Easy Walking Frito Pie (Print version)

Warm beef chili spooned into snack bags of corn chips with cheddar, sour cream, and toppings for a fast handheld dinner.

# Ingredients:

For the quick chili

01 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
02 - 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
03 - 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 2 tablespoons chili powder
06 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
07 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
08 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
09 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
10 - 1 can (15 oz or 425 g) tomato sauce
11 - 1 can (14.5 oz or 411 g) diced tomatoes, drained
12 - 1 can (15 oz or 425 g) pinto beans, drained and rinsed

For the bags and toppings

13 - 6 snack-size bags Fritos corn chips, 1-2 oz each
14 - 1 1/2 cups (170 g) shredded cheddar cheese
15 - 1/2 cup (120 g) sour cream
16 - 3 green onions, thinly sliced
17 - 1/4 cup pickled jalapeno slices
18 - 1/2 cup diced tomatoes or salsa, optional
19 - Chopped cilantro and lime wedges, optional

# Instructions:

01 - Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and onion, then cook for 5-6 minutes, breaking up the beef, until browned and the onion is soft. Drain excess grease if needed.
02 - Add the garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for about 30 seconds, stirring, until fragrant.
03 - Stir in the tomato sauce, drained diced tomatoes, and pinto beans. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer uncovered for 8-10 minutes, until thick and spoonable.
04 - Gently crush each bag once or twice. Cut each bag open lengthwise across the front to make a wide serving pouch.
05 - Spoon hot chili into each bag, using about 1/2 to 2/3 cup per serving depending on bag size.
06 - Top each bag with cheddar, sour cream, green onions, jalapenos, and any optional toppings. Serve immediately with forks.

# Good to know:

01 - Best assembled right before serving so the chips stay crunchy.
02 - Keep chili warm in a slow cooker for parties or tailgates.
03 - Cutting the bags lengthwise makes them easier to fill and eat.

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