Quick & Fun Walking Frito Pie Recipe: Snack on the Move

Crispy corn chips transform into a mouthwatering walking frito pie that captures the spirit of casual comfort food.

Layers of savory goodness stack up in this handheld delight.

Southwestern flavors burst through every delectable bite.

Chili-laden and cheese-covered, this recipe promises a simple yet irresistible meal.

Dallas street food meets home cooking with incredible charm.

Small gatherings or game-day crowds will devour these portable treats.

Grab a napkin and get ready to savor every single delicious moment.

Walking Frito Pie Recipe to Snack On the Go

• Simplify Meal Prep: Quickly transform basic ingredients into a hearty, crowd-pleasing dish with minimal kitchen skills required.
• Customize Your Comfort: Easily adjust toppings and spice levels to suit individual preferences, making it perfect for picky eaters and spice lovers alike.
• One-Pot Wonder: Streamline cooking by preparing the chili in a single skillet, reducing cleanup and saving valuable time in the kitchen.
• Crowd-Pleasing Charm: Deliver a fun, interactive meal that encourages everyone to build their own walking Frito pie, creating memorable dining experiences.

Ingredients for Walking Frito Pie

• Ground Beef: A hearty base that provides rich flavor and substantial texture to the walking Frito pie.

• Garlic, Onion: These classic flavor enhancers add depth and fragrance to the chili mixture.

• Tomato Sauce, Tomato Paste: Create a thick, robust base for the chili with a tangy tomato flavor.
• Chili Powder, Ground Cumin, Salt: Essential spices that build a complex, warm, and well-seasoned chili profile.

• Fritos Corn Chips: The crispy foundation that gives this dish its signature crunch and corn flavor.

• Sour Cream, Grated Cheddar Cheese, Red Onion, Jalapeno Peppers: Fresh ingredients that add creamy, sharp, sharp, and spicy notes to customize the walking Frito pie.

• Water: Helps to thin and blend the chili mixture for the perfect consistency.

How to Assemble and Serve Walking Frito Pie

Step 1: Brown Ground Beef

• Garlic
• Onion

Drain any excess fat from the meat and return to the skillet.

Step 2: Create Chili Base

• Tomato sauce
• Tomato paste
• Chili powder
• Ground cumin
• Salt
• Water

Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.

Step 3: Simmer Chili

Reduce heat to medium-low and let the chili simmer for about 20 minutes.

This allows the flavors to meld and develop a deeper, more complex taste.

Step 4: Prepare Corn Chips

Open a bag of Fritos corn chips and spread them out in a large serving bowl or on individual plates.

Step 5: Assemble Frito Pie

Pour the hot chili mixture directly over the corn chips, ensuring an even coverage.

Step 6: Add Final Toppings

• Sour cream
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Diced red onion
• Minced jalapeno peppers

Serve immediately while the chili is still warm and enjoy this classic Tex-Mex comfort food!

Tips to Layer Flavors Just Right

• Drain excess grease thoroughly to prevent a soggy, oily texture and ensure a cleaner, more appetizing chili base.
• Adjust chili powder and jalapenos to suit your heat tolerance, making the dish mild or fiery according to personal preference.
• Let the chili simmer longer than 20 minutes to develop richer, more complex taste and allow spices to meld together completely.
• Add Fritos right before serving to maintain maximum crispiness and prevent chips from becoming soggy under the hot chili.
• Experiment with additional garnishes like chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, or fresh avocado to elevate the dish's freshness and texture.

Variations to Switch Up Your Frito Pie

• Campfire Chili Nachos: Replace Fritos with tortilla chips and cook the chili mixture over an open campfire for a rustic outdoor dining experience.
• Tex-Mex Walking Tacos: Serve the chili mixture inside individual snack-sized Frito bags, creating portable and easy-to-eat walking tacos.
• Vegetarian Bean Variation: Swap ground beef with black beans or lentils and add extra spices for a plant-based version of the walking Frito pie.
• Southwestern Chicken Spin: Use shredded chicken instead of ground beef and incorporate corn and green chiles for a different protein and flavor profile.

