Slow Cooker Chili Cheese Casserole

Feb 23, 2024Updated Jun 10, 2024

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Slow Cooker Chili Cheese Casserole is everything comfort food should be. Chili, sour cream, cheese and Fritos come together to make an amazing casserole. This is one your family is sure to ask for time and time again.

Other easy canned chili recipes are my cream cheese chili dip or chili queso dip.

scooping out some chili cheese casserole from a crockpot.

Why You Should Try This Chili Casserole with Fritos
Recipe Ingredients
Step-by-Step Directions
How to Serve
Recipe FAQs
Other chili recipes:
Slow Cooker Chili Cheese Casserole Recipe

Why You Should Try This Chili Casserole with Fritos

Chili casserole with Fritos is a delicious and quick dish that combines the rich flavors of chili, melted cheese, and crunchy Fritos into a comforting and satisfying meal. It’s perfect for cozy evenings or gatherings with friends and family. Easy to prepare, this dish involves layering chili, Fritos, and cheese in a baking dish before baking until bubbly and golden.

Not only is chili cheese casserole a crowd-pleaser, it’s appealing to both kids and adults alike. Not to mention, you can experiment with different types of chips or chili variations to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Plus, leftovers taste even better the next day, making it an excellent option for meal prep or enjoying multiple times throughout the week. Another recipe we love to serve for game day along with this is slow cooker barbecue meatballs or slow cooker frito pie!

Recipe Ingredients

ingredients for slow cooker chili cheese casserole on a table.

Frito Chips: The original corn chips work best for this recipe; however, you can also use different flavors to switch things up a bit.
Canned chili: I use Nalley Original, but you can use any brand you prefer. You can also use leftover crockpot chili.
Shredded cheddar cheese: I recommend using block cheese and shredding it yourself. Bags of pre-shredded cheese typically have a caking agent on them that prevents the cheese from melting properly.
Diced white onion: Adds both crunch and flavor to this delicious appetizer.
Sour cream: Helps create a slightly creaminess to the dish as well as a classic chili taste.

Step-by-Step Directions

three images showing how to make chili cheese casserole in a slow cooker.

Step One – Spray slow cooker with non-stick spray and sprinkle 1.5 cups of Fritos corn chips to the bottom of the slow cooker.

Step Two – Then spoon over the chili.

Step Three – Then sprinkle over half the onions.

six images showing how to make slow cooker chili cheese casserole with fritos.

Step Four – Sprinkle over half of the cheese.

Step Five – Spread over all the sour cream.

Step Six – Top with the remaining cheese evenly.

Step Seven – Sprinkle over the remaining onions.

Step Eight – Cover and cook on HIGH for 2 hours.

Step Nine – Serve with the additional Frito corn chips on top. Enjoy!

close-up of slow cooker chili cheese casserole.

How to Serve

Turn your casserole dish into a crowd-pleasing appetizer or game day snack by serving it alongside a variety of toppings such as diced tomatoes, jalapenos, and black olives for extra flavor and color. Serve with sides of guacamole, salsa, and sour cream for even more options.
Transfer the casserole to a serving dish and use it as a hearty dip for Fritos or tortilla chips. Garnish with chopped cilantro, diced avocado, green onions, and a drizzle of hot sauce for a festive touch.
Serve the slow cooker chili cheese casserole over cooked rice or quinoa in a bowl. Top it with Fritos for crunch, along with your favorite burrito bowl toppings such as shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, sliced olives, and a squeeze of lime juice.

close-up of slow cooker chili cheese casserole in a bowl.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use any type of chili for this recipe?

Yes, you can use any type of chili that you prefer or have on hand. Whether it’s ground beef, turkey, vegetarian, or even a spicy variant, the choice is yours. You can also adjust the seasoning and spice level to suit your taste preferences. Don’t hesitate to use your own homemade chili too!

Can I prepare this recipe in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the ingredients in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to cook, simply layer the chili, cheese, and Fritos in the slow cooker according to the recipe instructions and cook as directed. This makes it convenient for busy days or when you want to have a meal ready to go.

How do I store leftovers?

To store leftovers, transfer any remaining portions to an airtight container once they have cooled to room temperature. Refrigerate the container for up to 3-4 days for optimal freshness and flavor.

overhead shot of slow cooker chili cheese casserole in a bowl.

Other chili recipes:

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