Frito Pie with Black Beans
A hearty Southwestern classic made easy! A savory black bean chili is ladled over crunchy corn chips and loaded with cheese, sour cream, and jalapeños. Perfect for a fun, casual weeknight dinner.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Sauté Aromatics
- b.Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
- c.Add the chopped yellow onion and green bell pepper. Sauté, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes until they soften and the onion becomes translucent.
- d.Add the minced garlic and cook for another 60 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Bloom Spices and Build Flavor Base
- b.Add the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper to the pot. Stir continuously for 30-45 seconds to toast the spices and release their aroma.
- c.Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, allowing it to caramelize slightly and deepen in color.
- d.Pour in the undrained diced tomatoes and use a wooden spoon to scrape any flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Simmer the Chili
- b.Add the rinsed black beans and vegetable broth to the pot. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- c.Bring the mixture to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low.
- d.Cover the pot and let the chili simmer for at least 15 minutes for the flavors to meld. For a thicker, richer chili, simmer for up to 30 minutes.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Season and Assemble
- b.Remove the chili from the heat. Stir in the salt and black pepper. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.
- c.To serve, divide the corn chips among four bowls.
- d.Ladle a generous amount of the hot black bean chili over the chips.
- e.Garnish with shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, chopped white onion, sliced jalapeños, and fresh cilantro.
- f.Serve immediately to ensure the chips stay crunchy.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the classic 'walking taco' experience, carefully cut open the side of single-serving corn chip bags, ladle the chili and toppings directly inside, and eat with a fork.
- 2To prevent soggy chips, assemble each Frito Pie just before serving.
- 3The black bean chili can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat on the stovetop before serving.
- 4For a thicker chili without extra simmering time, you can mash about half a cup of the beans against the side of the pot with a spoon before simmering.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Boost
Brown 1 lb of ground beef, turkey, or plant-based crumbles with the onions and peppers for a heartier chili.
Smoky & SpicySmoky & Spicy
Add 1-2 chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce along with the diced tomatoes for a smoky, intense heat.
Bean VarietyBean Variety
Substitute one can of black beans with pinto beans or kidney beans for a different texture and flavor.
Extra VeggiesExtra Veggies
Stir in 1 cup of frozen corn or chopped zucchini during the last 10 minutes of simmering for added nutrition and texture.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Fiber
Black beans are packed with dietary fiber, which is crucial for digestive health, helps regulate blood sugar levels, and promotes a feeling of fullness.
Rich in Plant-Based Protein
This dish provides a substantial amount of protein from black beans, essential for muscle repair, immune function, and overall body maintenance, making it a satisfying vegetarian meal.
Contains Essential Vitamins and Minerals
Ingredients like bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes offer a good source of Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and antioxidants like lycopene, which help protect cells from damage.
Frequently asked questions
A typical serving of this Frito Pie with Black Beans, including toppings, contains approximately 650-750 calories. The exact number can vary based on the specific brands of chips, cheese, and sour cream used.