Debbie's Frito Pie: A Hearty and Delicious Tex-Mex Comfort Dish

Debbie's Frito Pie is a classic American dish that brings together the best of Tex-Mex flavors in a warm, comforting casserole. This recipe layers a crunchy Frito corn chip base with a flavorful beef chili, gooey cheese, and tangy toppings. The dish is baked to perfection, resulting in a hearty and satisfying meal that is perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in. With a relatively short preparation time of 40 minutes, this Frito Pie recipe is sure to become a favorite among friends and family.

Ingredients

• Frito Corn Chips - 1 bag
• Ground beef - 1 pound
• Onion - 1 medium, diced
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Chili powder - 2 tablespoons
• Cumin - 1 teaspoon
• Paprika - 1 teaspoon
• Cayenne pepper (optional) - 1/2 teaspoon
• Salt - 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon
• Canned diced tomatoes - 1 can (14.5 ounces)
• Kidney beans - 1 can (15 ounces), drained and rinsed
• Shredded cheddar cheese - 2 cups
• Sour cream - for serving
• Chopped green onions - for garnish
• Diced tomatoes - for garnish

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
3. Add the diced onions and minced garlic to the skillet with the ground beef and cook until the onions are softened.
4. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional minute to toast the spices.
5. Add the canned diced tomatoes and kidney beans to the skillet, along with any additional juice or sauce from the cans. Simmer the mixture for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Spread half of the Frito corn chips evenly in the bottom of the greased baking dish.
7. Pour the beef chili mixture over the layer of corn chips, spreading it evenly.
8. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the chili layer.
9. Top with the remaining Frito corn chips to create a second layer.
10. Bake the Frito Pie in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11. Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
12. Garnish each serving with a dollop of sour cream, chopped green onions, and diced tomatoes.
13. Enjoy the hearty and flavorful Debbie's Frito Pie with family and friends!

Interesting Facts