Crock Pot Frito Pie Recipe
If you’re craving the ultimate comfort food that’s easy enough for a weeknight yet fun enough for a party, Crock Pot Frito Pie is about to become your new favorite obsession. This dish brings together the irresistible crunch of Fritos, a hearty, savory chili, and a melty layer of cheddar cheese, all slow-cooked to perfection. The result? A flavor explosion that’s warm, cheesy, and loaded with Tex-Mex personality in every scoop. Prepare to watch the whole family race to the table!
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Crock Pot Frito Pie is how a handful of humble staples come together to create something extraordinary. Each ingredient has a purpose, adding savoriness, texture, or just the right hit of color and spice to every bite.
- Ground beef (1 pound): The satisfying and classic base that gives our Frito pie its hearty Tex-Mex flavor.
- Small onion, chopped: Adds sweet undertones and fragrant depth to the chili filling.
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Brightens up the chili with its distinct, savory aroma.
- Chili beans, undrained (1 15-oz can): Bring creamy texture, subtle heat, and lots of protein.
- Diced tomatoes with green chilies (1 15-oz can): Infuse the dish with a tangy bite and gentle heat.
- Tomato sauce (1 8-oz can): Creates a rich, saucy base that ties the chili filling together.
- Chili powder (2 tablespoons): Delivers that unmistakable chili flavor and vibrant color.
- Ground cumin (1 teaspoon): Adds a warm, earthy element that feels oh-so-cozy.
- Paprika (½ teaspoon): Lends a subtle smokiness for a deeper chili flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Season to highlight all the other flavors in your chili.
- Fritos corn chips (3 cups, plus more for serving): The star of the show, providing crunch and authentic Frito pie nostalgia.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1½ cups): Melts into gooey goodness, making every bite dreamy.
- Sour cream (for serving): Adds a cooling touch that balances the warm spices.
- Chopped green onions (for serving): Bring a fresh pop of color and brightness.
- Jalapeños (for serving): Optional, but fantastic for anyone who likes a little extra kick!
How to Make Crock Pot Frito Pie
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Onions
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion, cooking everything together while you break up the meat with a spoon. In about 6 to 7 minutes, the beef will be browned and the onion soft and translucent. Sprinkle in the minced garlic and give it another minute to bloom and become fragrant. Once you’re hit with that delicious smell, drain off any excess grease—nobody wants their pie oily.
Step 2: Layer in the Slow Cooker
Transfer the cooked beef mixture to your crock pot. Now comes the magic! Stir in the chili beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, paprika, and give it a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Mix it all together thoroughly. Each scoop right now is already promising, but wait until it’s slow-cooked and those flavors have really melded.
Step 3: Let It Slow Cook
Pop the lid on your crock pot and let it do its thing. Cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, if you’ve got the time, or on high for 2 to 3 hours if you’re in more of a hurry. This gentle cooking really lets all the spices and aromatics infuse into the chili, giving it a bold and satisfying depth of flavor.
Step 4: Add the Fritos and Cheese
About 15 minutes before you’re ready to eat, stir 2 cups of Fritos and 1 cup of cheddar cheese directly into the crock pot mixture. This step is key for that wonderful chewy-crunchy texture you expect from the best Crock Pot Frito Pie. Cover it up again so the cheese melts into the chili and everything gets extra luscious.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
Ladle the hot, cheesy chili into bowls or onto plates. Top each serving with an enthusiastic handful of extra Fritos, the remaining cheddar cheese, a big dollop of sour cream, and as many fresh green onions and jalapeños as your heart desires. Every bowl will look like a party in itself!
How to Serve Crock Pot Frito Pie
Garnishes
Take Crock Pot Frito Pie over the top by finishing each bowl with a generous spoonful of sour cream, a scatter of chopped green onions, and some sliced jalapeños for those who like a little more heat. You can even add a squeeze of lime for fresh zing or sprinkle on diced tomatoes and avocado for Tex-Mex flair.
Side Dishes
While Crock Pot Frito Pie is plenty hearty on its own, it pairs beautifully with a crisp side salad or some fresh fruit to lighten things up. If you’re feeding a crowd, cornbread or a simple slaw also make welcome sides that keep the fun, casual mood going strong.
Creative Ways to Present
For game days or parties, set up a Frito Pie bar! Keep the hot filling in the crock pot, put out bowls of toppings, and let everyone customize their own creation. For a kid-friendly spin, scoop the pie straight into individual chip bags for classic “walking tacos”—just grab a fork and dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, scoop the chili into airtight containers and store in the fridge. Keep extra Fritos, cheese, and any fresh toppings separate so they retain their crunch and vibrancy when you serve the pie again.
Freezing
The chili base freezes like a dream! Cool it completely, then freeze individual portions for up to three months. Just remember to add your Fritos and toppings fresh after reheating to keep that wonderful texture alive.
Reheating
Warm the chili gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat or zap it in the microwave until bubbling. Once it’s piping hot, stir in your Fritos and cheese, then top as usual. This makes Crock Pot Frito Pie taste freshly made every time.
FAQs
Can I make Crock Pot Frito Pie with ground turkey or chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works well as a leaner swap. The flavors stay delicious and your pie will have a lighter profile—perfect for weeknight dinners or anyone watching their red meat intake.
What type Main Course
The classic original style corn chips are perfect, but feel free to experiment with “Scoops” or the chili cheese flavor if you want to switch things up. Just be sure to save plenty for serving on top.
How can I add more veggies?
Corn, black beans, or even diced bell peppers make tasty additions to the mix! Just stir them in with the tomatoes and beans for a boost of color, fiber, and flavor.
Can I double the recipe for a party?
Definitely. Use a larger crock pot and double all the ingredients. You might need to add a little extra time for the chili to heat through, but it’s a real crowd-pleaser at gatherings and potlucks.
Are there dairy-free or gluten-free options?
You can easily use your favorite dairy-free cheese and plain non-dairy yogurt instead of traditional sour cream. This recipe is naturally gluten-free—just be sure to double-check your chips and toppings!
Final Thoughts
If you haven’t tried Crock Pot Frito Pie yet, now’s the perfect time to dive in. It’s the kind of dish that’s guaranteed to bring comfort, excitement, and a little Tex-Mex magic to your table—no special occasion required. Give it a try and watch this easy, cheesy favorite win over every last hungry guest!
Print
Crock Pot Frito Pie Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Crock Pot Frito Pie is a delicious Tex-Mex inspired dish that combines savory chili with crunchy Fritos corn chips and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a game day gathering, this easy recipe is sure to be a hit!
Ingredients
Main Chili:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can chili beans, undrained
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Additional Ingredients:
- 3 cups Fritos corn chips, plus more for serving
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream, chopped green onions, and jalapeños for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until browned. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
- Combine Ingredients: Transfer beef mixture to the crock pot. Add beans, tomatoes, tomato sauce, spices. Cook on low for 4–6 hours or high for 2–3 hours.
- Add Fritos and Cheese: Before serving, stir in Fritos and cheddar cheese. Let melt. Serve hot with toppings.
Notes
- You can use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- For extra texture, add black beans or corn.
- Keep Fritos separate until serving to maintain crunch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1½ cups
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
