Frito Pie in a Jar Recipe
Nothing says comfort food quite like chili. But this time we’re making it as Frito Pie Mason Jars topped with plenty of corn chips and your favorite toppings!
Nothing hits the spot like Frito pie. It’s crunchy, cheesy, homey and salty. Not to mention, it’ll satisfy any picky eating kid (which we are dealing with currently). This easy to please dish is also perfect for game day, birthday parties and picnics.
Serve it in a mason jar, and you’ve now got an elevated and pretty dish for even a baby shower, bridal shower or engagement party! Did you ever think that that Frito pie could be so elegant?!?
What is a Frito Pie?
Frito pie is classic Midwestern and Southwestern dish similar to a Mexican casserole. It is mainly composed of chili, cheese and crunchy corn chips (typically Frito chips).
Popular add-ons include enchilada sauce, salsa, refrained beans, sour cream, onions, rice and/or jalapeños. Pretty much anything you would garnish tortilla soup with, you could for frito pie.
Frito pie can be cooked on the stovetop or baked in casserole dish or baking dish. Prepping the dish literally calls for throwing the ingredients together in one pan. Another fun alternative to serve this dish is as a “walking taco” in a Frito bag (or jar) to eat on the go.
Ingredients Needed
- Ground turkey
- Canned chili beans
- Canned tomato sauce
- Diced small yellow onion
- Taco seasoning
- Chili powder
- Garlic powder
- Salt: To taste as desired
- Pepper: To taste as desired
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar or a Mexican blend both melt beautifully.
- Fritos corn chips: Add Fritos only right before serving to avoid sogginess.
- Optional toppings: Sour cream, diced green or red onions, guacamole, lettuce, diced tomatoes, jalapeños and bell peppers
Can You Substitute The Ground Turkey?
We opted to go the healthy and the less saturated fat route by using turkey, like we did with our turkey chili recipe. However, a beef and onion mix is traditionally the protein choice for something heartier. You may also use ground chicken or ground sausage. Or substitute the meat and double up on beans (or a mixture of beans) for a vegetarian dish.
The Walking Taco: How to Make Frito Pie Mason Jars
1 — Cook the base: In a stove top pan, sauté the onion and ground turkey until browned on medium-high heat. Add taco seasoning, chili powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper (to taste). Cook the turkey for 5-6 minutes until no longer pink. Then, drain excess grease.
2 — Simmer: Stir in chili beans and tomato sauce. Reduce heat to low to let the meat mixture simmer about 10 minutes until thick.
3 — Preheat oven or toaster oven: Set to 400°F (204°C)
4 — Assemble jars: Divide chili into mason jars (about 3/4 cup), top with cheddar, add a layer of Fritos, and more cheese.
5 — Melt cheese: Bake jars 2–3 minutes until cheese melts.
6 — Serve: Add your favorite toppings and extra Fritos before serving. Or you can set up a buffet bar for your guest to customize.
Can You Make Frito Pie Ahead of Time?
This recipe comes together in minutes. But if you’re short in time, you can definitely prep the Frito pie meat mixture in advance.
Make the chili as directed and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. However, hold off on the chips and toppings. You’ll want to assemble the remaining recipe in the jar the day of to avoid soggy chips.
More Fun Bites
Love these frito pie mason jars? We are suckers for mini bites, desserts and drinks. They’re wonderful for gatherings. You don’t have to tend to the food table and can instead tend to your guests. For more quick and easy recipes, check out a few favorites from our archives below —
- Pecan Cheesecake In Jars: Another recipe served in a jar so no slicing or serving required!
- Crockpot Meatballs: A 5-ingredient classic thrown in a crockpot and served as an appetizer or entree.
- Huli Huli Kebabs: A sweet and sour Hawaiian dish perfect for outdoor grilling and picnicking.
- Boozy Freeze Pops: A single-serving cocktail with a boozy spin on the childhood classic freeze pops.
- One Minute Microwave Mug Cake: The name says it all. It’s a dessert in a mug that doesn’t require an oven to bake.
Equipment
- Pan
- Mason jars
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 30 oz canned chili beans 2 cans
- 8 oz canned tomato sauce 1 can
- 2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp taco seasoning 1 packet
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 small yellow onion diced
- Fritos corn chips
- Salt as desired
- Pepper as desired
- Sour cream optional toppings
- Diced green or red onions for optional toppings
- Guacamole optional toppings
- Lettuce optional toppings
- Diced tomatoes optional toppings
- Bell peppers optional toppings
- Jalapeños optional toppings
Instructions
- Sauté the onion and ground turkey until browned on medium-high heat. Add taco seasoning, chili powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper (to taste). Drain excess grease.
- Stir in chili beans and tomato sauce. Simmer about 10 minutes until thick.
- Preheat oven to to 400°F (204°C)
- Divide chili into mason jars, top with cheddar, add a layer of Fritos, and more cheese.
- Bake jars 2–3 minutes or until cheese melts.
- Place the glass mason jars in the oven for 2 minutes or until the cheese is melted.
- Add your favorite toppings and extra Fritos before serving.
Nutrition
Tried this recipe? Share your Frito Pie in a Jar with us on Instagram, using the hashtag #sugarandclothloves. We always love seeing all of your creations! Looking for more quick and delicious recipes? Find them all right here!
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