Chili Cheese Frito Pie

Food Network

Video Stats

Channel: Food Network
Host: Food Network
Published: Jun 27, 2025
Views: 72.6k

Recipe Overview

Prep: 30 min
Cook: 120 min
Difficulty: Intermediate
Serves: 6

Overview

Chili Cheese Frito Pie is a delightful dish that brings together the comforting flavors of chili and the satisfying crunch of Fritos. The recipe starts with a hearty mixture of ground beef and a blend of spices, simmered to perfection. The key to a great chili is in the seasoning, and this recipe does not disappoint. With a combination of chili powder, cumin, and a touch of sweetness from brown sugar, the flavors meld beautifully.

Once the chili is ready, it’s time to assemble the pie. Layering the chili over a bed of Fritos creates a delightful contrast in textures. The Fritos add a salty crunch that pairs perfectly with the rich, savory chili. Topped with a generous amount of cheddar cheese, the dish is then baked until the cheese is melted and bubbly. This dish is not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings people together.

Perfect for game day or a casual family dinner, Chili Cheese Frito Pie is sure to be a hit. It’s easy to make and can be customized with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream or jalapeños. This recipe is a reminder of the joy of comfort food, making it a must-try for anyone looking to impress their guests or simply enjoy a hearty meal at home.

Recipe Details

Steps & Tips

1
01:14

Grind Angus chuck roll and boneless pork butt together.

2
01:25

Mix in a large amount of spices into the ground meat.

01:36

Tip: Let the meat mixture cure for two days for better flavor.

01:47

Tip: Emulsify the meat mixture with ice to prevent it from getting gummy.

3
02:05

Roll the meat mixture into balls and steam them for 10-12 minutes.

4
02:11

Combine eggs, milk, cornmeal, flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, sugar, and butter.

5
02:20

Dip the corn holes in the batter and fry them at 350°F.

6
02:24

Stuff the corn holes into a bag for serving.

7
03:41

Boil raw chicken without seasoning until cooked down.

8
04:01

Chop garlic and roast it in a hot pan with oil, then add dried peppers, crushed tomatoes, chicken stock, and tomato paste.

9
04:19

Fold in the pulled chicken into the sauce and let it reduce.

04:24

Tip: Chop the skins of the peppers finely so they dissolve into the sauce.

10
04:34

Add oil to a pan and sweat down onions and bell peppers.

11
04:40

Stir in crushed tomatoes, chicken stock, sweet pickled peppers, beans, ketchup, and spices.

05:00

Tip: Let the chili cook down for about 12 minutes to achieve the right viscosity.

12
05:02

Let the chili cook for about 12 minutes.

13
05:06

Combine the chili base with the chicken sauce.

14
05:20

Melt yellow cheddar cheese over the chili.

15
05:25

Finish the dish with a garnish of scallions.

16
09:58

Use 5 lbs of 80/20 ground beef for the chili.

17
10:12

Dump in diced tomatoes and all other ingredients for the chili.

18
10:19

Cook the chili mixture on low heat for about 2 hours.

11:07

Tip: Add more spices towards the end of cooking to enhance the flavor.

19
11:10

Add more spices to the chili after 2 hours of cooking.

20
11:27

Serve the chili with toppings like cheese and onions.

11:55

Tip: Keep the chili covered while cooking to retain flavor and moisture.

21
12:00

Cook fresh ground beef with water and spices to make the Coney sauce.

22
12:41

Bring the sauce to a hard boil and then simmer.

23
13:44

Top hot dogs with chili, onions, and ketchup.

Ingredients

Serves: 6
Chili Powder2 tbsp
Cumin1 tsp
Cheddar Cheese2 cups
Fritos1 bag
Tomato Paste1 cup
Black Beans1 can
Onion1
Garlic4 cloves
Sugar1 tbsp
Allergen Alerts

Ingredient: Dairy

    → Substitution: Nondairy Cheese

Ingredient: Gluten

    → Substitution: Gluten-Free Chips

Nutrition

Calories
600
kcal per serving
Protein
30
per serving
Carbs
45
per serving

Skill Level

Skill Level Intermediate
Beginner Intermediate Advanced

Frequently asked questions

Below you will find answers to the most common questions about this recipe.

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Interesting Tidbits

  • Chili Cheese Frito Pie is a popular dish that combines chili, cheese, and Fritos for a crunchy texture.
  • The dish is often served as a comfort food and is perfect for gatherings or game day.
  • Using a mix of ground beef and spices enhances the flavor profile of the chili.
  • The addition of Fritos gives the dish a unique crunch and flavor.