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Comforting Walking Chili Cheese Frito Pie in a Bag Recipe Easy and Perfect for Parties

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A quick, easy, and crowd-pleasing walking chili cheese Frito pie served in individual bags, perfect for parties and casual gatherings. Combines warm chili, melted sharp cheddar cheese, and crunchy Fritos for a comforting, portable snack.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound lean ground beef or turkey
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 14.5 oz canned diced tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 cup beef broth or water
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Individual snack-size Fritos corn chip bags
  • About 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese per serving
  • Optional toppings: diced jalapeños, sour cream, chopped green onions, sliced black olives

Instructions

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef or turkey and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if needed.
  2. Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes until onion is translucent and soft, stirring often to prevent garlic from burning.
  3. Stir in canned diced tomatoes, tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat meat and tomatoes evenly.
  4. Pour in beef broth or water. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook uncovered for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally until chili thickens but remains saucy.
  5. While chili simmers, open individual Frito bags and slightly crush chips inside for easier eating, leaving some chunks for texture.
  6. Ladle a generous scoop of hot chili into each Frito bag. Immediately top with shredded cheddar cheese so it melts on contact. Add optional toppings if desired.
  7. Serve immediately and enjoy while chili is warm and cheese is gooey.

Notes

If chili thickens too much during simmering, add a splash more broth to loosen. Assemble just before serving to keep Fritos crunchy. Stir chili occasionally to prevent burning. For vegetarian option, substitute meat with black beans and kidney beans. Slow cooker method can be used by browning meat and sautéing aromatics first, then cooking on low for 4-6 hours.

Nutrition

Keywords: chili cheese pie, Frito pie, walking chili, party food, comfort food, easy chili recipe, portable snack

Find it online: https://tessierecipes.com/comforting-walking-chili-cheese-frito-pie-in-a-bag-recipe-easy-and-perfect-for-parties/