Ultimate Crockpot Frito Pie: Easy Slow Cooker Ground Beef & Bean Casserole
There are some dishes that just scream comfort, and Frito Pie is undoubtedly one of them. This ultimate Crockpot Frito Pie recipe takes that beloved comfort food classic and elevates it with the unparalleled convenience of a slow cooker. Imagine tender, seasoned ground beef and hearty beans simmering in a rich enchilada sauce and savory Rotel, all finished with a generous layer of melted cheese and, of course, a crowning glory of crispy Fritos corn chips. It’s a flavor explosion and a texture dream in every spoonful, making it the perfect family dinner or an effortless crowd-pleaser for game day gatherings.
Traditional Frito Pie, often hailing from the American Southwest and Tex-Mex culinary traditions, isn’t a “pie” in the conventional sense. Instead, it’s a robust, casserole-style dish typically assembled on the stovetop and then baked to perfection in the oven. However, life gets busy, and sometimes you need a meal that practically makes itself. That’s where your trusty crockpot comes in. By utilizing the slow cooker, you can prep this delicious meal ahead of time and let it gently simmer, developing deep, complex flavors while you focus on other tasks. This hands-off approach makes it an absolute game-changer for busy weeknights or when hosting a party, allowing you to enjoy your company (or the game!) instead of being tied to the kitchen.
The core of this Crockpot Frito Pie is a rich and savory ground beef and bean mixture. While it shares similarities with a thick chili, the addition of zesty red enchilada sauce and aromatic taco seasoning infuses it with a distinctly Mexican-inspired flavor profile that sets it apart. It’s a hearty base that perfectly complements the crunchy Fritos and melty cheese. For those who love classic chili, our popular crockpot chili recipe offers a more traditional experience, but for a truly unique and satisfying twist, this Frito Pie is unmatched.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Frito Pie
- Effortless Preparation: Most of the cooking happens in the slow cooker, freeing up your time.
- Rich, Deep Flavors: Slow cooking allows the ingredients to meld beautifully, creating a more profound taste.
- Crowd-Pleaser: It’s a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults, perfect for potlucks, parties, or family dinners.
- Customizable: Easily adjust the spice level or swap ingredients to suit your preferences.
- Minimal Cleanup: Primarily one-pot cooking (after browning the beef) means less washing up.
- Comfort Food at its Best: Warm, hearty, and satisfying, it’s the ultimate comfort meal.
And let’s not forget the star of the show: the Fritos corn chips. Their salty, savory crunch on top of the warm, cheesy filling is simply perfection. This unexpected addition transforms a simple casserole into something truly special and addictive. If you’re a fan of Fritos, you might also enjoy experimenting with them in other ways, like this easy peanut butter Fritos candy for a sweet and salty treat.
Once you try this easy Crockpot Frito casserole, we’re confident it will become a go-to recipe in your kitchen. Its simplicity, incredible flavor, and comforting appeal make it a dish you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients and Substitutions for Your Perfect Frito Pie
Crafting the perfect Crockpot Frito Pie begins with selecting quality ingredients that build layers of flavor. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and how you can customize it:
- Lean Ground Beef: We recommend lean ground beef to minimize excess grease. However, you can easily substitute it with ground turkey or even ground chicken for a lighter version. If using a higher fat content beef, make sure to drain the grease thoroughly after browning.
- Onion: A staple in many savory dishes, the diced onion adds a foundational aromatic sweetness. Yellow or white onions work best here.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic provides a pungent, savory kick that enhances the overall flavor. Don’t skimp on this!
- Red Enchilada Sauce: This is key to the Mexican-inspired flavor. The recipe calls for one standard can, but if you prefer a saucier Frito Pie, feel free to add an additional half can or even a full second can, adjusting the taco seasoning slightly if needed. Green enchilada sauce can also be used for a different flavor profile.
- Black Beans: Drained and rinsed black beans add substance, protein, and a creamy texture. Pinto beans or ranch-style beans are excellent alternatives if you prefer them. Ensure they are well-rinsed to remove excess sodium and any canning liquid.
- Rotel (Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies): Rotel adds a fantastic balance of tomato flavor and a mild kick from the green chilies. For those who prefer less heat, opt for a mild Rotel variety or swap it entirely for a can of regular diced tomatoes. If you love spice, choose a hot Rotel!
- Taco Seasoning: A whole packet of taco seasoning (typically 1 ounce or 2 tablespoons) provides a well-rounded blend of spices. If you want to control the spice level or sodium, you can use less (e.g., half a packet or 1 tablespoon) or make your own blend.
- Fritos Corn Chips: The iconic crispy Fritos are non-negotiable for authentic Frito Pie! Choose classic original Fritos for the best result.
- Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar cheese melts beautifully and adds a creamy, sharp flavor. Cheddar Jack or a Mexican cheese blend would also work wonderfully, providing a slightly different but equally delicious cheesy experience. For best melting, shred your own cheese from a block.
How to Make Easy Crockpot Frito Pie
Making this delicious Frito Pie in your slow cooker is incredibly straightforward, requiring minimal hands-on time for maximum flavor. Follow these simple steps for a hearty and satisfying meal:
- Brown the Beef and Aromatics: In a large skillet on the stovetop, brown the lean ground beef over medium heat. As it cooks, use a spoon to break it apart into small pieces. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and continue to cook until the onion is softened and the beef is thoroughly cooked through, with no pink remaining. This initial browning step is crucial for flavor development. Once cooked, drain any excess grease from the skillet, which is particularly important if you’re not using lean ground beef, to prevent your Frito Pie from becoming oily.
- Combine in the Crockpot: Carefully transfer the browned beef, onion, and garlic mixture to your slow cooker. To this, add the drained and rinsed black beans, the can of Rotel (diced tomatoes and green chilies), the red enchilada sauce, and the taco seasoning. Stir all the ingredients together thoroughly until they are well combined. Ensure everything is evenly distributed so every bite is packed with flavor.
- Slow Cook to Perfection: Place the lid securely on your crockpot. Cook the Frito Pie mixture on the HIGH setting for 2-3 hours or on the LOW setting for 4-5 hours. The longer, slower cooking time on low often results in a more deeply flavored and tender dish, but both settings will yield a delicious result. The goal is for the flavors to meld and the mixture to be heated through and bubbly.
- Add the Signature Toppings: About 10 minutes before you’re ready to serve, stir the contents of the crockpot one last time. Then, sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the mixture. Next, arrange the Fritos corn chips in a generous layer over the cheese. Finally, top with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese. Place the lid back on the crockpot and let it sit for about 10 minutes. This allows the cheese to melt into a gooey, irresistible layer and the Fritos to soften slightly while still retaining some of their crunch.
- Serve and Enjoy!: Your Crockpot Frito Pie is now ready! Serve it warm directly from the slow cooker, allowing everyone to scoop their desired portion. Don’t forget to offer a variety of optional toppings (see suggestions below) to let everyone customize their bowl to their liking. Get ready for a delicious, comforting meal that will become a family favorite!
Optional Frito Pie Toppings & Serving Suggestions
While delicious on its own, Frito Pie truly shines with a selection of fresh toppings that add extra flavor, texture, and visual appeal. Set up a “Frito Pie Bar” for your family or guests to customize their perfect bowl!
- Sour Cream: A dollop of cool, creamy sour cream balances the richness and spice.
- Sliced Green Onions: Adds a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color.
- Salsa: A spoonful of your favorite salsa (mild or spicy) enhances the Tex-Mex profile.
- Sliced Avocado or Guacamole: Creamy avocado or zesty guacamole adds a healthy fat and a refreshing taste.
- Additional Shredded Cheese: Because you can never have too much cheese!
- Sliced Black Olives: A classic addition that provides a briny, earthy note.
- Diced Tomatoes: Fresh diced tomatoes add a burst of juicy freshness.
- Jalapeños: Fresh or pickled jalapeños for an extra kick of heat.
- Cilantro: Fresh chopped cilantro offers a vibrant, herbaceous finish.
Serve your Crockpot Frito Pie as a stand-alone meal, or pair it with a simple side salad for a complete and satisfying dinner. It’s hearty enough to feed a hungry crowd and makes for excellent leftovers!
Storage and Reheating Tips
One of the best things about comfort food is often how well it keeps! This Crockpot Frito Pie is no exception. If you have any delicious leftovers, simply:
- Refrigerate: Transfer the cooled leftover Frito Pie to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. We recommend storing the Frito pie base separately from any remaining Fritos if you anticipate leftovers, as the chips can get soggy when mixed in for too long.
- Reheating: For best results, reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through. If reheating a larger amount, you can gently warm it in a saucepan on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it seems too thick. To restore some crunch, you can add fresh Fritos and a sprinkle of cheese to the top of the reheated portion.
- Freezing: You can freeze the Frito Pie base (without the Fritos and cheese topping) in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat on the stovetop or in the slow cooker before adding fresh Fritos and cheese.
Expert Tips for the Best Crockpot Frito Pie
- Don’t Skip Browning the Beef: While it might seem like an extra step, browning the ground beef and sautéing the onions and garlic beforehand adds significant depth of flavor that you won’t get from simply dumping raw ingredients into the crockpot. It also ensures the beef is fully cooked and the fat is drained.
