Name: Frito Pie
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 2 pounds ground beef.; 3 cloves small garlic, minced.; 1 small onion, diced.; 15 ounce can tomato sauce.; 6 ounce can tomato paste.; 1-2 tablespoons chili powder (or to taste).; 1 teaspoon ground cumin.; 2 teaspoons salt.; ¾ cup water (or beef broth).; 9.25 ounce bag Fritos corn chips (original or chili cheese flavor).; Toppings: Sour cream.; Toppings: Grated cheddar cheese.; Toppings: Diced red onion.; Toppings: Minced jalapeño peppers.

Discover the fun and flavor of Walking Frito Pie, a dish that combines crispy Fritos corn chips with hearty chili and a variety of toppings. This easy-to-make meal is perfect for casual gatherings or a quick dinner. Simply layer the crunchy chips with a savory chili made from ground beef, tomato sauce, and a blend of spices. Top with your favorite additions like sour cream, grated cheddar cheese, diced red onion, and minced jalapeños. Walking Frito Pie is best served fresh, offering a delightful mix of textures and tastes that everyone will love. Store any leftover chili separately and reheat for a quick meal later.

Walking Frito Pie is a fun and flavorful dish that combines the crunch of Fritos corn chips with a hearty, savory chili. Perfect for casual gatherings or a quick meal, this recipe offers a delightful blend of textures and tastes. It's easy to customize with your favorite toppings, making it a versatile option for any occasion. Let’s dive into the ingredients you'll need to create this delicious and easy-to-make dish.

INGREDIENTS

Ground Beef: 2 pounds, providing the main protein base for the chili.
Garlic: 3 small cloves, minced, adding a savory and aromatic element.
Onion: 1 small, diced, for sweetness and depth of flavor.
Tomato Sauce: 15 ounces, creating a rich and tangy base for the chili.
Tomato Paste: 6 ounces, for a thicker consistency and concentrated flavor.
Chili Powder: 1-2 tablespoons, or to taste, adding a spicy kick.
Ground Cumin: 1 teaspoon, for a warm and earthy note.
Salt: 2 teaspoons, to enhance all the flavors.
Water (or Beef Broth): ¾ cup, to help blend the ingredients and create a saucy consistency.
Fritos Corn Chips: 9.25 ounces, original or chili cheese flavor, serving as the crunchy base.
Toppings: Customize with sour cream, grated cheddar cheese, diced red onion, and minced jalapeño peppers for added flavor and texture.

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1:: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown and crumble the ground beef along with the minced garlic and diced onion. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease and return the mixture to the skillet.
Step 2:: Add the tomato sauce, tomato paste, chili powder, ground cumin, salt, and water (or beef broth) to the skillet. Stir well until everything is combined and the sauce is smooth.
Step 3:: Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the mixture simmer for at least 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Step 4:: To serve, open the bag of Fritos corn chips and pour them onto a large plate or into a large bowl. Alternatively, you can portion the chips into individual servings by splitting the bag or using smaller bowls.
Step 5:: Top the Fritos with the hot chili mixture, spreading it evenly over the chips. Add your desired toppings, such as sour cream, grated cheddar cheese, diced red onion, and minced jalapeño peppers.
Step 6:: Enjoy the Walking Frito Pie immediately while it's hot and crispy. This dish is best served fresh for the perfect combination of flavors and textures.

Serving and Storage Tips

Walking Frito Pie is best enjoyed fresh and hot, served immediately after assembling to maintain the perfect combination of crispy chips and warm chili. You can set up a toppings bar with options like sour cream, grated cheddar cheese, diced red onion, and minced jalapeño peppers, allowing everyone to customize their own serving. If you have leftovers, store the chili separately from the chips in airtight containers. The chili can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the chili on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through, and serve with fresh chips and toppings.

Helpful Notes

For a spicier version, add extra chili powder or a dash of hot sauce to the chili. You can also use ground turkey or chicken as a lighter alternative to ground beef. To make the dish gluten-free, ensure the corn chips and other ingredients are certified gluten-free. If you prefer a more cheesy flavor, mix some grated cheddar cheese directly into the chili before serving. This dish is versatile and can be easily adapted to suit your taste preferences.