Pairing Ideas to Complement Your Snack

• Pair Zesty Mexican Lager: Crisp Corona or Modelo Especial perfectly cuts through the rich, spicy chili flavors, refreshing your palate with each bite.
• Create Cool Cream Contrast: Dollop extra sour cream on top to balance the heat, adding a smooth, cooling element that complements the crunchy Fritos and spicy beef.
• Match Bold Red Wine Companion: Choose a medium-bodied Zinfandel or Malbec with robust red fruit notes that stand up to the hearty chili and enhance the meaty, spicy profile.
• Boost Fresh Beverage Sidekick: Prepare homemade lime margarita with fresh ingredients to cleanse the palate and provide a tangy, citrusy counterpoint to the robust walking Frito pie.

Proper Storage for Leftover Frito Pie

• Transfer leftover chili and Fritos to separate airtight containers. Seal tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep toppings in sealed containers separately.
• Pack cooled chili in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, label with date, and freeze for up to 3 months. Avoid freezing chips to maintain crunchiness.
• Thaw frozen chili in refrigerator overnight. Warm in microwave or stovetop, stirring occasionally until heated through. Add splash of water if mixture seems dry.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients for Walking Frito Pie?

The key ingredients are ground beef, Fritos corn chips, tomato sauce, tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, garlic, and onion.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe can be adjusted for spice level by controlling the amount of chili powder and adding optional jalapeños. You can make it mild or hot based on personal preference.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chili mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat the chili and assemble over Fritos corn chips.

• What makes this different from traditional chili?

Walking Frito Pie is served directly on corn chips, making it a portable and fun meal that can be eaten without utensils, perfect for gatherings or casual dining.

Walking Frito Pie Recipe

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4.5 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Sizzling Frito pie delivers comfort food magic straight from Texas kitchens, blending crispy corn chips with hearty chili and melted cheese. Spicy, satisfying layers promise a quick crowd-pleasing meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 9.25-ounce bag Fritos corn chips (original or chili cheese flavor)

Spices and Seasonings:

• 12 tablespoons chili powder (or to taste)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons salt

Vegetables and Liquid Ingredients:

• 3 cloves small garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 15-ounce can tomato sauce
• 6-ounce can tomato paste
• 0.75 cup water (or beef broth)

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Instructions

1. Heat a large skillet over medium temperature and thoroughly brown ground beef, incorporating minced garlic and diced onion while breaking meat into fine crumbles.
2. Eliminate excess fat from the skillet after cooking, then return meat mixture to pan.
3. Integrate tomato sauce, tomato paste, chili powder, ground cumin, salt, and water into the meat mixture, stirring comprehensively to blend all components.
4. Reduce heat to medium-low and allow the chili to gently simmer for approximately 20 minutes, developing rich flavors.
5. Arrange Fritos corn chips strategically in a spacious serving bowl or across a wide plate.
6. Generously ladle the hot chili mixture directly over the corn chips, ensuring thorough coverage.
7. Embellish with complementary garnishes such as tangy sour cream, sharp grated cheddar cheese, crisp diced red onion, and spicy minced jalapeno peppers.
8. Serve immediately while the chili remains warm and chips maintain their original crunch.

Notes

• Boost the chili’s flavor by letting it simmer longer, which allows spices to meld and develop a richer taste profile.
• Customize the heat level by adjusting chili powder or adding different pepper varieties like poblano or chipotle for complexity.
• Make it healthier by using lean ground beef or substituting with ground turkey for a lower-fat version that doesn’t compromise on taste.
• Create a gluten-free option by ensuring all ingredients, especially the Fritos, are certified gluten-free and checking tomato sauce labels carefully.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 630 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 1200 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 1.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg