Frito Chili Pie

For game day or those busy weeknights, dive into a classic, hearty Frito Chili Pie, brimming with savory ground beef chili and topped with a generous layer of Frito corn chips and melted shredded cheese. Cooked casserole style in the Crockpot, this simple, family-friendly dinner is always a crowd-pleaser.

Break out of the habit of making the same old bowl of chili. This simple recipe is a different way to serve a hearty chili everyone loves! It’s way tastier than canned chili but just as easy to make. All you have to do is add everything to the slow cooker and let it cook. When you’re ready for dinner, add everything on top of Fritos and sprinkle your favorite toppings. 

It couldn’t be easier! Even if this is your first time making chili, you can make it perfectly! There’s something so tasty about chili on top of salty corn chips. It will become one of your family favorites; wait and see!  

Why You’ll Love Frito Chili Pie

• Easy recipe. This recipe takes very little prep work, and the Crock Pot cooks it for you. It’s the best thing for busy days. 
• Classic chili recipe. It’s made with your favorite chili ingredients and tastes like the chili you buy at state fairs. 
• Versatile. You can make it as spicy, sweet, tangy, or zesty as you want. 
• Freezer-friendly. Add the ingredients to a freezer bag and save it for later. It freezes well. 

Ingredients

The full printable recipe card with measurements and instructions is found at the bottom of the post.

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This Frito chili pie recipe makes dinner time easy! Add a generous scoop of chili on crunchy corn chips; it’s that easy!  

• Ground Beef: Use either ground chuck or lean ground beef for the meat in the chili. 
• Onion: A yellow onion will taste the best as it cooks. 
• Chili Beans: To save time, use some chili bean cans. 
• Diced Tomatoes: Drain it first and add some canned diced tomatoes. 
• Tomato Sauce: This makes it sweeter.  
• Diced Green Chilis: The chilis brings the spice to the chili. 
• Taco Seasoning: Add a packet of taco seasoning instead of measuring spices. 
• Garlic Powder: Use garlic powder, not garlic salt – this will prevent it from being too salty.  
• Ground Cumin: This adds an earthy spice to the chili. 
• Salt and Pepper: Add enough to enhance the chili. 
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: This is the topping.
• Fritos: The Fritos corn chips are the base of the recipe. 

How to Make Frito Chili Pie

• Step One: Cook and crumble ground beef and diced onions in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the beef is fully cooked and no longer pink.
• Step Two: Add the beef and onion mixture to the bottom of a 6 quart or larger slow cooker along with the chili beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, green chilies, taco seasoning, garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine
• Step Three: Cover with the lid and cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 6-8 hours.
• Step Four: When ready to serve, add Fritos to the bottom of your serving dishes, top with the chili, and sprinkle the cheese on top. Garnish with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, cilantro, or jalapenos. Enjoy!

Equipment Needed

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• Slow Cooker: Use a 6-quart slow cooker.
• Wooden Spoon: You’ll use this to stir the chili and serve it. 

What to Serve with Frito Chili Pie

Here are some more classic recipes to add to the dinner table. 

• Cheesy Potato Skins
• Cheesy Garlic Biscuits
• Stovetop Mac and Cheese
• Coleslaw

Variations and Substitutions

• Add tomato paste. This will make a thick chili. 
• Make it on the stove. Add everything to a saucepan and heat it over medium heat. 
• Use kidney beans. This will make it milder, so you might have to add extra chili powder. 
• Serve it in a bag of Fritos. Some people call this walking Frito pie. 
• Sweeten it. Add a dash of brown sugar. 

Storage Instructions 

Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Do not store it with the Fritos. 

Frito Chili Pie Tips and Tricks

• Drain the canned tomatoes before adding them to the slow cooker. 
• Shred sharp cheddar cheese at home. This will give you fresher and bolder-tasting cheese. 
• Drain the beef well. Do not let any excess grease drip into the slow cooker.

Is This Chili Spicy? 

No, this is a very mild chili. If you want to increase the heat, add some chili powder and hot sauce. It’s easier to make the chili spicier. You could also add it on top of chili cheese Fritos. 

Can I Make It Without Meat?

Yes, you can make this without meat. Add different types of beans like pinto beans or black beans, and just make a bean chili. 

Toppings

This is where you get to be creative! Add any of your favorite chili toppings! Here are some ideas: 

• Green onions 
• Red onions 
• Dollop of sour cream
• Pico de Gallo 
• Jalapeno slices 
• Cilantro
• Diced bell peppers 

What Is Frito Pie? 

A Frito pie is a fun twist on a classic recipe! Take your best chili and add it on top of the chips – that’s it! They call it a pie because the chips act like a pie crust underneath the chili. 

Make Ahead Instructions 

To make it ahead, cook the chili. Then, put it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you’re ready to eat it, heat it back up and add it to the corn chips. 

Can I Make It In The Oven? 

Yes, you can also make this easy Frito pie recipe in the oven! Place the chili in the bottom of a casserole dish or a large oven-safe pot, like a cast iron Dutch oven. Then, bake it until the chili is hot and bubbly. When it’s completely hot, serve it on top of the Fritos. 

FAQ

Chili Recipes       

If you enjoyed this easy Frito pie, here are some more delicious chili recipes you should make next. 

• Classic Chili Recipe
• Cowboy Chicken Chili Casserole
• Chicken Chili
• Chili Macaroni
• White Chicken Chili

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