Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Thank you to Artisan Tropic for sponsoring this post! All opinions are my own.

This paleo Frito pie is made without actual Fritos, but will still remind you of this Texas classic! It’s grain-free and made with plantain chips instead of Fritos.

Paleo Frito Pie

What is Frito Pie?

Frito pie is a Texan comfort food classic that’s made with basic beef chili, cheese, jalapeno, and of course… Fritos! If you’re eating it an event like the rodeo or state fair, they’ll actually serve it in a bag of Fritos with the chili on top along with the toppings. If you’re making it at home, most people usually make it as more of a baked casserole. Either way, it’s pretty decadent junk food.

I’ve lived in Texas for the majority of my life at this point, but I grew up in New York! So, when I heard about Frito Pie on King of the Hill (best show ever), I thought it was a joke… but no, it is very real! I always see people eating it here, and I’ve had it on my list to make for months! 

How to make Paleo Frito Pie

Make the chili

  • Brown the ground beef over medium heat. Use a wooden spoon to crumble and set aside when cooked. Drain excess fat, reserving about 2 tbsp for cooking.
  • Add the onion and saute for 3-4 minutes or until slightly translucent. Add the garlic and saute for another 1-2 minutes.
  • Stir in the tomato, broth, seasonings, and add the beef back in. Bring to a low simmer and allow the chili to simmer for 25-30 minutes or until thickened and reduced. Remove from heat

Assemble the Frito pie

  • Combine the coconut cream with the lime juice to make a paleo sour cream. Set aside. Assemble the Frito pie bowls by diving the plantain strips between 4 bowls. Top the chips with the chili and top with the red onion, cilantro, green onion, sour cream, lime wedges, and crushed plantain chips. Serve fresh.

What can you use instead of Fritos in Frito pie to make it healthier??

I love Artisan Tropic Plantain strips, and that’s what I’m using as a Fritos sub in this recipe! They’re made with minimal ingredients and have tons of flavor. I decided to make this recipe more like what you would get at a fair rather than a casserole, so I served the chili over a bed of plantain strips and then topped it with some crushed plantain strips so you really get that plantain strip flavor throughout!

Plantain Strips and Chili

You can use my promo code that they set up specifically for Unbound Wellness readers! Use the code Unboundwellness for 15% off your entire order on the Artisan Tropic   site from Jan 27-Jan 30(limit one per customer).

What can you use as toppings for this recipe?

For this recipe, I used the following toppings…

  • Diced red onion
  • Cilantro
  • Green onion
  • Lime
  • Crushed plantain chips
  • Paleo sour cream

You can also use…

  • Japaleno
  • Melted or shredded cheese (a frito pie classic if you tolerate it!)
  • Diced avocado
  • Diced tomato

The Ingredients for this recipe

Ground beef

Beef works best for Frito pie as it has the most flavor and is what’s traditionally used!

Onion, garlic, tomato puree, broth, cumin, and chili powder

These are the ingredients to make this recipe AIP, you can use nomato sauce and omit the nightshade spices. You’ll have a more mild chili, but you can make up for it by adding more red onion on top.

Toppings of your choice

See above!

Paleo Frito Pie

You’ll also love…

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Paleo Frito Pie

★★★★★

5 from 2 reviews
  • Author: Michelle
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
Print Recipe

Description

This paleo Frito pie is made without actual Fritos, but will still remind you of this Texas classic! It’s grain-free and made with plantain chips instead of Fritos.

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the chili

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1/2 medium white onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 1/2 cup canned diced tomato (sub nomato for AIP)
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste (omit for AIP)
  • 3/4 cup beef broth
  • 3/4 tsp sea salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper (omit for AIP)
  • 2 tsp cumin (omit for AIP)
  • 2 tsp chili powder (omit for AIP)

For the frito pie

  • 1/4 cup coconut cream
  • Juice of one lime
  • 1 bag Artisan Tropic Plantain strips (1/4 cup crushed for garnish)
  • 1/4 red onion, diced
  • 2 tbsp cilantro
  • 2 tbsp green onion, chopped
  • Lime wedges

Instructions

For the chili

  1. Using a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Use a wooden spoon to crumble and set aside when cooked. Drain excess fat, reserving about 2 tbsp for cooking.
  2. Add the onion and saute for 3-4 mniutes or until slightly translucent. Add the garlic and saute for another 1-2 minutes.
  3. Stir in the tomato, broth, seasonings, and add the beef back in. Bring to a low simmer and allow the chili to simmer for 25-30 minutes or until thickened and reduced. Remove from heat

For the frito pie

  1. Combine the coconut cream with the lime juice to make a paleo sour cream. Set aside.
  2. Assemble the frito pie bowls by diving the plantain strips between 4 bowls. Top the chips with the chili and top with the red oinon, cilantro, green onion, sour cream, lime wedges, and crushed plantain chips. Serve fresh.

Notes

All nutritional information are estimations and will vary. Estimations do not include optional ingredients.

  • Prep Time: 10
  • Cook Time: 40

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 337
  • Fat: 4g
  • Carbohydrates: 43.4g
  • Fiber: 3.9g
  • Protein: 28g