frito pie recipe​

Classic Homemade Frito Pie Recipe in 20 Minutes

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Frito pie was a big deal in my family. My mom made it on busy nights or when we watched games. It was a mix of savory ground beef, melted cheese, and crunchy Fritos. It always made me want more.

Now, as an adult, I miss those family dinners. They were full of flavor and brought us together. That’s why I’m excited to share this classic Frito pie recipe with you. It’s quick, easy, and brings back those warm memories.

The History and Origins of Frito Pie

The story of Frito pie’s beginnings is a debate between New Mexico and Texas. New Mexico says Teresa Hernandez made it at a Woolworth’s diner in the 1960s. Texas, however, points to Daisy or Katherine Doolin from the 1940s or 1950s. Despite the debate, Frito pie is now a beloved dish in both states.

New Mexico vs. Texas Origins

New Mexicans believe Teresa Hernandez, a Woolworth’s employee in Santa Fe, first made Frito pie in the 1960s. She layered Fritos, chili, and cheese in a bag. Texans, on the other hand, say Daisy or Katherine Doolin created it in the 1940s or 1950s.

Evolution from Walking Tacos

At first, Frito pie was served in Fritos bags, making it easy to eat on the go. Later, it became a casserole with Fritos, chili, and toppings in a dish. This change made Frito pie a classic Tex-Mex dish.

Cultural Significance

Frito pie is a cultural icon in New Mexico and Texas. It represents the bold flavors of the region. It’s a favorite at events and gatherings, showing its lasting popularity.

“Frito pie is a Texan institution, a rite of passage, a cultural touchstone. It’s a dish that’s as much a part of the Texas experience as bluebonnets and Friday night football.”

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Frito Pie Recipe

Making a tasty Frito pie starts with the right ingredients. You’ll need ground beef, onion, garlic, taco seasoning, and chili powder. Don’t forget canned diced tomatoes and beans like kidney or black. The Fritos corn chips are the crunchy base.

For the beef, choose a fattier cut for more flavor. Adding enchilada sauce gives a rich, savory taste. Top it with shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese for that melty goodness.

For the ground beef, pick a fattier cut for more flavor. Adding enchilada sauce gives a rich, savory taste. Top it with shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese for that melty goodness.

Essential Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground frito pie beef
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 1/2 tbsp taco seasoning
  • 1 1/2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes
  • 1 (15 oz) can beans (kidney, black, ranch-style, or pinto), drained and rinsed
  • 6 (1 oz) bags fritos chili pie
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese

With these frito pie ingredients, you’re ready to make a delicious Frito pie. Your whole family will love it.

Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed

Preparing a delicious frito pie casserole needs the right kitchen tools. Whether you’re experienced or new, having the right cookware and utensils is crucial. Let’s look at the must-have items for a great kitchen tools for frito pie experience.

Essential Cookware

The base of a great frito pie casserole is the cookware. You’ll need a big skillet or Dutch oven for browning the beef and cooking veggies. A 9×13-inch baking dish is key for layering Fritos, chili, and cheese.

Optional Equipment

Some optional tools can make cooking easier. A microwave is useful for quick reheating. A colander helps drain fat from the beef, making the dish leaner.

Measuring Tools

Getting the flavors right in your frito pie casserole means precise measurements. Use measuring cups and spoons for the right amounts of beef, beans, and spices.

With the right kitchen tools for frito pie, you’re ready to make a homemade frito pie casserole that will wow everyone. Get your tools ready and let’s start cooking!

Step-by-Step Preparation Guide

Making the perfect Frito Pie is simple. Just follow these easy steps to enjoy a tasty meal in 20 minutes!

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Crumble it as it cooks. Add the diced onion and sauté until it’s translucent, about 5 minutes.
  3. After the beef is browned, add the minced garlic and your favorite seasonings (like chili powder, cumin, and paprika). Cook for 2 more minutes to mix the flavors.
  4. Pour in the water (or beef broth) and add the diced tomatoes and kidney beans. Simmer for 10 minutes to let the flavors blend and the sauce thicken.

Now, let’s build your Frito Pie:

  1. Grease a casserole dish or baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.
  2. Layer the bottom with a lot of Fritos corn chips.
  3. Put the beef and bean mixture on top of the Fritos.
  4. Spread a lot of shredded cheese (like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a mix) over it.
  5. Keep adding layers of Fritos, beef and bean mixture, and cheese, finishing with cheese on top.

Bake the Frito Pie in a hot oven for 20 minutes. It should have melted cheese and be hot and bubbly. Let it cool a bit before serving.

