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Frito Pie Recipe

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4 from 86 reviews

Frito Pie is a comforting Tex-Mex casserole featuring a crispy corn chip crust filled with a flavorful chili made from ground beef, tomatoes, spices, and beans, all topped with melted sharp cheddar cheese and optional fresh toppings. It’s a cozy, cheesy dish perfect for a satisfying family meal or casual get-together.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Crust

  • 6 cups corn chips
  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten

Chili Filling

  • 2 pounds ground beef
  • 28 ounces crushed tomatoes in their juices (canned)
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon ground ancho chile
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground white pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 3 tablespoons masa harina
  • 15 ounces pinto beans, drained (canned)

Toppings

  • 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
  • Grated cheddar cheese, for serving (optional)
  • Pickled jalapenos, for serving (optional)
  • Chopped fresh tomatoes, for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the crust and finishing the pie.
  2. Process Corn Chips: Place the corn chips in a food processor and pulse until they form a coarse meal texture.
  3. Mix Crust Ingredients: Transfer the processed corn chips to a large bowl and stir in the flour, melted butter, and beaten eggs until fully combined into a dough-like mixture.
  4. Form and Bake Crust: Spray a 10-inch fluted tart pan with non-stick spray. Press the corn chip mixture evenly into the pan, spreading it up the sides. Bake for about 30 minutes until set and slightly golden. Remove and allow to cool.
  5. Cook Ground Beef: In a dutch oven over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up into fine pieces. Drain excess fat if desired.
  6. Add Seasonings and Tomatoes: Add crushed tomatoes, cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, ancho chile, white pepper, and salt to the beef. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 25 minutes.
  7. Add Masa Harina and Beans: Stir in masa harina and drained pinto beans. Simmer uncovered for 45 to 60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chili thickens and becomes fragrant.
  8. Assemble Pie: Remove chili from heat and pour it evenly into the prepared corn chip crust. Smooth the surface.
  9. Add Cheese and Bake: Generously top with shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Bake in the oven at 350°F for 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and gooey.
  10. Cool and Serve: Let the pie cool for 5 to 10 minutes. Serve directly from the pan or unmold carefully. Top with additional cheese, pickled jalapenos, and chopped fresh tomatoes if desired. Enjoy with a big cheesy smile!

Notes

  • For a crispier crust, press the corn chip mixture firmly and bake until lightly golden.
  • Drain excess fat from browned beef to reduce greasiness if preferred.
  • Adjust spice levels by varying the amount of ancho chile and jalapenos.
  • Masa harina helps thicken the chili; make sure to simmer uncovered after adding it.
  • Pie can be served with additional toppings such as sour cream or chopped onions.
  • This dish is best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated covered in the oven.
  • Author: ELLA
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Find it online: https://ellarecipe.com/frito-pie-recipe/