Easy & Cheap Homemade Chili

For years I have made this chili recipe. Even with groceries so high this meal is around $1.14-$1.37 per serving! If you add beans then the price would even be cheaper, but I’m the only one in my family that likes beans in their chili, so I leave them out.

It is such a cheap and easy recipe. Usually, we eat our chili with saltine crackers or cornbread muffins. Then, the next day we will have Frito chili pie with the leftovers.

Cheapest way to eat chili with beans is with saltine crackers on the side! 🙂

My family loves chili, especially in the Winter time. But, I always make a lot! LOL. Who can make only a little bit of chili??? So, we take the leftover chili and make Frito Chili Pie! I believe we have more corn chips and toppings than chili, but that’s ok! It’s so good, EASY and cheap too! My Chili recipe (scroll down to find recipe) is less than $1.50 PER SERVING, plus down to $1 if you add beans! That’s amazing!

Lodge 6 Quart Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven with Lid

What goes in chili recipe? (scroll down for full printable recipe card)

• Ground beef, ground chicken, ground turkey or venison
• Diced tomatoes
• Tomato sauce
• Chili mix packet
• If you have no chili mix packet, you can use: chili powder, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt and black pepper
• Optional toppings for chili: sour cream, shredded cheese, green onions, or jalapenos
• Additional chili ingredients that are optional: onions, green bell peppers, jalapenos, broth, cocoa, sugar, brown sugar

What kind of beans go in chili?

Remember that to stretch the budget add beans! You can add one type of bean or add a couple different types of beans to your pot of chili! Get creative!

• kidney beans
• pinto beans
• chili beans like Ranch Style beans
• garbanzo beans
• black beans
• cannellini beans
• white beans or great northern beans

What is in a Frito chili pie?

• Chili
• Fritos or any off brand corn chip
• shredded cheese
• onions or bell peppers
• lettuce, kale or spinach
• tomatoes
• jalapenos, any kind of pepper
• sour cream or guacamole

Can I use can chili for Frito chili pie?

Yes, certainly! You can make chili from scratch or you can open a can of chili up and pour it over your corn chips and top with a layer of cheese. Having a can of chili in your pantry is always a great idea, especially with kids. Plus, you can not make a meal any quicker than a can of chili, bag of corn chips and shredded cheese. Dinner is served up in minutes!

Can I use off brand corn chips instead of Frito corn chips?

Yes, Yes!! I know that this recipe is called Frito chili pie, but I always buy off brand corn chips. It would sound funny calling this a corn chip chili pie, but with today’s grocery prices, if you need to buy an off brand of corn chips, it is OK! 🙂

How do I store leftover chili?

To store your leftover chili just keep your chili and Fritos or corn chips separate. Do not assemble your Frito chili pie until you are ready to eat it. Store the chili in an airtight bowl with a lid, up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Also, keep your toppings cut up in an airtight container for easy assembly of your Frito Chili Pie.

We’d love to see your Frito chili pie! If you make some or a different recipe from our blog, be sure to tag us @thelazyKkitchen on social media so we can see your awesome creations!

Try some of our other recipes!

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• Garlic Butter French Bread Pizzas
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• Sour Cream Chicken Enchilada Casserole
• Super Easy 4 Ingredient Chicken & Dumplings recipe with big biscuits
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• Caprese Stuffed Chicken Breasts
• Creamy Mozzarella & Tomato Pasta with Italian Chicken

Plus, dessert recipes!

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