Would you mind if I changed the name of this recipe from Cheeto Chili to Cheeto Chili Crack? I’m gonna tell you, it’s that good. Now, I’m not a huge Cheetos fan, and I had never tried the Flamin’ Hot Crunchy version. But I know that for many of you, Cheetos is a guilty pleasure, especially the spicy varieties. So I approached this recipe with the attitude that, this is just going to be fun, and since it’s homemade chili, cheese and avocado, how bad can it be? I was so wrong. Wrong, wrong, wrong. I loved this dish so much that it shot right to the top of my go-to recipes list for just about any occasion; pot luck, game watching, kid’s cooking night, pool parties, picnics, etc. I’m sure you’re familiar with Frito Pie. It’s a combination of chili, cheese and corn chips. Well, move over Frito Pie. You have just met your flamin’ hot match. Let me paint the delicious picture for you. In a bowl, you pour some Flamin’ Hot Crunchy Cheetos. (The Cheetos Flamin’ Hot Baked version is just as tasty!) Make up some homemade chili or choose your favorite store-bought brand. Pour the chili over the Cheetos. Sprinkle liberally with cheddar cheese, dot with avocado and finish with chopped cilantro. The description doesn’t do this dish justice. You have to just trust me and give it a try. Because I have a pretty good idea that Cheeto Chili is going to be one of your new favorites too! Watch my How To Video for Cheeto Chili Pie here!
| Servings |
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 large sweet yellow onion, diced
- 4 large cloves garlic, minced
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 pinch pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon Chipotle peppers in Adobo Sauce, chopped fine (come in a 7 ounce jar)
- 1 15 ounce can crushed or petite diced tomatoes
- 1 15 ounce can tomato sauce
- kosher salt
- freshly grated black pepper
- 1 8.5 ounce bag Flamin' Hot Crunchy Cheetos (fried or baked variety)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 avocados, diced
- 1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Ingredients
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- In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until soft and translucent. Add the beef and cook until browned. Add chili powder, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes, stirring to combine. Add chipotles in adobo sauce, diced or crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce, stirring to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. (If chili is too mild, add more adobo sauce or chili powder.) Simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring often. In a serving bowl, add 1 cup of Flamin’ Hot Crunchy Cheetos. Sprinkle about 2 tablespoons of cheese on top of Cheetos. Spoon chili over top of cheese. Sprinkle more cheese on top of the chili. Dot with avocado cubes and fresh cilantro. Serve immediately.
