Step 1: Prepare the Chili

Begin by preparing your beef chili according to your favorite recipe or preference. Ensure the chili is thoroughly cooked and kept warm until you are ready to assemble your bowls. Making the chili a day ahead is a great strategy because the spices have more time to meld, creating a much deeper flavor profile.

Step 2: Assemble the Dish

Place a generous, heaping handful of corn chips into individual serving bowls or directly into the opened chip bags. Working quickly prevents the chips from becoming too soft before you get a chance to dig in.

Step 3: Add Chili and Toppings

Ladle approximately one cup of the warm beef chili directly over the corn chips in each bowl. Immediately sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top so it begins to melt from the heat of the chili. Add your desired garnishes like chopped onions, a dollop of sour cream, and fresh jalapeños, then serve your Classic Frito Pie with Weeknight Beef Chili immediately.

Pro Tips

• Assemble the dish right before serving to keep the Fritos as crunchy as possible.
• Try serving the chili in individual single-serve bags for an authentic, low-cleanup experience.
• For a richer taste, shred your cheddar cheese directly from a block to avoid added starches found in pre-shredded cheese.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure your beef is fully cooked to a safe internal temperature during the chili prep stage.