Frito Pies


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Put a unique twist on your taco Tuesday dinner night with Frito Pies. Made with classic tex-mex flavors, you’re just a few hours from putting a meal on the table the whole family is sure to enjoy! This recipe also works great for potlucks, game day gathering, and busy weekends.

Easily make a taco-themed meal plan with my Slow Cooker Creamy Taco Soup and Slow Cooker Birria Tacos.

making frito pie in a slow cooker.
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Can I make Frito Pie in the crock pot?

Absolutely! And that’s why I know you’ll love this Frito pie recipe. Cooking the ground beef and chopping the onions is the only prep time you need and everything else comes from a can. Two types of beans provide plenty of heartiness while the Rotel tomatoes and diced tomatoes add more flavor.

This is an easy recipe to keep on hand if you want comfort food to feed a crowd or need something hearty for busy weeknights. Not to mention, it’s so versatile. If you just so happen to have leftovers, you can make more than Frito pies. Check the serving suggestions below for more unique ideas. You will also like my chili cheese casserole recipe!

Recipe Ingredients

ingredients for slow cooker frito pie on a table.
  • Ground Beef: I like to use a couple of pounds for this recipe. It can easily be increased to make more to feed a crowd.
  • Beans: Black beans and pinto beans, rinsed, add the perfect amount of heartiness. You can use slow cooker black beans or slow cooker pinto beans in this recipe!
  • Tomatoes: Using Rotel tomatoes and regular diced tomatoes provide a flavorful balance.
  • Onion: One small diced yellow onion is all you need and it doesn’t make the meat mixture spicy.
  • Water: Helps with mixing everything together and marry the flavors during the slow cooking process.
  • Chili Seasoning: This mix has all the flavors needed for that delicious taco taste.
  • Garnish: Small bags of original Fritos will serve as the “bowl” while shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and sliced green onions add the perfect garnish on top.

Step-by-Step Directions

four images showing how to make slow cooker frito pie.

Step One – Cook the ground beef, drain the grease, and add it to the slow cooker.

Step Two – Add the remaining ingredients (except Fritos and toppings) to the crock pot.

Step Three – Stir everything together until well combined.

Step Four – Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours. Before serving, stir the chili. Enjoy!

overhead shot of frito pie cooking in a crockpot.

How to Serve

  • Spoon the beef mixture over Fritos. You can do this by cutting open the bag and pouring them right in the bag. Or, pour the Fritos in a bowl. Add desired toppings such as cheese, diced onion and sour cream.
  • You can also use the mixture for tacos, burritos, or enchiladas.
  • It also tastes great served on baked potatoes.
  • Other topping suggestions: diced avocados, black olives, jalapenos, hot sauce, Mexican blend shredded cheese, pico de gallo, and any of your other favorite toppings.
overhead shot of slow cooker frito pie in a bowl.

Recipe FAQs

Can I substitute the the ground beef?

Of course. You can use ground chicken, ground turkey, or even a ground beef and ground sausage mix. Just keep in mind that using a different may change the taste just a bit.

How do I store leftovers?

Place any remaining meat mixture in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove top over medium heat until warmed throughout.

Are there any variations?

You can always add more to the mixture like bell peppers, jalapenos (using the seeds will make it spicy), taco seasoning, chili powder, tomato sauce, and the like.

serving of slow cooker frito pie in a white bowl.

More Slow Cooker Tex-Mex Inspired Recipes:

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overhead shot of frito pie cooking in a crockpot.

Frito Pies

5 from 1 vote
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 8
Made with classic Tex-Mex ingredients, these Frio Pies are sure to be a new family favorite.

Ingredients 
 

  • 2 lbs. ground beef
  • 1 small yellow onion diced
  • 2 oz. chili seasoning packets, (two 1-oz. packets)
  • 15 oz. diced tomatoes
  • 10 oz. Rotel tomatoes
  • 15 oz. canned black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 15 oz. canned pinto beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 cups water

For Serving:

  • small bags of fritos or 2 large bags
  • shredded cheddar cheese
  • diced onions
  • sour cream

Instructions 

  • Cook the ground beef in a skillet on the stove top, brown and crumble, drain off the fat.
  • Add the beef and everything to the slow cooker. Stir.
  • Place the lid on the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 hours.
  • Before serving, stir the chili. Spoon over Fritos; you can do this by cutting open the bag and pouring them right in the bag. OR placing the Fritos in a bowl. Add desired toppings such as cheese, diced onion and sour cream.

Sarah’s Notes

  • You can use ground chicken, ground turkey, or even a ground beef and ground sausage mix. Just keep in mind that using a different may change the taste just a bit.
  • Place any remaining meat mixture in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove top over medium heat until warmed throughout.
  • You can always add more to the mixture like bell peppers, jalapenos (using the seeds will make it spicy), taco seasoning, chili powder, tomato sauce, and the like.
  • Nutritional values do no include toppings or chips – since those amounts can vary.

Nutrition

Calories: 332kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 30g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 74mg | Sodium: 439mg | Potassium: 1023mg | Fiber: 10g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 3597IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 106mg | Iron: 7mg

Nutrition info is auto-generated. This information is an estimate; if you are on a special diet, please use your own calculations.

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Recipe Rating




1 Comment

  1. Hungry Jack says:

    5 stars
    Hi! Just prepared this fine meal. All came out perfectly as noted in the instructions.
    I did do 2 very minor alterations that may not mean anything to anyone but me.
    Used beef broth instead of water, and I placed the fritos top and bottom of the fritos pie.
    This to me made the meal much more filling.
    Thank you for an excellent dinner recommendation will be doing this again soon.