Quick & Tasty Walking Frito Pie Recipe for On-the-Go Fun

Comfort food reaches new heights with this delightful walking Frito pie recipe that brings street fair magic right to your kitchen.

Crispy corn chips create the perfect base for a hearty meat mixture bursting with flavor.

Layers of seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and zesty toppings make this dish a crowd-pleaser.

Each bite combines crunchy textures with rich, savory notes that dance across your palate.

The portable nature of this recipe means you can enjoy a handheld feast anywhere.

Packed with bold southwestern inspiration, this walking Frito pie transforms an ordinary meal into an extraordinary culinary adventure.

Prepare to embark on a delicious journey that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Frito Pie On-The-Go: A Fun Food Adventure

• This walking Frito pie delivers speedy satisfaction with minimal cooking steps and straightforward ingredients perfect for busy households.
• Easily personalize the dish by adding various toppings like sour cream, cheese, onions, or jalapenos to match individual taste preferences and spice levels.
• A fun, casual meal that appeals to both kids and adults, making it ideal for game days, potlucks, or casual family dinners with its delicious, hearty flavors.

The Crunchy Mix That Makes Frito Pie Shine

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful base for the walking Frito pie that provides rich protein.

• Garlic, Onion: Aromatic ingredients that add depth and savory complexity to the beef mixture.
• Chili Powder, Ground Cumin, Salt: Spices that create a warm and bold flavor profile for the chili.

• Tomato Sauce, Tomato Paste: Create a rich and thick sauce that binds the chili ingredients together.
• Water or Beef Broth: Helps to achieve the right consistency and enhance the overall flavor of the mixture.

• Fritos Corn Chips: The crunchy base that provides texture and serves as the foundation of the walking Frito pie.

• Sour Cream, Grated Cheddar Cheese, Diced Red Onion, Minced Jalapeno Peppers: Customizable garnishes that add extra flavor, heat, and freshness to the dish.

Grab-and-Go Tools for Frito Pie Fun

• Large Skillet: Essential for browning beef and creating the delicious chili mixture.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring and breaking up ground beef while cooking.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately measure spices like chili powder and cumin.
• Colander or Strainer: Useful for draining excess grease from the cooked beef.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping onions and preparing optional toppings.
• Sharp Knife: Great for dicing onions, jalapenos, and other garnishes.
• Large Plate or Bowl: Used for serving the Fritos and chili mixture.

Building Layers For Ultimate Frito Pie Flavor

Step 1: Brown Ground Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium flame.

Add ground beef, breaking it into small crumbles while cooking.

• Minced garlic
• Diced onion

Cook until beef turns completely brown and onions become soft and translucent.

Drain any excess fat from the skillet.

Step 2: Create Chili Base

• Tomato sauce
• Tomato paste
• Chili powder
• Ground cumin
• Salt
• Water or beef broth

Stir ingredients thoroughly until everything blends smoothly.

Step 3: Develop Rich Flavor

Lower heat to medium-low.

Allow mixture to simmer gently for 20-25 minutes.

Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Step 4: Prepare Corn Chips

Open Fritos bag.

Pour chips directly onto serving plates or into individual bowls.

Spread chips evenly across surface.

Step 5: Build Walking Frito Pie

Generously spoon hot beef mixture over corn chips.

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Sour cream
• Diced red onions
• Sliced jalapeños

Serve immediately while ingredients remain warm and crisp.

Tips For Pile-On Frito Pie Goodness

• Remove excess grease completely to prevent soggy chips and maintain a crispy texture.
• Adjust chili powder and cumin quantities to match your preferred heat intensity, making the dish mild or fiery.
• Let the chili simmer longer than 20 minutes for richer, more developed taste and enhanced ingredient melding.
• Select fresh, crunchy Fritos to ensure the best base for your walking Frito pie, avoiding stale or broken chips.
• Make the beef mixture ahead of time and reheat when ready to serve, saving precious cooking minutes during busy days.

