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Frito Pie Recipe New Mexico​

Frito Pie Recipe New Mexico

A spicy, cheesy, and satisfying New Mexican classic featuring Fritos corn chips, rich chili, and melted cheese—perfect for quick dinners or game day meals. Author: Use Default Servings: 4 people Estimated Cost: $5 ⏱️ Time Settings Prep Time: 0 days, 0 hours, 10 minutes Cook Time: 0 days, 0 hours, 20 minutes Resting Time: 0 days, 0 hours, 5 minutes Total Time: 0 days, 0 hours, 35 minutes 📂 Categories, Courses, Cuisines, Keywords Categories: Main Dish Courses: Dinner, Snack Cuisines: New Mexican, Southwestern Keywords: Frito Pie, Frito Pie Recipe New Mexico, Chili Pie, Southwestern Casserole
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
5 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 480
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Amount Unit Name Notes
  • 1 lb Ground beef Use lean 85/15
  • 1 Onion Diced
  • 2 cloves Garlic Minced
  • 1 tbsp Chili powder Preferably New Mexico red
  • 1 tsp Ground cumin
  • 1 tsp Salt Adjust to taste
  • 1/2 tsp Black pepper Fresh ground
  • 1 can Diced tomatoes 14 oz, undrained
  • 1 can Kidney beans Drained and rinsed
  • 2 cups Fritos corn chips
  • 1 cup Cheddar cheese Freshly grated
  • 1/4 cup Sour cream Optional for topping
  • Jalapeños Optional sliced
  • Green onions Optional chopped

Equipment

  • Amount Name Notes
  • 1 Large Skillet For cooking the chili
  • 1 Baking Dish Optional, for casserole version
  • 1 Cheese Grater For shredding fresh cheese

Method
 

  1. Cook the Meat & Veggies
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
  3. Add Flavor
  4. Add diced onion and garlic. Sauté 3–4 minutes. Stir in chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
  5. Simmer the Chili
  6. Add diced tomatoes and beans. Simmer uncovered for 10–12 minutes until thickened.
  7. Assemble the Pie
  8. In serving bowls or a casserole dish, layer Fritos, hot chili, and cheese.
  9. Melt & Serve
  10. Let cheese melt naturally or place under a broiler for 2 minutes. Add toppings as desired and serve hot.
  11. 🔢 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving - Estimated)
  12. Calories: 480 kcal
  13. Protein: 22g
  14. Carbohydrates: 35g
  15. Fat: 26g
  16. Fiber: 6g
  17. Sodium: 780mg

Notes

For a vegetarian version, omit the beef and double the beans.
Serve in individual Frito bags for a traditional New Mexico-style “walking taco”!