef

  • 1 small onion, chopped

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce

  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed

  • 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies

  • 2 tbsp chili powder

  • 1 tsp ground cumin

  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

  • 3 cups Fritos corn chips

  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

  • Optional toppings: sour cream, diced onions, sliced jalapeños, or chopped cilantro

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven

Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or oil.

Step 2: Brown the beef and onions

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and onion over medium heat until browned. Add minced garlic and sauté for another minute. Drain any excess fat.

Step 3: Add the seasonings and sauce

Stir in chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Add tomato sauce and diced tomatoes with green chilies. Mix well and bring to a gentle simmer for 10 minutes.

Step 4: Add the beans

Stir in the kidney beans and let the mixture cook for another 5 minutes so all the flavors combine beautifully.

Step 5: Assemble the Frito pie

Spread half of the Fritos evenly at the bottom of the baking dish. Pour the chili mixture over the chips, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top, then add the remaining Fritos as the final crunchy layer.

Step 6: Bake the chili pie

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese melts and the edges start to bubble.

Step 7: Garnish and serve  

Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with sour cream, chopped onions, jalapeños, or cilantro. Serve warm and enjoy the perfect balance of crunch and comfort.

Find it online: https://inspiredbypioneerwoman.com/pioneer-woman-frito-chili-pie/