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

Description

A comforting, Tex-Mex inspired dish that’s easy to make and loaded with layers of savory flavors. Frito Pie combines crispy corn chips, seasoned ground beef, beans, and melted cheese, giving you a hearty meal perfect for dinner or parties. Customize it with your favorite toppings for a personalized twist.

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Casserole

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 medium yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound ground chuck
1/4 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

Optional Toppings

Chopped lettuce
Chopped scallions or diced raw onions
Chopped fresh tomatoes
Black olives
Chopped fresh cilantro
Sour cream
Avocado or guacamole
Hot sauce

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Instructions

Preheat the oven
Heat your oven to 350°F and prepare a 7×11-inch baking dish by spraying it with cooking spray.
Cook the aromatics
In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and butter. Once melted, add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic, stir, and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Remove the onion and garlic mixture and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
Brown the meat
Add the ground chuck to the same skillet and cook until browned. Drain the fat using a mesh colander and return the meat to the skillet. Mix in the cooked onion and garlic.
Season and simmer
Add kosher salt, ground black pepper, taco seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes to the skillet. Mix well and bring to a low boil over medium heat. Reduce heat to low and stir in the black beans. Let the mixture simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and most of the liquid has evaporated. Adjust salt as needed, keeping in mind the saltiness of Fritos and cheese.
Assemble the dish
Spread 2 cups of Fritos evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Top with 1 cup of shredded cheese, half of the taco meat mixture, another cup of cheese, and finish with another 2 cups of Fritos.
Bake the casserole
Place the assembled dish in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the cheese is melted.
Serve with toppings
Serve the casserole warm and garnish with chopped lettuce, fresh tomatoes, black olives, scallions, cilantro, or any of your favorite toppings. Enjoy!

Notes

For a spicier version, add chopped jalapeños to the beef mixture or serve with hot sauce.
This dish is highly customizable—feel free to swap black beans for pinto beans or use a different cheese blend.
If you’re short on time, you can use pre-cooked taco-seasoned beef from the store.
Be cautious with salt as the Fritos and cheese are already salty.
Any leftover casserole can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 450 kcal
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 950mg
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 6g
Protein: 20g
Cholesterol: 65mg