Texas Beer Chili Frito Pie with Cheddar
Loaded Frito pie built on Texas-style beer chili simmered with diced tomatoes, green chilies, and warm spices. Ground beef browned with onions and garlic, then simmered until rich and thickened with cornmeal. Served directly in corn chip bags, topped with melted cheddar cheese for a casual, shareable meal.
Ingredients
- 2 lb ground beef
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 Tbsp chili powder
- ¼ tsp cayenne
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- salt(optional)
- 1 cup beer brewed in Texas
- 1 10 oz can diced tomatoes and green chilies
- 1 8 oz can tomato sauce
- 2 Tbsp cornmeal or masa harina
- 8 1-2 oz bags corn chipstortilla chips1:1
similar texture and structure
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
Instructions
- 1
Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat until hot.
- 2
Add ground beef and cook, breaking into small crumbles and stirring occasionally, until cooked through.
- 3
Remove beef and set aside to drain.
- 4
Add olive oil and diced onion to the skillet and cook until browned.
- 5
Return ground beef to the skillet and add minced garlic, chili powder, cayenne, ground cumin, and salt, stirring to combine.
- 6
Pour in beer, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and tomato sauce, then bring to a low simmer.
- 7
Cover and simmer, allowing the sauce to reduce and thicken and flavors to intensify.
- 8
Stir in cornmeal to help thicken the sauce, adding water if it becomes too thick or continuing to simmer if it needs more reduction.
- 9
Slice or fold open corn chip bags and spoon chili on top.
- 10
Sprinkle grated cheddar cheese over each serving and allow to melt slightly before serving.
Tips
Use a Texas-brewed beer for authentic flavor, though any lager works.
Break beef into small crumbles while cooking for even texture throughout the chili.
Good to Know
Chili keeps refrigerated up to 4 days. Do not store assembled Frito pie.
Prepare chili through simmering up to 1 day ahead. Reheat gently before assembling.
Serve immediately after topping with cheese to enjoy warm, melted cheese and crispy chips.
Common Mistakes
Do not skip browning the onions to avoid a raw or watery chili base.
Do not simmer uncovered at high heat to avoid rapid evaporation and loss of beer flavor.
Do not add cornmeal all at once to avoid lumping; stir as you add it.