Now, it’s time to add your favorite toppings. Try diced tomatoes, chopped onions, sour cream, guacamole, or jalapeños. Enjoy your delicious Frito Pie!

Meat and Bean Base Preparation

To make the tasty base for your homemade Frito pie, start with the meat and bean mix. Brown the ground frito pie beef in a skillet over medium heat. Cook it for 5-8 minutes, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.

When the beef is half-cooked, add diced onion. Keep cooking until the beef is fully browned and the onion is soft.

Now, season the mix. Drain the skillet, then add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Add taco seasoning, chili powder, and a bit of water. Stir well and let the flavors mix for a few minutes.

Finally, add the frito pie with beans. Use kidney beans or your favorite type. Stir well and let it simmer for 10 minutes. This lets the flavors blend fully. You can also use canned chili for a quicker option.

By browning the beef, seasoning it right, and adding beans, you’ll get a rich, tasty base. This will elevate your Frito pie. Get ready to impress your taste buds and guests with this homemade treat!

Layering Techniques for Ultimate Crunch

To get the perfect frito pie layering, start with a base of Fritos corn chips at the bottom. This ensures every bite is crunchy.

Then, add half of your meat and bean mixture over the Fritos. Make sure to cover the whole surface. Next, add a layer of shredded cheese to melt into the dish’s nooks and crannies.

Repeat the layers: Fritos, meat and bean mixture, and cheese. This way, the crunchy frito pie is evenly spread. Every forkful will be satisfying.

Before baking, add a final layer of Fritos on top. This keeps the crunchiness locked in. It contrasts beautifully with the warm, gooey layers below.

LayerIngredientQuantity
1st LayerFritos Corn Chips1 bag (9.25 oz)
2nd LayerMeat and Bean Mixture2 cups
3rd LayerShredded Cheddar Cheese1 cup
4th LayerFritos Corn ChipsRemaining from bag

By layering the frito pie carefully, you get the perfect mix of crunchy, gooey, and flavorful. Get ready for the ultimate Frito Pie experience!

frito pie layering

Cheese Selection and Melting Tips

Make your homemade Frito pie even better by choosing the right cheese and melting it well. The right cheese mix can make this classic dish even more delicious. It ensures a gooey and tasty topping.

Best Cheese Combinations for Frito Pie

For the best taste and melt, mix shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. The sharp cheddar adds a strong flavor, while the Monterey Jack melts smoothly. You can also try Mexican cheese blends or pepper jack for a spicy twist.

Melting Methods for Frito Pie

To get the cheese to melt evenly, sprinkle it between the layers. Covering the dish with foil for the first half of baking helps it melt fast. Or, finish it under the broiler for a golden, bubbly cheese topping that’s hard to resist.

“The key to a truly memorable Frito pie is getting the cheese just right – melty, gooey, and perfectly complementing the crisp Fritos and savory filling.”

Creative Topping Ideas and Combinations

Make your homemade Frito pie even better with tasty toppings and flavors. You can mix things up by adding fresh, zesty, and crunchy ingredients. This way, you can make it your own.

Begin with crunchy Frito corn chips. Then, add your favorite toppings. Try diced tomatoes, green onions, sour cream, or guacamole. Don’t forget to sprinkle some cilantro for color and flavor.

Want a little spice? Add sliced jalapeños or your favorite salsa. For a Tex-Mex twist, mix in green chilies or Ro-Tel tomatoes with chilies. The choices are endless for your frito pie variations.

Try different toppings to find your favorite frito pie toppings. Whether you like it classic or adventurous, these extras will make your Frito pie even better.

frito pie toppings

Think about how the different parts of your Frito pie work together. The warm chili, cool sour cream, and crunchy Fritos make a great mix. Let your creativity shine and find the perfect frito pie for you.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

The classic Frito pie is tasty but packed with calories. A typical serving size is about 177g and has around 420 calories. It also has 24g of fat, with 10g of that being saturated.

Despite its rich taste, Frito pie has some good points. It has 33.3g of carbs, 19g of protein, and 6.1g of fiber. But, it’s high in sodium, with 945mg per serving, which is not good for those watching their salt.

Caloric Content

Frito pie is very calorie-dense. A single serving gives you nearly 22% of the daily calories an adult needs. It’s important to control your portions to keep your diet balanced.

Dietary Considerations

Frito pie might not be the best choice for everyone. It’s high in fat and sodium, which can be bad for people with heart disease, high blood pressure, or diabetes. To make it healthier, try using lean ground turkey or plant-based proteins, and low-sodium beans and cheese.

Frito pie is a tasty treat, but it should be enjoyed in small amounts. Knowing the nutritional facts and serving size helps you enjoy it without harming your health goals.

Storage and Reheating Guidelines

Storing and reheating your homemade Frito pie is easy. You can enjoy leftovers for up to 3 days if you store them right.

To store your Frito pie, put leftovers in an airtight container. Refrigerate them. You can also freeze individual servings for up to 2 months.

Reheating your Frito pie is best in the microwave. But, use a low power setting to keep the chips crispy. Reheat the meat first, then add fresh Fritos. If frozen, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Storage MethodMaximum Duration
Refrigerator3-4 days
Freezer2 months

Follow these simple storage and reheating tips. Enjoy your homemade Frito pie for days.

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

Classic Frito pie offers endless customization options. You can make it vegetarian-friendly or adjust the spice to your liking. There are many ways to explore.

Vegetarian Options

For a meat-free Frito pie, swap the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or crumbled tempeh. You can also add extra beans. This makes the dish perfect for vegetarians and adds a special texture.

Spice Level Adjustments

Change the spice level of your Frito pie by adjusting the chili powder or trying different chilies. For a spicier pie, use Flamin’ Hot Fritos. Or, try white chicken chili or vegetarian chili for new flavors.

FAQ

What is Frito pie?

Frito pie is a tasty Tex-Mex dish. It has taco-seasoned ground beef, beans, tomatoes, cheese, and crunchy Fritos corn chips. It’s quick to make, perfect for busy nights or game days.

Where does Frito pie come from?

The debate on Frito pie’s origin is between New Mexico and Texas. New Mexico says Teresa Hernandez created it in the 1960s. Texas claims Daisy Doolin or Katherine Doolin made it in the 1940s or 1950s. It started as “walking tacos” in Fritos bags and became a casserole.

What are the key ingredients in Frito pie?

Frito pie’s main ingredients are ground beef, onion, garlic, taco seasoning, and chili powder. You also need canned diced tomatoes, beans, Fritos, and cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese.

What kitchen tools and equipment are needed to make Frito pie?

You’ll need a large skillet for browning meat and a 9×13-inch casserole dish for baking. Optional tools include a microwave for reheating. You’ll also need cups, spoons, and a colander to drain grease.

How do you prepare Frito pie?

Begin by browning ground beef with onion in a skillet. Add garlic, seasonings, water, tomatoes, and beans. Simmer for 10 minutes.Layer Fritos, meat mixture, and cheese in a greased casserole dish. Repeat until you end with cheese and Fritos on top. Bake for 20 minutes until the cheese melts and the casserole is hot.

How do you make the meat and bean mixture for Frito pie?

Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion when the beef is halfway cooked. Drain excess grease, then add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.Mix in taco seasoning, chili powder, water, diced tomatoes, and kidney beans. Simmer for 10 minutes to meld flavors.

What’s the best way to layer Frito pie?

Start with a layer of Fritos corn chips at the bottom of the casserole dish. Add half the meat and bean mixture, followed by a layer of cheese. Repeat with another layer of Fritos, remaining meat mixture, and cheese.Top with a final layer of Fritos before baking. This ensures crunchy chips throughout the dish.

What type of cheese works best for Frito pie?

Use a mix of shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese for flavor and meltability. Other good options include Mexican cheese blends or pepper jack for spice. Sprinkle cheese between layers and on top for even melting.

What toppings can you add to Frito pie?

Add toppings like diced tomatoes, sliced green onions, sour cream, guacamole, and chopped cilantro. You can also use sliced jalapenos, black olives, or add diced green chilies, Mexi-corn, or Ro-Tel tomatoes with chilies to the meat mixture.

How many calories are in a serving of Frito pie?

A serving of Frito pie (about 177g) has 420 calories, 24g of fat, 33.3g of carbs, and 19g of protein. It’s high in sodium (945mg) and has 6.1g of fiber.

How do you store and reheat leftover Frito pie?

Store leftover Frito pie in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Freeze individual portions for up to 2 months. Reheat in a microwave at reduced power to avoid soggy chips.For best results, reheat the meat mixture separately and add fresh Fritos before serving.

How can you make a vegetarian Frito pie?

For a vegetarian Frito pie, use plant-based crumbles, crumbled tempeh, or extra beans instead of ground beef. Adjust spice levels by varying chili powder or using different chilies. Try Flamin’ Hot Fritos for a spicier version.