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!
Easy and Cheap Homemade Chili
Easy and cheap!
Ingredients
- 3 lbs ground beef
- 1 can (29 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 medium onion (optional)
- 3 tsp chili powder
- 3 tsp cumin
- 3 tsp paprika
- 3 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Place large pot onto medium high heat
- Add ground beef and chopped onions
- Cook until meat is brown
- Drain excess grease off of meat
- Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes and seasonings
- Simmer for 15- 20 minutes
- Serve with crackers or cornbread
Try some of our other recipes!
- Crockpot Cheesy Broccoli Casserole
- Easy 4 Ingredient Cheesy Tortellini Casserole
- Garlic Butter French Bread Pizzas
- Homemade chicken fettuccine alfredo
- Sour Cream Chicken Enchilada Casserole
- Super Easy 4 Ingredient Chicken & Dumplings recipe with big biscuits
- Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich with sweet chili mayo
- Buffalo Chicken Street Tacos with cilantro lime ranch
- Easy Italian Seasoned Chicken Breasts
- Ginger & Pineapple Chicken
- 3 Ingredient Jalapeno Cream Cheese Pinwheels
- Baked Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls with Cilantro Lime Ranch
- Easy Garlic Bread Casserole
- The Easiest Chicken Pot Pies
- Easy Dorito Chicken Casserole
- Savory Brown Sugar Meatloaf
- Caprese Stuffed Chicken Breasts
- Creamy Mozzarella & Tomato Pasta with Italian Chicken
Plus, dessert recipes!
- Red Velvet Poke Cake
- Butterfinger Caramel Cake
- Granny Eppler’s Peach Cobbler
- S’more Cookies
- Orange Dream Cookies
- Strawberry Delight Cheesecake
- Easy Pumpkin Spice Bread with Streusel Topping
- Apple Pie Cinnamon Roll Muffins
- Giant Cinnabon Cinnamon Roll
- Easy Chocolate Croissants with 3 Ingredients
- Heath Bar Poke Cake
- Cherry Pie Poke Cake
- Lemon Poke Cake
- Red Velvet Poke Cake: 4 ingredients
- Maple Pecan Cream Pie
- Turtle Cheesecake
- Lemon Pie Bars With Lemon Glaze
