Frito Pie

By kjs1010

Ingredients

• 2 slices bacon, cut into 1'' pieces
• 1 clove garlic, crushed
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 # ground beef
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 Tbs chili powder
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1/3 cup tomato paste
• 1 1/2 cups water (more if necessary)
• 1 cup canned pinto beans, rinsed and drained
• 5 cups frito corn chips
• 1/2 # cheddar or monterey jack cheese, shredded
• Optional: chopped onion and diced jalapenos for garnish

Preparation

Step 1

Cook bacon in heavy skillet until fat is rendered. Add onion and garlic and cook until onion is soft.
Add ground beef and cook over mediun high heat, stirring and breaking up lumps, until browned. Pour off excess fat and add salt, chili powder, cumin and tomato paste.
Slowly add water and simmer 10 minutes*, adding more water if necessary. Add beans and cook until heated through.
Divide corn chips among individual wide shallow bowls**, top with chili. Sprinkle cheese on top. Garnish with onion and jalapeno if desired.

*Can simmer more than recipe suggests.

**Can serve in 2 quart casserole instead of individual dishes.