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From Game Day to family dinner, Crock Pot Frito Pie is versatile and delicious. Hearty chili cooks in the slow cooker for an effortless, kid-friendly meal idea! The slow cooker does all the work and the results will leave everyone asking for more.
Growing up we had the traditional chili pie baked in the oven. Everyone always loved it and it got me thinking how I could make it even easier.
This simple dish gets even better when you use the crock pot instead of a baking dish. Come home to dinner ready and waiting and enjoy a great meal. Crockpot Frito Pie Recipe is just what you need to feed a crowd. If you prefer, you can make Instant pot Frito Chili Pie for another easy recipe.
What's in this post: Crock Pot Frito Pie
Why Make Frito Pie in the Crock Pot?
Classic Frito pie makes the ultimate comfort food! We love making it in the slow cooker because everything cooks easily without a lot of effort. The chili turns out so flavorful and it stays warm for hours.
This makes the perfect dish for potlucks, tailgates, or busy weeknights when you need a one-pot meal that practically serves itself.
Ingredients
- Ground Beef – We prefer lean ground beef
- Minced Garlic – Learn How to Mince Garlic Cloves
- Garlic Salt – See The Best Garlic Salt Substitute
- Chili Powder – See The Best Chili Powder Substitute
- Cumin– If you are out, see Best Substitute for Cumin
- Tomato Sauce and Crushed Tomatoes – Helps to thicken the chili consistency
- Beef Broth – If are out, you can use water
- Onions – Chop into small pieces
- Toppings – Fritos, Cheddar cheese, sour cream and onion
Scroll to the recipe card for the full recipe.
How to Make Frito Chili Pie in the Crock Pot
Step 1 – Combine all of the ingredients except for the fritos and toppings in the slow cooker. It is that simple.
Step 2 – Then just cover and cook. You can use the high setting and cook for 2 hours or the low setting for 6. I like to break up the ground beef during the last hour.
Step 3 – Stir and serve ground beef mixture with your favorite toppings and handful of frito.
Crock Pot Frito Pie
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef (lean)
- ½ onion (diced)
- 1 tomato sauce (15 oz. can)
- 1 crushed tomatoes (15 oz. can)
- 1 tsp garlic salt
- 2 Tbsp Chili powder
- 2 tsp Cumin
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 bag Frito Corn Chips (10 oz)
- 2 cups Cheddar Cheese (shredded)
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients to a 6 quart crock pot. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Break up the meat in the crock pot for the last hour of the cooking time.
- Stir to combine.
- Serve over the Frito corn chips, topped with the cheddar cheese and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
Nutrition Facts
Pro Tips
- Ground Beef – We used lean ground beef, but if you use a high fat content then you may need to drain grease before serving.
- Cooking Chili – As the chili ingredients are cooking in the slow cooker, make sure to break up the meat. This will help to combine everything easily.
- Serving – If serving Frito Chili Pie for a family gathering, serve the chili in the slow cooker on the warm setting. This will prevent the chili from burning.
Flavor Variations
- Canned Chili. If you are short on time and would like to serve chili pie, try using canned chili. I prefer making my own homemade chili in the slow cooker but this is an easy option. Make sure you get a good chili with beans if using canned.
- Ground turkey. You can substitute ground turkey or ground chicken for the ground beef.
- Doritos. Change things up and use Doritas instead of corn chips. You can use any variety of Doritos. Spice things up with the flaming hot doritos if you like spicy dishes.
- Beans. Add a can of pinto, black beans, chili beans or kidney beans to this recipe.
- Diced tomatoes. If you like the mixture a bit chunkier, use diced tomatoes instead of crushed tomatoes or salsa is another great addition. We have even added in chopped bell peppers and green chiles for even more flavor.
- Spices. You can use a packet of taco seasoning instead of the other seasonings if you prefer. You can even use Homemade Chili Seasoning Recipe.
- Spicy. If you like spicy dishes, add extra chili powder or cayenne pepper. Substitute the tomatoes for Rotel or any can of tomatoes with green chilies.
- Meat free. Skip the meat and add extra beans and tomatoes to the dish. You can also use vegetable broth instead of the beef broth. I have made it this way and it really is delicious.
Serving Ideas
Frito Pie Chili is delicious served with Fritos. But we have also served the chili over Microwave Baked Potatoes or Grilled Hot Dogs.
It is also good with this easy homemade cornbread or you also try Cheddar Jalapeno Cornbread Recipe for a little extra kick.
This is the perfect meal to feed a crowd and so simple to put together. Make a big crock pot of this amazing recipe and your guests will be coming back for more. You can even setup a chili bar with all your favorite toppings! Such as shredded cheese, lettuce, sour cream, diced onion, black olives, avocados and slice jalapenos.
I even love to use leftover chili to make frito chili pies. Check out our What to Serve with Chili for more easy ideas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, in this recipe we cook the ground beef in the slow cooker with the other ingredients. But you can easily cook the ground beef on the stovetop in a large skillet and then add to the slow cooker.
Leftovers can be stored inside an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will last up to 3 days.
Yes, the chili can be placed in the freezer. We recommend freezing in individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight when ready to reheat.
Warm chili on the stove in a saucepan or in the microwave. Add fresh Fritos and cheese just before serving.
More Easy Crock Pot Ground Beef Recipes
Easy Slow Cooker
Crock Pot Taco Pasta
Easy Slow Cooker
Crock Pot Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe
Easy Slow Cooker
Crockpot Hamburger Helper Recipe
If you make this Crockpot Frito Pie for your next family gathering, please leave us a comment or star review! We love to hear from you.
I made a batch of this to have for lunch throughout the week and it was SO yummy! It made a lot for just me, so I divided it up and froze some of it for lunch another time. Using 99% fat free ground turkey in place of the beef and topping it with reduced-fat Mexican blend cheese and nonfat plain Greek yogurt instead of sour cream made this very WW friendly! Only 6 points on the blue plan (0 for the chili, 5 for a serving of Fritos and 1 for two tbsp reduced-fat cheese). Thank you for this recipe! I love it!