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Red Chile Frito Pie

A hearty chili made with ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and smoky red chile powder, served over crunchy Fritos and topped with cheese and fresh garnishes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chili Base
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 1 can Rotel tomatoes with Hatch green chile 10 oz
  • 1 can tomato sauce 8 oz
  • 1 packet McCormick chili seasoning hot for extra heat
  • 2 tablespoons red chile powder preferably Chimayó red chile
  • 1 can Ranch Style beans pinto beans
  • 1 teaspoon garlic paste
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
For Serving
  • 1 large bag Fritos
  • 1½ cups cheddar cheese freshly shredded
Garnish
  • ½ cup diced white onion
  • ½ cup diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup shredded lettuce
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • Extra sharp shredded cheddar cheese

Method
 

Sauté the Onion
  1. In a large skillet or pot over medium heat, sauté the diced onion until softened and fragrant.
Brown the Ground Beef
  1. Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
Add Seasonings
  1. Stir in the chili seasoning packet, garlic powder, onion powder, and red chile powder. Mix well so the beef is evenly coated with spices.
Add the Tomatoes and Sauce
  1. Pour in the Rotel tomatoes with green chile, tomato sauce, and garlic paste. Stir to combine.
Add the Beans
  1. Add the can of Ranch Style beans and mix everything together.
Simmer
  1. Reduce heat and let the chili simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend and the chili to thicken slightly.
Build the Frito Pie
  1. Place a layer of Fritos in a bowl or plate. Spoon the hot chili over the chips.
Add Cheese and Garnish
  1. Top with shredded cheddar cheese and your favorite garnishes like lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and sour cream.
  2. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

  • Freshly shredded cheddar melts better than pre-shredded cheese.
  • For extra heat, top with diced jalapeños or more red chile powder.
  • Some people like to serve this directly in the Fritos bag for the classic New Mexico style.