Can I make Frito Pie in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Cook the meat mixture on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours. When ready to serve, transfer to a baking dish, top with Fritos and cheese, and broil for 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts. This method is perfect for potlucks or keeping warm during parties.

My family doesn't like beans. Can I leave them out?

Of course! You can easily omit the beans without affecting the overall dish. If you want to add more substance, consider adding another 1/2 pound of ground beef or mixing in some cooked rice.

Can I use a different chip besides Fritos?

While traditional Frito Pie uses Fritos corn chips (hence the name), you can experiment with tortilla chips for a different texture. Just know that Fritos have a distinctive corn flavor and sturdiness that makes them particularly well-suited for this dish.

Is there a way to make this healthier?

Several options! Use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, add extra vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini to the meat mixture, use reduced-fat cheese, and load up on fresh veggie toppings. You can also try baked Fritos or reduce the amount used.

Frito Pie Recipe - YummyHere

Name: Frito Pie Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon unsalted butter; 1 medium yellow onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 pound ground chuck; ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 (1.25 ounce) packet taco seasoning; 1 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce; 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar; 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained; 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce; 1 (16 ounce) can petite diced tomatoes; Kosher salt, to taste; 1 (9.25 ounce) bag Fritos Corn Chips; 2-3 cups Mexican-style shredded cheese; Chopped lettuce; Chopped scallions or diced raw onions; Chopped fresh tomatoes; Black olives; Chopped fresh cilantro; Sour cream; Avocado or guacamole; Hot sauce

This ultimate Frito Pie recipe transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering comfort food masterpiece that’s sure to become a family favorite. Combining seasoned ground beef, beans, and cheese with crunchy Fritos corn chips, this dish delivers all the flavors of your favorite taco toppings in a satisfying, crowd-pleasing casserole. Perfect for busy weeknights, game days, or potlucks!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Incredibly Simple: This recipe takes just 30 minutes from start to finish – perfect for those evenings when you need something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
Family Favorite: The combination of seasoned meat, crunchy Fritos, and melty cheese is irresistible to kids and adults alike. It’s one of those rare dishes that pleases everyone at the table.
Versatile: You can easily customize with your favorite toppings, making it perfect for picky eaters and adventurous foodies in the same household.
Great for Gatherings: This dish scales up beautifully for parties, game days, or potlucks, and the casual, comfort-food vibe makes everyone feel at home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Olive oil and butter: Creates the perfect base for sautéing, combining the flavor of butter with the higher heat tolerance of olive oil.
Yellow onion and garlic: These aromatics build the foundation of flavor for the meat mixture. Don’t skimp here – they add depth to the entire dish.
Ground chuck: The higher fat content keeps the meat juicy and flavorful. If you prefer leaner meat, ground turkey or chicken works well too.
Taco seasoning: The shortcut to perfectly seasoned meat. The blend of chili powder, cumin, and other spices infuses the dish with classic Tex-Mex flavor.
Worcestershire sauce and apple cider vinegar: These secret ingredients add depth and brightness that balances the richness of the meat and cheese.
Black beans: Adds protein, fiber, and a lovely texture contrast to the meat. They also help stretch the recipe to feed more people.
Tomato sauce and diced tomatoes: Creates the perfect saucy base that binds everything together while adding fresh, tangy flavor.
Fritos corn chips: The star of the show! They provide the distinctive crunch and salty corn flavor that makes Frito pie so irresistible.
Mexican-style shredded cheese: Melts beautifully and brings everything together with creamy, gooey goodness.
Toppings: The finishing touches that make this dish your own – fresh vegetables add color, texture, and freshness that balances the richness.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Want to customize this classic? Here are some creative spins:

Walking Taco Style

Prepare the meat mixture as directed, then serve it potluck-style. Set out individual bags of Fritos and let everyone split open their bag and add the toppings directly inside for a fun, portable meal.

Spicy Frito Pie

Add 1-2 diced jalapeños to the meat mixture while cooking, or mix in a can of diced green chiles. Serve with hot sauce for those who like extra heat.

Vegetarian Frito Pie

Skip the ground beef and double the beans! Add a second can of black beans plus a can of pinto beans. You can also add finely chopped bell peppers and zucchini to the onion mixture for more veggie goodness.

Breakfast Frito Pie

Top your finished Frito pie with fried eggs for a hearty brunch option that’s perfect for weekend mornings after a late night.

How to Make Frito Pie

Step 1: Prepare Your Base

Preheat your oven to 350°F and give your baking dish a quick spray with cooking spray. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.

