Welcome, food lovers! If you’re craving a warm, savory dish that combines hearty chili with the irresistible crunch of Fritos and the melt-in-your-mouth goodness of gooey cheddar cheese, then you’re in for a treat. This Savory Chili Frito Pie with Gooey Cheddar Cheese is the perfect comfort food for game day, casual family dinners, or whenever you need a satisfying meal to warm your soul.
Introduction
The Savory Chili Frito Pie with Gooey Cheddar Cheese has deep roots in Southern cuisine, often celebrated for its rich flavors and easy preparation. Traditionally served at community gatherings and sports events, this dish has won hearts with its unique layering of spicy chili, crunchy corn chips, and creamy cheese. I remember the first time I had this dish—it was at a tailgate party, and the combination of flavors blew me away. Now, it’s one of my go-to recipes when I want something comforting but easy to whip up.
Ingredients
To prepare this comforting Savory Chili Frito Pie with Gooey Cheddar Cheese, you’ll need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies
- 1 packet of taco seasoning
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 cups Fritos corn chips
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Chopped green onions (optional)
- Sour cream (optional)
[Optional Substitutions:] If you’re looking to adjust the recipe for dietary restrictions, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or a plant-based meat alternative. To make it dairy-free, simply use a vegan cheese option.
How to Make Savory Chili Frito Pie with Gooey Cheddar Cheese
Follow these steps to create your own delicious Savory Chili Frito Pie with Gooey Cheddar Cheese:
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat to prevent the chili from being greasy.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant—about 2-3 minutes.
- Transfer to Slow Cooker: Move the beef mixture to your slow cooker. Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans, black beans, diced green chilies, taco seasoning, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Slow Cook: Let the chili cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The longer it cooks, the more the flavors will meld together.
- Assemble: Before serving, layer Fritos corn chips on the bottom of each serving bowl. Ladle the hot chili mixture over the chips, allowing the heat from the chili to soften them slightly.
- Top with Cheese: Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top. The warmth of the chili will melt the cheese into a gooey, delicious topping. Garnish with chopped green onions and a dollop of sour cream if desired.
Helpful Tips
To ensure your Savory Chili Frito Pie with Gooey Cheddar Cheese turns out perfectly every time, keep these helpful tips in mind:
- Use Fresh Spices: Fresh chili powder and cumin can elevate the flavor of your chili significantly. If possible, buy whole spices and grind them yourself.
- Let It Simmer: If you’re cooking on the stovetop instead of a slow cooker, make sure to let the chili simmer for at least an hour to allow the flavors to fully develop.
- Make It Spicy: If you enjoy a spicier kick, feel free to add a dash of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños.
Cooking Tips
- Skillet Choice: Use a heavy-bottomed skillet to ensure even cooking of the beef and onions.
- Slow Cooker Alternative: If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can simmer the chili in a large pot on the stovetop over low heat for 1-2 hours. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Serving Suggestions
This Savory Chili Frito Pie with Gooey Cheddar Cheese is a meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with a few side dishes:
- Cornbread: The slight sweetness of cornbread complements the savory chili perfectly.
- Fresh Salad: A light, tangy salad with a citrus vinaigrette helps balance out the richness of the pie.
- Iced Tea or Lemonade: A refreshing drink can help cut through the heartiness of this dish.
For an added touch of flair, serve the Frito pie in individual bowls or, for a fun twist, serve it directly in small, single-serving bags of Fritos!
Nutritional Information
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Protein: 22g
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Sodium: 1050mg
- Potassium: 920mg
- Fiber: 8g
- Sugar: 7g
- Vitamin A: 900 IU
- Vitamin C: 18mg
- Calcium: 250mg
- Iron: 5mg
The beans in this recipe provide an excellent source of fiber and plant-based protein, while the beef offers essential iron. Keep in mind that this dish is a bit higher in sodium due to the taco seasoning and chips, so you may want to adjust the salt content to your liking.
Storage and Leftovers
To make sure your Savory Chili Frito Pie with Gooey Cheddar Cheese stays fresh:
- Refrigerate: Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep the Fritos separate to prevent them from becoming soggy.
- Reheat: To reheat, warm the chili on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave. Add fresh Fritos and cheese just before serving.
Leftover Ideas: Use leftover chili as a topping for baked potatoes, nachos, or even mix it into scrambled eggs for a hearty breakfast.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make this dish vegetarian?
A: Absolutely! Substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or simply increase the amount of beans for a vegetarian version.
Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A: Yes, feel free to experiment with cheeses like Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes, the chili can be made a day in advance. Simply reheat before serving and add the Fritos and cheese fresh.
Related Recipes
For more delicious and easy recipes like this, be sure to explore our full collection!
Conclusion
There’s nothing like a warm bowl of Savory Chili Frito Pie with Gooey Cheddar Cheese to bring comfort and joy to any occasion. I hope you give this recipe a try and experience the perfect blend of flavors and textures. Don’t forget to share your variations or any tips you might have—I’d love to hear from you!
Enjoy your cooking, and happy eating!
Print
Savory Chili Frito Pie with Gooey Cheddar Cheese
Description
Welcome, food lovers! If you’re craving a warm, savory dish that combines hearty chili with the irresistible crunch of Fritos and the melt-in-your-mouth goodness of gooey cheddar cheese, then you’re in for a treat. This Savory Chili Frito Pie with Gooey Cheddar Cheese is the perfect comfort food for game day, casual family dinners, or whenever you need a satisfying meal to warm your soul.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies
- 1 packet of taco seasoning
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 cups Fritos corn chips
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Chopped green onions (optional)
- Sour cream (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat to prevent the chili from being greasy.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant—about 2-3 minutes.
- Transfer to Slow Cooker: Move the beef mixture to your slow cooker. Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans, black beans, diced green chilies, taco seasoning, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Slow Cook: Let the chili cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The longer it cooks, the more the flavors will meld together.
- Assemble: Before serving, layer Fritos corn chips on the bottom of each serving bowl. Ladle the hot chili mixture over the chips, allowing the heat from the chili to soften them slightly.
- Top with Cheese: Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top. The warmth of the chili will melt the cheese into a gooey, delicious topping. Garnish with chopped green onions and a dollop of sour cream if desired.
Equipment
2Pcs Heart Shape Cake Pans, Aluminum Heart Cake Mold, Reusable 10 inch
Buy Now →
Kids Chill Leak-Proof Lunch Box – Included Reusable Ice Pack Keeps Food Cold
Buy Now →Notes
- Use Fresh Spices: Fresh chili powder and cumin can elevate the flavor of your chili significantly. If possible, buy whole spices and grind them yourself.
- Let It Simmer: If you’re cooking on the stovetop instead of a slow cooker, make sure to let the chili simmer for at least an hour to allow the flavors to fully develop.
- Make It Spicy: If you enjoy a spicier kick, feel free to add a dash of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños.
