If you are a person who needs a precise recipe when cooking, this one isn’t for you! But trust me, you don’t need precise because you are going based on taste and this frito pie tastes so good! Cooking with your soul! I wasn’t even going to put this recipe on on my website because I didn’t measure but it’s too good not to. I estimated the measures but really, just go by taste. You can always add more seasoning if it’s too bland! When you add in the chile, unless you like heat I would start small and add in. If you are cooking for someone who doesn’t like spice at all (kids) you can keep the green and red chile on the side and people can self serve the sauce over their frito pie. Just make sure to heat it up first.
As you probably know, unless you are new here, I’m from New Mexico and recently moved back. I have big love for all things chile, as do most people from the Land of Enchantment. Frito pie was honestly not something I ever ate much growing up but I have gotten into it since moving back. I order it from 2 of my favorite restaurants in Albuquerque, Duran’s Pharmecy and Church Street Cafe. My best friend makes this a lot, 2-3 times for me since I’ve been back! It’s always delicious and there are so many ways to make it. Vegetarian? Just do beans! I decided to take a stab at it and it’s pretty amazing! I’m going to make this all the time now. The toppings I like are sour cream and cheese but you can also add chopped lettuce and tomatoes.
Let’s talk chile. The state question in New Mexico is: Red or Green? The Answer: Christmas! This is a question regarding your chile, both is always best. However, if you prefer one over the other you can stick to that for the frito pie. Most people probably just get the hatch cans from the grocery store but there is better quality. I did a whole blog post that I recommend you check out, you can also look at my Amazon store which is on the main page of my website for other options.
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New Mexican Frito Pie
Ingredients
Instructions
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Get a large skillet and put it over medium heat with some oil. Add the beef.
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Break up the beef and season generously and to taste with the garlic salt, paprika and cumin.
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While the beef is cooking, chop an onion and toss it in.
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Add some minced garlic to taste. Continue to cook the beef, stirring and breaking up as you go along.
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Put a can of the black, pinto and kidney beans intro a strainer, rinse and drain them then add to the beef.
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Add the green and red chile and mix together.
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Continue to cook, when cooked through taste test to see if you need more of the seasoning or chile.
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Once the mixture is ready, put your fritos at the base of a bowl and top with beef mixture.
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Top with shredded cheese and a dollop of sour cream. ENJOY!