I don’t know about you but I thought you might be looking for an easy weeknight dinner that’s comforting, filling, and family-approved, you can’t go wrong with a classic Frito Pie. This recipe comes together in about 30 minutes and is perfect for busy evenings, game days, potlucks, or whenever you’re craving a little comfort food.
One of my favorite things about this meal is how customizable it is. Everyone can add their favorite toppings, making it a fun dinner for the whole family. In our home Chili is a staple and its always in the cabinet because its something we use year round in my home.
Along with Hot Dogs or Wieners as people call them. If someone doesn’t want a Frito Pie they can have Hot Dog’s or Chilie Dogs and I will have leftovers for lunch the next day. Our go to Chilie is Texas Chili a block Chili that is frozen but if you look in my pantry you will see Wolf Chili which I purchase when it’s on sale for my lunch.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced which you don’t have to use
- 1 (15-ounce) can chili beans (optional)
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon chili powder I use less for me because I can’t have things that are hot
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 large bag Frito Scoops or Original Fritos
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese we use the store brand
Optional Toppings
- Sour cream for Charlie
- Diced tomatoes which we don’t use
- Sliced jalapeños for David and sometimes Charlie but can be left out
- Green onions we don’t use but you can
- Black olives for David
- Salsa for David and Charlie
- Guacamole which we don’t use but you can
Directions
- Brown the ground beef and onion (which is optional) in a large skillet until the meat is fully cooked. Drain any excess grease.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and chili beans (again this is optional) if using.
- Simmer for about 15–20 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.
- Place a generous layer of Frito Scoops into a bowl or onto a plate.
- Spoon the hot chili mixture over the chips.
- Sprinkle generously with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Add your favorite toppings and serve immediately.
Tips
- Use Frito Scoops if you like a sturdier chip that holds more chili. I like the small Frito’s because they are easier for me to eat.
- Make it a walking taco by serving it in individual snack-sized bags of Fritos which is Charlie’s favorite way to eat Frito Pie
- Leftover chili freezes beautifully for another easy meal.
- Set out a toppings bar and let everyone build their own bowl.
My family loves this recipe because it is inexpensive to fix, easy to make, and always a crowd-pleaser. It’s one of those comfort foods that reminds me of family dinners, football season, and cozy evenings at home. Its’ budget-friendly, cook once eat twice, kid-friendly mom approved meals.
Whether you’re feeding your family after a busy day or looking for a simple meal to share with friends, Homemade Frito Pie is always a delicious choice.
Free Printable Recipe Card– Feel free to print this recipe and add it to your family recipe binder!
Homemade Frito Pie
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion
- 1 can tomato sauce
- 1 can chili beans (optional)
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt & pepper
- Frito Scoops
- Shredded cheddar cheese
Directions
Brown beef and onion. Drain. Add remaining chili ingredients and simmer 15–20 minutes. Layer Frito Scoops, chili, cheese, and favorite toppings. Serve immediately.
Homemade Frito Pie
An Easy Family Comfort Food Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 (15 oz.) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15 oz.) can chili beans (optional)
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1 large bag Frito Scoops or Original Fritos
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Optional Toppings
- Sour cream
- Diced tomatoes
- Green onions
- Jalapeños
- Black olives
- Salsa
- Guacamole
Directions
- Brown the ground beef and onion in a large skillet. Drain excess grease.
- Add tomato sauce, chili beans (if using), chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer for 15–20 minutes.
- Place a layer of Frito Scoops into bowls or onto plates.
- Top with the hot chili mixture.
- Sprinkle generously with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Add your favorite toppings and enjoy!
Cook’s Tip
Turn this into a fun family meal by setting out all of the toppings buffet-style so everyone can build their own Frito Pie just the way they like it!
Grateful. Thankful. Blessed.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
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