My children love the Frito Pie and I recommend you also try this one at home and serve it to your children as well. This recipe is not only delicious and tasty but also has a lot of nutrients in it which are essential for your children’s health.
This classic American dish can be made in many different variations to suit your taste. Here, we'll cover everything you need to know about Frito Pie, from its history to its ingredients and preparation, and I also provide you with a simple and delicious recipe to try at home.
History of Frito Pie
It is a popular dish that originated in the Southwest United States, particularly in Texas and New Mexico. It is believed that the dish was first created by Teresa Hernandez. Hernandez used to take home broken Fritos chips and mix them with chili and cheese to make a quick and tasty meal for her family.
Frito Pie has now become a staple of American cuisine, especially in the South and Southwest. The dish is often served at sporting events, fairs, and other outdoor gatherings, and it's also a popular comfort food in many households.
Ingredients for Frito Pie
The great thing about Frito Pie is that you can customize it to your liking by adding or omitting ingredients. However, there are a few key ingredients that are essential for making this dish:
- Fritos corn chips
- Chili (either homemade or canned)
- Shredded cheese
- Diced onions, jalapenos, sour cream, guacamole (Optional)
How to Make Frito Pie
Making Frito Pie is easy and straightforward, and it only takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. Follow the step-by-step guide for making this delicious dish:
Give heat to your oven to 350°F.
Spread a layer of Fritos corn chips on the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Pour the chili over the Fritos chips, spreading it evenly.
Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the chili, covering it completely.
Add any optional toppings you like, such as diced onions, jalapenos, sour cream, or guacamole.
Add another layer of Fritos chips on top of the cheese and toppings.
Bake the Frito Pie in the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Variations of Frito Pie
I am guiding you about multiple ways with which you can customize the Frito Pie as per your liking:
Firstly, instead of using chili with meat, you can use vegetarian chili or black beans to make a meatless version of Frito Pie. You can use scrambled eggs and bacon to make a breakfast-themed Frito Pie. Top it with cheese and salsa for a flavorful twist.
Instead of chili, you can use pulled pork or barbecue chicken to make a barbecue-inspired Frito Pie. Top it with coleslaw and barbecue sauce for a Southern-style dish. You can also use taco seasoning and ground beef to make a taco-inspired Frito Pie. Top it with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and sour cream for a Tex-Mex twist.
FAQs
Can I make Frito Pie ahead of time?
you can make Frito Pie ahead of time and reheat it in the oven or microwave when you're ready to serve it.
Q2. Can I use different types of chips for Frito Pie?
While Fritos corn chips are the traditional choice for Frito Pie, you can use other types of chips, such as tortilla chips or potato chips, if you prefer.
How can I make Frito Pie spicier?
If you like your food spicy, you can add more chili powder or cayenne pepper to the chili, or top the Frito Pie with sliced jalapenos or hot sauce.
Can I freeze Frito Pie?
you can freeze Frito Pie for up to three months. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the freezer. To reheat, thaw the pie in the fridge overnight and then bake it in the oven until heated through.
Conclusion
With the above-mentioned, simple ingredients and easy preparation, Frito Pie is a great choice for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings. So I am recommending you must give a try to this recipe.
Frito Pie
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
- ⅛ cup masa harina, (corn flour)
- 1 (16 oz.) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 Tablespoon cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 cups Fritos
Seasonings
- 1 sugar sugar
- ¾ sugar 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.
- 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.
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