- Drain the Grease: Even with lean ground beef, draining excess grease after browning is crucial. This prevents your Frito Pie from becoming overly oily.
- Adjust Spice to Your Liking: The recipe uses a whole packet of taco seasoning and Rotel. If you prefer a milder flavor, use half a packet of seasoning and mild diced tomatoes instead of Rotel. For more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper, a dash of your favorite hot sauce, or use a “hot” Rotel variety.
- Rinse Your Beans: Rinsing canned beans removes excess sodium and the starchy liquid, resulting in a cleaner flavor and better texture.
- Freshly Shredded Cheese: While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, freshly shredded cheese from a block melts much smoother and tastes better. Pre-shredded varieties often contain anti-caking agents that can affect melting.
- Add Fritos and Cheese Just Before Serving: To maintain the optimal crispy texture of the Fritos and the gooey melt of the cheese, add them only in the last 10 minutes of cooking. Adding them too early will result in soggy Fritos.
- Keep Warm for Serving: The beauty of a slow cooker is its “keep warm” setting. Once cooked, your Frito Pie can stay warm for hours, making it ideal for parties and buffets.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are answers to some common questions about making Crockpot Frito Pie:
- Can I use other ground meats?
- Absolutely! Ground turkey or ground chicken are excellent leaner alternatives. Just ensure they are fully cooked and seasoned well.
- Can I make Frito Pie on the stovetop or in the oven?
- Yes, you can! Brown the beef and aromatics, then combine all ingredients (except Fritos and final cheese) in a large pot or oven-safe dish. Simmer on the stovetop for 20-30 minutes, or bake covered in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes. Then, add Fritos and cheese and bake uncovered for another 5-10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- How do I prevent Fritos from getting soggy?
- The key is to add the Fritos and cheese only during the last 10 minutes of cooking in the crockpot. If you’re planning on having leftovers, it’s best to add Fritos and cheese to individual servings rather than mixing them all into the main pot.
- Can I make this vegetarian?
- Yes! Omit the ground beef and add an extra can of beans (like kidney or pinto) or a can of drained corn. You can also use a plant-based ground meat substitute.
- What if I don’t have Rotel?
- You can substitute Rotel with a can of diced tomatoes and a small can of diced green chilies, or simply use plain diced tomatoes if you prefer no heat.
More Tex-Mex Inspired Dinner Ideas
If you love the flavors of this Crockpot Frito Pie, you’ll definitely want to explore these other delicious Tex-Mex inspired dinner recipes:
- Cheesy Taco Pasta Bake: A delightful combination of taco flavors and cheesy pasta, baked to perfection.
- Beef Enchilada Pasta: All the great taste of beef enchiladas, but in an easy-to-make pasta dish.
- Crockpot Salsa Chicken: An incredibly simple and flavorful dish requiring only 3 ingredients!
- Taco Stuffed Baked Potatoes: Hearty baked potatoes loaded with savory taco meat and your favorite toppings.
- Crockpot Dr Pepper Chili: A unique and surprisingly delicious chili with a touch of sweetness from Dr Pepper.
- One-Pot Taco Spaghetti: A fantastic fusion recipe that combines two family favorites into one easy meal.
Crockpot Frito Pie
Author: Jaclyn
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 15-ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 10-ounce can Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies
- 1 10-ounce can red enchilada sauce
- 2 Tablespoons taco seasoning 1 packet
- 1 9.25-ounce bag Fritos
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
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Brown ground beef with onions and garlic in a large skillet over medium heat until the beef is cooked through and no longer pink. Use your spoon to stir and break up the ground beef as much as possible as it cooks. Drain grease if necessary and transfer to the crockpot. This initial step builds foundational flavor for your Frito Pie.
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Add beans, Rotel, red enchilada sauce, and taco seasoning to the crockpot. Stir well to combine all ingredients thoroughly. Ensure everything is evenly mixed for consistent flavor throughout the casserole.
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Cover and cook on high for 2-3 hours or on low for 4-5 hours. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the meat and beans to become perfectly tender.
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After the cooking time, stir the contents of the crockpot one last time. Then, generously top with half of the shredded cheese, followed by the Fritos corn chips, and finally the remaining cheese. Replace the lid to allow the cheese to melt into a gooey layer before serving (this usually takes about 10 minutes).
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Serve warm directly from the crockpot and enjoy your hearty, comforting Crockpot Frito Pie with your favorite optional toppings!
Notes
To store leftovers, refrigerate the Frito pie base in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For best results, add fresh Fritos and cheese when reheating individual portions.
Nutrition
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