Step 2: Build Flavor with Aromatics

Heat your skillet over medium heat, then add the olive oil and butter. Once melted, add those diced onions and cook until they’re soft and translucent – about 3-4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook just until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Be careful not to burn the garlic or it will taste bitter! Transfer this mixture to a paper towel-lined plate.

Step 3: Cook the Meat Mixture

Brown the ground chuck in the same skillet. Once it’s fully cooked, drain off the excess fat using a colander – this prevents your final dish from being greasy. Return the meat to the skillet and add back those flavorful onions and garlic. Now it’s time for all those delicious seasonings – taco seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes. Mix everything together well.

Step 4: Simmer and Thicken

Bring this mixture to a low boil, then reduce the heat and add your black beans. Let everything simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll know it’s ready when the sauce has thickened and most of the liquid has evaporated. Taste and adjust the seasoning, keeping in mind that the Fritos and cheese will add saltiness.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Now for the fun part! Layer the bottom of your prepared baking dish with 2 cups of Fritos, then sprinkle with 1 cup of cheese. Top with your meat mixture, another cup of cheese, and finish with another 2 cups of Fritos. Bake for 15-20 minutes until everything is heated through and the cheese is perfectly melted.

Step 6: Add Toppings and Serve

Once out of the oven, let the casserole cool slightly before adding your favorite toppings. Serve while still warm for the perfect contrast between the hot casserole and cool, fresh toppings.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Skip the Simmering: That 15-20 minute simmer is crucial for developing flavor and thickening the mixture. If you rush this step, you might end up with a soupy base that makes the Fritos soggy.
Layer Strategically: Putting Fritos on the bottom AND top gives you the perfect balance of crunchy and slightly softened chips. The bottom layer soaks up the delicious sauce while the top layer stays crunchy.
Cheese Distribution: Using some cheese in the middle layer and some on top ensures that every bite has that perfect cheesy pull.
Topping Station: Setting up a topping bar lets everyone customize their portion and makes for a fun, interactive meal, especially for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Drain the Fat: Don’t skip draining the fat from the ground beef. This prevents the final dish from becoming greasy and allows the seasoning flavors to shine through.

How to Serve

Frito Pie is versatile enough to be served in several ways:

For Casual Dinners

Serve directly from the baking dish with a variety of toppings on the side. Let everyone load up their portion with their favorites – some might go heavy on the sour cream and guacamole, while others might prefer extra lettuce and tomatoes.

For Game Day

Set up a Frito Pie bar with the baked casserole in the center and all the toppings arranged around it. Include some hot sauces of varying heat levels for guests who like to spice things up.

Perfect Pairings

This hearty dish pairs wonderfully with:

A simple green salad with lime vinaigrette
Mexican-style street corn
Cold beverages like horchata or agua fresca
Margaritas or Mexican beer for the adults

Make Ahead and Storage

Make Ahead

You can prepare the meat mixture up to two days ahead and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat the mixture, then assemble and bake the casserole as directed. This makes weeknight dinner prep a breeze!

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Frito Pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Note that the Fritos will soften over time, so it won’t have the same crunchy texture as when freshly made.

Freezing

The meat mixture freezes beautifully! Make a double batch and freeze half for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then heat and assemble with fresh Fritos and cheese when you’re ready to serve.

Reheating

For best results, reheat the meat mixture separately in a skillet or microwave, then assemble a fresh casserole with new Fritos and cheese. If reheating the entire casserole, cover with foil and heat at 325°F until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes.

FAQs

Can I make Frito Pie in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Cook the meat mixture on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours. When ready to serve, transfer to a baking dish, top with Fritos and cheese, and broil for 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts. This method is perfect for potlucks or keeping warm during parties.
My family doesn’t like beans. Can I leave them out?

Of course! You can easily omit the beans without affecting the overall dish. If you want to add more substance, consider adding another 1/2 pound of ground beef or mixing in some cooked rice.
Can I use a different chip besides Fritos?

While traditional Frito Pie uses Fritos corn chips (hence the name), you can experiment with tortilla chips for a different texture. Just know that Fritos have a distinctive corn flavor and sturdiness that makes them particularly well-suited for this dish.
Is there a way to make this healthier?

Several options! Use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, add extra vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini to the meat mixture, use reduced-fat cheese, and load up on fresh veggie toppings. You can also try baked Fritos or reduce the amount used.

Final Thoughts

This Frito Pie recipe bridges the gap between nostalgic comfort food and easy weeknight cooking. There’s something magical about the combination of seasoned meat, beans, and melty cheese with the unmistakable crunch of corn chips. Whether you’re feeding a family on a busy evening or entertaining friends for game day, this versatile dish delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Give it a try – I bet it becomes a requested favorite in your household too!