Que Viva La Fiesta & Frito Pies!
If you grew up in Santa Fe you grew up on Frito Pies from the local Woolworth's on the Plaza. They were made by slicing open a Small Fritos bag along the side, adding a wonderfully spicy mixture of ground beef, chile and pinto beans, sprinkle on some onions and some grated mild cheddar cheese. Mmmmm those were the days. Well Frito Pies are still popular in Santa Fe and they are sold at games, school fundraisers and they are served in quantities at some of our local MLS tours. I have had great success when I advertise them - lots of hungry realtors coming to see the home.

Frito Pie by the dozens

2 Large bags of Original Fritos, 2 Lbs ground beef, 2 Lbs of canned Pinto Beans (NOT refried), 3 Tablespoons of flour, 1/4 cup Red Chile Powder (less or more depending on how spicy you wnat it), 2 teaspoons garlic powder, 2 teaspoons salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 3 cups of water. 2 cups grated mild cheddar cheese for topping. Chopped tomatoes, onions and lettuce for garnish. In a large stockpot cook the ground beef stirring constantly to break apart. Add flour and red chile powder and garlic powder and mix well. Add beans with their juice and mix. Slowly add water until mixture is the consistency of thick soup. Add salt and pepper to taste. In small bowls place a handful of fritos, top with chile and sprinkle on grated cheese. Garnish with onions, tomatoes and lettuce.