I’m excited to share a recipe that’s both comforting and full of flavor: Pioneer Woman’s Frito Pie. This dish is a Tex-Mex classic, combining a rich, beefy chili with crunchy Fritos corn chips and gooey melted cheese. Perfect for game days, casual dinners, or anytime you’re craving something satisfying and hearty, this Frito Pie is sure to become a favorite.
What is Pioneer Woman Frito Pie?
Pioneer Woman’s Frito Pie is a deliciously messy and comforting dish made by layering beef chili, Fritos corn chips, and shredded cheese. The chili is made with ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and a blend of spices, simmered to perfection. It’s then topped with crunchy Fritos and melted cheese, creating a dish that’s both hearty and flavorful. Often served in a baking dish or even in the Fritos bag itself, this dish is a true crowd-pleaser.
Other Pioneer Woman Recipes
Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Comfort food at its best: The combination of chili, Fritos, and cheese is comforting and satisfying.
- Easy to make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for any cook.
- Great for gatherings: Frito Pie is a fantastic dish for feeding a crowd, whether it’s for a family dinner or a game day get-together.
- Customizable: Add your favorite toppings like sour cream, jalapeños, or onions to make it your own.
- Pioneer Woman’s touch: A recipe that reflects Ree Drummond’s love for hearty, home-cooked meals.
Ingredients Needed to Make Pioneer Woman Frito Pie
For the Chili:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup beef broth or water
For the Frito Pie:
- 4 cups Fritos corn chips
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a cheese blend)
- Optional toppings: sour cream, sliced jalapeños, diced onions, chopped cilantro, guacamole
Equipment
To make Pioneer Woman’s Frito Pie, you’ll need the following equipment:
- Large skillet or Dutch oven: For cooking the chili.
- Wooden spoon: For stirring the chili.
- Baking dish (9×13-inch): For assembling the Frito Pie.
- Measuring cups and spoons: To measure out the ingredients accurately.
- Knife and cutting board: For chopping the onion and garlic.
Instructions to Make Pioneer Woman Frito Pie
- Cook the ground beef: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the vegetables: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for about 5 minutes, until the onion is softened.
- Make the chili: Stir in the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Pour in the beef broth or water, and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chili has thickened.
- Assemble the Frito Pie: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread half of the Fritos corn chips in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spoon the chili over the Fritos, spreading it evenly. Top with the remaining Fritos and sprinkle the shredded cheese on top.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove the Frito Pie from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Top with your favorite optional toppings, such as sour cream, jalapeños, onions, or cilantro.
What Goes Well With Pioneer Woman Frito Pie
- Sour cream: Adds a cool, creamy contrast to the spicy chili.
- Jalapeños: Fresh or pickled jalapeños add a spicy kick.
- Diced onions: Raw onions add crunch and sharpness.
- Guacamole: A creamy and rich topping that complements the chili.
- Fresh cilantro: Adds a burst of freshness to balance the richness of the dish.
- Green salad: A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can help balance the heaviness of the dish.
Essential Tips for Perfecting Pioneer Woman Frito Pie
- Cook the chili low and slow: Allow the chili to simmer for at least 20 minutes to develop deep, rich flavors.
- Choose your cheese wisely: Use a good melting cheese like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend for the best results.
- Layer carefully: Ensure an even distribution of chili, Fritos, and cheese for a balanced bite every time.
- Customize your toppings: Don’t hesitate to add your favorite toppings to make the dish your own.
- Serve immediately: Frito Pie is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven when the Fritos are still crunchy.
Variations of Pioneer Woman Frito Pie
- Turkey Frito Pie: Use ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter version.
- Vegetarian Frito Pie: Substitute the ground beef with crumbled tofu, tempeh, or a meat substitute, and add extra beans or vegetables.
- Spicy Frito Pie: Increase the amount of chili powder and add some cayenne pepper or hot sauce for extra heat.
- Cheesy Frito Pie: Stir in some cheese into the chili itself for an even cheesier dish.
- Bean-Free Frito Pie: If you’re not a fan of beans, simply omit them and add more ground beef or vegetables.
Storing Pioneer Woman Frito Pie: Best Practices
- Use an airtight container: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Refrigerate promptly: Keep the Frito Pie chilled to maintain its freshness.
- Use within 3-4 days: For the best taste and quality, consume within a few days.
- Reheat carefully: Reheat in the oven or microwave, but be aware that the Fritos may lose some of their crunch.
Nutrition Value (per serving):
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Fat: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Protein: 22g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Sugar: 5g
How Can I Make Pioneer Woman Frito Pie Healthier?
To make Pioneer Woman’s Frito Pie healthier, consider these simple adjustments:
- Use lean ground beef: Opt for lean or extra-lean ground beef to reduce the fat content.
- Increase vegetables: Add extra vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to the chili for more nutrients.
- Reduce the cheese: Cut back on the amount of cheese, or use a reduced-fat cheese.
- Use baked Fritos: Choose baked Fritos instead of regular ones to cut down on fat and calories.
- Serve with a side salad: Balance the meal with a fresh green salad for added fiber and nutrients.
FAQs
Can I make Pioneer Woman’s Frito Pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chili ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, assemble the Frito Pie with fresh Fritos and cheese, then bake as directed.
Can I freeze Pioneer Woman’s Frito Pie?
You can freeze the chili portion of the Frito Pie for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before assembling it with fresh Fritos and cheese and baking. It’s best not to freeze the assembled Frito Pie, as the Fritos may become soggy.
What type of Fritos should I use for Frito Pie?
Regular Fritos or Fritos Scoops work best for Frito Pie. You can also experiment with different flavors of Fritos, like chili cheese or spicy jalapeño, for added flavor.
Can I make Frito Pie with a different type of meat?
Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even pork for a different twist on the classic Frito Pie. You can also use plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian version.
Final Words
Pioneer Woman’s Frito Pie is a delicious, comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its rich chili, crunchy Fritos, and melty cheese, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner, a game day party, or just because, this Frito Pie is easy to make and always satisfying. Enjoy the hearty, flavorful goodness with every bite!
Other Yummy Recipes:
- Trisha Yearwood Peach Cobbler
- Pioneer Woman Chocolate Chip Bars
- Pioneer Woman 7 Up Biscuits
- Pioneer Woman Blackberry Cobbler With Pie Crust
Pioneer Woman Frito Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 36
- Total Time: 51 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop and Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Description
Pioneer Woman’s Frito Pie is a deliciously messy and comforting dish made by layering beef chili, Fritos corn chips, and shredded cheese. The chili is made with ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and a blend of spices, simmered to perfection. It’s then topped with crunchy Fritos and melted cheese, creating a dish that’s both hearty and flavorful. Often served in a baking dish or even in the Fritos bag itself, this dish is a true crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- For the Chili:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup beef broth or water
- For the Frito Pie:
- 4 cups Fritos corn chips
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a cheese blend)
- Optional toppings: sour cream, sliced jalapeños, diced onions, chopped cilantro, guacamole
Instructions
- Cook the ground beef: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the vegetables: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for about 5 minutes, until the onion is softened.
- Make the chili: Stir in the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Pour in the beef broth or water, and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chili has thickened.
- Assemble the Frito Pie: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread half of the Fritos corn chips in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spoon the chili over the Fritos, spreading it evenly. Top with the remaining Fritos and sprinkle the shredded cheese on top.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove the Frito Pie from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Top with your favorite optional toppings, such as sour cream, jalapeños, onions, or cilantro.