Remixing Frito Pie For Next-Level Snacks

• Vegetarian Frito Pie: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans for a meatless version packed with protein.
• Low-Carb Frito Alternative: Swap corn chips with pork rinds or baked cheese crisps to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining crunchy texture.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Ensure Fritos are certified gluten-free and use gluten-free spices to accommodate individuals with wheat sensitivities.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, increase chili powder, and include diced green chiles for an intense, smoky flavor profile.

Serving Frito Pie At Your Next Gathering

• Outdoor Feast Delight: Perfect for picnics, park gatherings, or backyard barbecues where friends can customize their walking Frito pie with personal toppings.
• Stadium Snack Champion: Ideal for sports events, tailgating parties, or game night where people can easily grab and enjoy a handheld, flavor-packed meal.
• Movie Night Upgrade: Transform your typical movie snack by serving these walking Frito pies as a fun, interactive dinner option that everyone can assemble and enjoy together.
• Road Trip Fuel Station: Portable and mess-friendly option for long drives, road trips, or camping adventures where quick, satisfying meals are essential.

Keeping Frito Pie Fresh On the Road

• Store leftover beef mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep Fritos chips separate to maintain crunchiness.
• Transfer cooled beef mixture to freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Place beef mixture in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Warm beef mixture in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying. Stir frequently until heated through and serve over fresh Fritos chips.

FAQs

• What ingredients make the chili mixture flavorful?

The combination of tomato sauce, tomato paste, chili powder, and ground cumin creates a rich, deep flavor profile that gives the Walking Frito Pie its signature taste. The garlic and onion also contribute additional depth and complexity to the beef mixture.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe can be adjusted for spice level. As written, it’s mildly seasoned, but you can increase heat by adding more chili powder or including diced jalapenos. For those who prefer less spice, simply reduce the amount of chili powder.

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is an excellent substitute for beef. It will provide a leaner protein option while maintaining similar flavor and texture. Just ensure the turkey is fully cooked and crumbled like the beef.

Walking Frito Pie Recipe

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4.7 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Hearty walking frito pie combines savory ground beef, spicy chili, and crunchy corn chips in a portable street-food classic. Southern comfort meets convenience with this crowd-pleasing dish you can enjoy at gatherings or casual meals.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 9.25 ounces (262 grams) Fritos corn chips (original or chili cheese flavor)
• 15 ounces (425 grams) tomato sauce
• 6 ounces (170 grams) tomato paste

Seasonings and Spices:

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

Aromatics and Additional Ingredients:

• 3 cloves small garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 0.75 cup (180 milliliters) water (or beef broth)

Toppings:

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

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Instructions

1. Heat a large skillet over medium temperature and thoroughly brown ground beef, incorporating minced garlic and diced onion until meat is fully cooked and onions become translucent.
2. Eliminate excess grease from the skillet, then reintroduce the beef mixture to the pan.
3. Integrate tomato sauce, tomato paste, chili powder, ground cumin, salt, and water (or beef broth) into the skillet, mixing completely until ingredients are well combined.
4. Reduce heat to medium-low and allow the mixture to gently simmer for approximately 20 minutes, stirring periodically to prevent scorching.
5. Carefully open the Fritos corn chip bag and distribute chips onto a serving plate or divide into individual portions.
6. Generously ladle the prepared chili mixture over the crisp corn chips.
7. Customize your walking Frito pie by garnishing with optional toppings like tangy sour cream, sharp grated cheddar cheese, crisp diced red onion, and spicy minced jalapeno peppers.
8. Serve immediately while chips remain crunchy and chili maintains its warm temperature.

Notes

• Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier version of the dish.
• Consider substituting ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter protein option that still maintains robust flavor.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting chili powder and adding fresh jalapeños or hot sauce according to personal spice preferences.
• Prep ingredients beforehand to streamline cooking process and ensure smooth, quick meal assembly.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg