Frito pie is a classic comfort food that is quick, easy to make, and a great way to use leftover Fritos. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a fun snack to serve at your next party, Frito pie is the perfect solution. So if you are wondering how to make Frito pie with canned chili? Read ahead and find out!

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What is Frito Pie?

Frito pie is an American classic that has been around since the early 1900s. It’s a simple dish made with Fritos, chili, and cheese, but it has become a beloved comfort food for many. The dish has become so popular that it’s now served in restaurants and sold in stores.

The great thing about Frito pie is that it can be tailored to suit any taste. For example, if you’re looking for a healthier option, you can use low-fat ingredients like ground turkey instead of beef and reduced-fat cheese instead of regular. You can also use canned beans instead of ground beef or turkey.

Can You Make Frito Pie with Canned Chili?

The answer is yes! You can make a delicious Frito pie with canned chili. One great thing about using canned chili for your Frito pie is that it’s easy and convenient. You just have to open the can and heat it in a pot on the stovetop or microwave. Then pour the chili over a layer of Fritos chips in an oven-safe dish and top with cheese and any other toppings you like. Bake in the oven until everything is hot and bubbly, then serve!

Using canned chili also makes it much easier to adjust the spice level of your Frito pie. Most store-bought cans contain milder versions of chili, so if you want something spicier, you have to add some extra hot sauce or diced jalapenos when heating the chili before adding it to the dish.

Variation Ideas

Here are some creative variation ideas for making this classic dish:

Chili Cheese Frito Pie: Start by layering crushed Fritos on the bottom of a lightly greased pie pan. Top with canned chili and shredded cheese, and bake until golden brown and bubbly. Finish your creation by topping it with fresh tomatoes, diced onions, jalapeno slices, and sour cream!
Mexican-Style Frito Pie: For a unique twist on this classic dish, try adding Mexican flavors such as cumin, garlic powder, and smoked paprika to your canned chili before layering it over the crushed chips in your pie pan. For added flavor, top with shredded lettuce, jalapenos, diced tomatoes, black olives, and avocado slices for added flavor!
Vegetarian Frito Pie: For vegetarians or those looking for a lighter option, try replacing the meat in your canned chili recipe with black beans or lentils for a protein-packed vegetarian alternative. Adding vegetables, like onions, bell pepper, broccoli, etc., is also a great way to add vegetables to your diet. Layer over crushed chips in your pie pan and top with shredded cheese before baking until golden brown and bubbly!
BBQ Chicken Frito Pie: For an easy weeknight dinner option to please everyone at the table, try using canned chili mixed with BBQ sauce as your base layer instead of traditional ground beef chili seasoning mix. Top with shredded chicken (or tofu if you’re vegan) before baking until golden brown and bubbly!

Can You Store Frito Pie?

As much as you like to store Frito pie and enjoy it later, it isn’t a good idea. There are some good reasons why you cannot store Frito pie. That’s because of its ingredients. The most important component of Frito pie is the corn chips, which are not designed to last long once they have been opened. Corn chips become stale quickly when exposed to air and moisture, so even if you try to store them in an airtight container, they will not stay crispy for very long. Additionally, chili does not keep well either due to its high-fat content, which causes it to spoil quickly when left out at room temperature for too long.