Description
Crock Pot Frito Pie is a hearty and flavorful American dish perfect for game days or family dinners. Ground beef and onions are simmered with chili beans, diced tomatoes, and spices in a slow cooker to develop rich flavors. Served over crunchy corn chips and topped with melted cheddar cheese, this comforting casserole is garnished with fresh green onions and sour cream for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat Mixture
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Chili Sauce
- 1 can (15 oz) chili beans, undrained
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Assembly and Garnishes
- 4 cups corn chips (like Fritos)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Chopped green onions (for garnish)
- Sour cream (for garnish)
Instructions
- Brown the Meat: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with diced onion until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat to reduce greasiness. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Combine in Crock Pot: Transfer the cooked beef mixture to the crock pot. Add chili beans (with liquid), diced tomatoes with green chilies, tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly to blend flavors.
- Slow Cook: Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the chili to thicken.
- Assemble the Frito Pie: When ready to serve, place a layer of corn chips in each serving bowl. Spoon the hot chili mixture generously over the chips, then sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top so it begins to melt from the heat of the chili.
- Garnish and Serve: Add chopped green onions and a dollop of sour cream on top for freshness and creaminess. Optionally, add jalapeños for extra heat. Serve immediately to enjoy the contrast of crunchy chips and warm chili.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the ground beef and use an additional can of chili beans or black beans.
- This dish works well as a main course or a fun, hearty party snack.
- Customize spice levels by adjusting chili powder and adding fresh jalapeños or hot sauce as desired.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated, though chips may lose their crunch over time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
