Frito Options:
We use classic Fritos for our Frito pie recipe, but there are tons of flavor variations out there today to choose from. You may want to try one of these:
Chili CheeseCheddar RanchFlamin’ HotLimeSpicy Jalapeño
Meat Options:
The base of the savory filling for our Frito chili pie recipe is ground beef. You can also feel free to use ground turkey or chicken, or even your favorite plant-based protein.
Bean Options
We use black beans and pinto beans in our Frito pie recipe. If you prefer other types of beans you can use those instead. Some ideas include:
NavyKidneyGreat NorthernBlack TurtleChickpeas
Cheese Options
Our favorite cheese for Frito chili pie is a medium cheddar. You can also use:
Pepper JackMonterey JackColbyGoudaMuenster
Can I Make These Into Individually Sized Portions?
Absolutely! Our family calls these walking tacos or camping tacos. You’ll need the smaller-sized (individual portion) Frito bags to get started. Open them up, making sure to leave the chips inside. Be careful not to destroy the bags! They are the vessel that will hold the individual portions. Scoop out your Frito chili pie filling and place it directly into the bag. Then, garnish with whatever you like. We call them walking tacos as they are so easy to take on the go!
Is Frito Pie A New Mexico Thing?
We love learning more about the origins of the food we eat. This taco and chili-inspired pie is an American recipe that was first seen in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The original recipe was made in individually sized portions (like our walking tacos as explained above) in a humble general store called Five & Dime. Tourists still visit the store to this day to seek out the original Frito pie recipe! These days, this American dish is enjoyed all over the country, not just in the southwest corner. Chefs now also make large portions (like this one!) instead of the portable straight-from-the-bag version.
Garnish Suggestions:
Below are some ideas for a garnish. Use a few of your favorites, or you can use them all to make a generous meal that’s sure to fill you up:
Chopped cilantroSliced jalapeño peppersExtra cheeseSour cream (or Greek yogurt)Green onionsCherry tomatoes AvocadoBlack olives
Storage and Reheating Instructions:
You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They will keep for up to 3 days. You can reheat leftovers in the microwave at 30-second intervals until warmed through. It’s important to note that the Fritos may get soggy when stored. You can freshen it up by adding a few extra fresh chips on top after it’s been heated! If you like this recipe, you may be interested in these other delicious taco-inspired recipes:
Cheesy Skillet Taco DipTasty Taco Casserole30 Minute Taco SoupUltimate 7 Layer Dip
Watch the video below where Caytlin will walk you through every step of this recipe. Sometimes it helps to have a visual, and we’ve always got you covered with our cooking show. You can find the complete collection of recipes on YouTube, Facebook Watch, or our Facebook Page, or right here on our website with their corresponding recipes. Δ Δ
