This Frito Chili Pie Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, transforming a beloved game-day snack into a hearty, family-sized meal. Featuring a crisp, salty foundation of Fritos corn chips generously topped with rich, savory chili, blanketed in a layer of melting cheddar cheese, and crowned with a medley of fresh, vibrant toppings, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings warmth and flavor to any table. Perfect for chilly evenings, family gatherings, or a memorable weeknight dinner, this casserole offers a delicious twist on a classic, making it easier than ever to enjoy this iconic dish.

The Ultimate Frito Chili Pie Casserole: A Southern Comfort Staple

Few dishes evoke the same sense of nostalgic comfort as Frito Pie. For many, it’s a cherished memory of high school football games, chilly autumn evenings, or bustling concession stands. This Frito Chili Pie Casserole elevates that beloved experience, bringing all the irresistible flavors and textures into one convenient, family-friendly dish. Imagine a comforting bed of crunchy, salty corn chips, smothered in a steaming hot, richly seasoned chili, then crowned with a blanket of gooey, melted cheese and an array of fresh, vibrant toppings. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of simple, satisfying flavors that truly hit the spot.

The beauty of this casserole lies in its ability to transform a humble snack into a complete and robust dinner. The layers work in perfect harmony: the Fritos maintain their satisfying crunch, even when warmed, providing an essential textural contrast to the tender ground beef and bean-filled chili. The melting cheese acts as a creamy bridge between the components, while fresh toppings add brightness and a delightful finish. It’s a hearty, flavorful, and incredibly easy dish that promises to become a regular in your rotation.

A Timeless American Classic: The Heartwarming History of Frito Pie

Frito pie is deeply ingrained in the culinary landscape of the American South and Southwest, particularly in states like Oklahoma, Texas, and New Mexico. Its origins are a bit hazy, with several claims to its invention, but one thing is certain: its popularity exploded, especially at sporting events and casual gatherings. The classic preparation often involves opening a bag of Fritos, pouring in a scoop of hot chili, and topping it with cheese and onions – a truly ingenious, portable meal. This simple yet satisfying concept quickly made it a staple at high school football games, rodeos, and community festivals. There’s something undeniably comforting about that combination of salty chips, warm chili, and melty cheese, particularly when there’s a crisp chill in the air.

This casserole version captures all the essence of that beloved original but reimagines it for family dining. Instead of individual bags, we create a generous, oven-baked dish that allows the flavors to meld beautifully. The Fritos get perfectly warmed and slightly softened in places while retaining their signature crispness, creating an incredible textural experience with every bite. Toppings like jalapeño slices, fresh tomatoes, and a dollop of cool sour cream elevate the dish, adding layers of flavor that make it truly irresistible. It’s comfort food at its finest, easy to prepare, and even easier to devour. You might even find yourself craving a side of soft pretzels with cheese sauce or a mug of hot chocolate to complete the cozy meal.

Essential Ingredients and Supplies for Your Frito Chili Pie Casserole

Creating this delicious Frito Chili Pie Casserole requires a few simple, accessible ingredients and standard kitchen supplies. Each component plays a vital role in achieving the perfect balance of flavor and texture that makes this dish so irresistible. Below, you’ll find a comprehensive list to ensure you have everything on hand for a smooth cooking experience. (Detailed measurements and a complete recipe card can be found at the bottom of this post.)

Ingredients:

• Olive oil: Essential for sautéing the onions and browning the beef, forming the flavor base of your chili.
• Chopped white onion: Adds a sweet and pungent aromatic foundation to the chili.
• Lean ground beef: The star protein of the chili, providing substance and savory flavor. Using lean ground beef helps prevent the casserole from becoming greasy.
• Chili powder: A foundational spice, offering a warm, earthy, and slightly smoky flavor.
• Brown sugar (light or dark): A touch of sweetness helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes and enhances the overall chili flavor.
• Garlic powder: Provides a concentrated garlic essence that complements the other spices.
• Ground cumin: Adds a distinctive warm, earthy, and slightly pungent flavor characteristic of chili.
• Kosher salt: Crucial for seasoning and bringing out the best in all the ingredients.
• Tomato sauce: Forms the rich, tangy base of the chili.
• Canned red kidney beans, drained: Adds texture, fiber, and a classic chili element. Ensure they are thoroughly drained before adding.
• Fritos original corn chips: The iconic, salty, and crunchy foundation of the pie. Don’t substitute for generic brands if you want that authentic Frito Pie experience.
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully to create a gooey, savory topping that binds the casserole together. Sharp or mild cheddar works well.
• Sour cream: A cool, tangy dollop of sour cream on top provides a refreshing contrast to the rich chili.
• Pickled jalapeño slices: Offers a bright, spicy kick and a vinegary tang, cutting through the richness.
• Cherry tomatoes, chopped: Adds fresh, juicy sweetness and a pop of color.
• White onion, chopped: Provides a crisp, sharp bite and aromatic freshness as a topping.
• Green onions, chopped: Offers a milder onion flavor and a vibrant green garnish.

Supplies:

• Large pot: For cooking your chili base efficiently.
• 9×13 casserole dish: The perfect size for a family-sized Frito Chili Pie.

How to Make Frito Chili Pie Casserole: Step-by-Step Perfection

Making this Frito Chili Pie Casserole is a straightforward process, combining a comforting homemade chili with the irresistible crunch of Fritos and melted cheese. Follow these detailed steps to create a show-stopping dish that will delight everyone at your table.

• Step 1: Sauté the aromatics. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped white onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until it softens and becomes translucent, typically about 5 minutes. This step is crucial for building a flavorful base for your chili.
• Step 2: Brown the ground beef. Add the lean ground beef to the pot with the softened onions. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon to break the meat into small, even pieces. Continue cooking until the beef is thoroughly browned and no pink remains. Drain any excess grease to keep your chili from being too oily.
• Step 3: Season the chili. Once the beef is browned, add the chili powder, brown sugar, garlic powder, ground cumin, and kosher salt. Stir vigorously until the spices are well combined with the beef and onions. Allow the spices to toast for about a minute, which helps to deepen their flavor and aroma.
• Step 4: Simmer the chili. Pour in the tomato sauce and add the drained red kidney beans to the pot. Stir everything together until well combined. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for at least 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. You can simmer it longer for even deeper flavor if time allows. Once the chili has simmered, remove the pot from the heat.

• Step 5: Prepare for baking. While your chili is simmering or resting, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
• Step 6: Layer the casserole. Arrange an even layer of Fritos original corn chips across the bottom of the prepared casserole dish. Aim for a single, consistent layer to provide a sturdy and crunchy base. Next, spoon the prepared chili mixture evenly over the layer of Fritos, making sure to spread it from edge to edge. Finally, generously sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the chili.

• Step 7: Bake to cheesy perfection. Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted, bubbly, and slightly golden. Watch it carefully to prevent over-browning.
• Step 8: Garnish and serve. Once baked, remove the Frito Chili Pie Casserole from the oven and let it set for a few minutes. This brief resting period helps the layers stabilize, making it easier to serve. Then, top the entire casserole with generous dollops of sour cream, an array of vibrant pickled jalapeño slices, a sprinkle of freshly chopped cherry tomatoes, chopped white onion, and a scattering of chopped green onions. Alternatively, you can serve the plain casserole and let each person customize their individual bowls with their preferred toppings. This allows for personal preference and ensures everyone gets their Frito Chili Pie just the way they like it. Serve warm and enjoy!

Storage and Reheating Tips for Leftovers

While this Frito Chili Pie Casserole is truly best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, any leftovers can be stored and reheated for another delicious meal. To ensure the best quality, transfer any remaining casserole into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. It’s important to note that the Fritos will inevitably lose some of their crispness as they absorb moisture from the chili, but the flavor will remain wonderful.

When it comes to reheating, I highly recommend using the oven rather than the microwave. Microwaving tends to make the Fritos quite chewy and soft, compromising the texture that makes this dish so enjoyable. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole (covered with foil if you want to prevent further browning of the cheese) in the oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until it is heated through and the cheese is bubbly again. This method will help revive some of the texture and ensure an evenly warmed dish, bringing back much of its original appeal.

I hope this Frito Chili Pie Casserole brings as much joy and comfort to your home as it does to mine. It’s truly a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something extraordinarily delicious and memorable. Whether you’re making it for a game day gathering, a cozy family dinner, or just because you’re craving that unique Frito Pie flavor, I’m confident it will be a hit!

If you whip up this fantastic Frito Chili Pie Casserole, please be sure to snap a picture and share it with me on Instagram @thebakermama so I can see your wonderful creation. Your culinary triumphs inspire me! If you’re active on Facebook, don’t hesitate to join my Friends of The BakerMama group. It’s a vibrant community where we connect, share our favorite recipes, and celebrate all the fun and yummy dishes you make from my collection. I absolutely love seeing how creative and inspired y’all get with the ideas I share. Enjoy every hearty, cheesy, crunchy bite!

xoxo,

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Frito Chili Pie Casserole

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5 from 1 review

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  Author: The BakerMama
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  Prep Time: 5 minutes
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  Cook Time: 25 minutes
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  Total Time: 30 minutes
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  Yield: 6-8 servings

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Description

This Frito Chili Pie Casserole takes hot, hearty chili over a bed of crispy corn chips, topped with melting cheese, sour cream, and flavorful additions for a satisfying, family-sized version of a beloved cold-weather comfort food. It’s the perfect game-day dish or an easy weeknight meal!

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Ingredients

For the Chili Base:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup chopped white onion
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 2 teaspoons brown sugar (light or dark)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (15 ounce) can red kidney beans, drained

For Assembly and Toppings:

• 1 (9.25 ounce) package Fritos original corn chips
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• sour cream
• pickled jalapeno slices
• cherry tomatoes, chopped
• white onion, chopped
• green onions, chopped

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Instructions

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped white onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the ground beef to the pot. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon to break it up into small pieces, until the beef is browned well. Drain any excess grease.
3. Stir in the chili powder, brown sugar, garlic powder, cumin, and salt. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, allowing the spices to become fragrant.
4. Add the tomato sauce and drained red kidney beans. Stir well to combine. Bring the chili to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat and cook for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Remove from heat.
5. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray.
6. Arrange the Fritos original corn chips in an even layer across the bottom of the prepared casserole dish. Spoon the chili mixture evenly over the chips. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the chili.
7. Bake for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly.
8. Let the casserole set for a few minutes before topping with dollops of sour cream, pickled jalapeño slices, chopped cherry tomatoes, chopped white onion, and chopped green onion. Alternatively, serve the plain casserole and allow each person to top their own bowls as they please. Serve warm and enjoy!

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