Dinner

Frito Pies Recipe

ByMariam Harutyunyan February 18, 2026February 18, 2026

Introduction

Frito Pie is a comforting and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for casual meals or game day snacking. This hearty chili served over crunchy Fritos chips combines bold flavors with simple ingredients for a satisfying treat everyone will love.

The image shows a close-up of a black slow cooker filled with thick chili made of ground meat, red and black beans, and diced tomatoes in a rich, dark red sauce. In the blurry background, there are two yellow and red bags of Fritos chips and small white bowls containing shredded yellow cheese and chopped green onions. The scene is set on a white marbled surface, focusing on the hearty chili inside the slow cooker. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 lbs. ground beef
1 small yellow onion, diced

2 oz. chili seasoning packets (two 1-oz. packets)
15 oz. diced tomatoes

10 oz. Rotel tomatoes
15 oz. canned black beans, drained and rinsed

15 oz. canned pinto beans, drained and rinsed
2 cups water
Small bags of Fritos or 2 large bags

Shredded cheddar cheese
Diced onions (for topping)
Sour cream (for topping)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until browned and crumbled. Drain off any excess fat.
Step 2: Transfer the cooked beef to a slow cooker. Add the diced yellow onion, chili seasoning packets, diced tomatoes, Rotel tomatoes, black beans, pinto beans, and water. Stir everything together until well combined.
Step 3: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for 6 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the chili to thicken.

Step 4: Before serving, stir the chili well. Spoon it over Fritos chips—either by cutting open the chip bag and pouring the chili right in or by placing Fritos in a bowl first. Top with shredded cheddar cheese, diced onions, and a dollop of sour cream as desired.

Tips & Variations

For extra heat, add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the chili mixture before cooking.
Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.

Add corn kernels for added texture and sweetness.
If you don’t have a slow cooker, simmer the chili on the stove over low heat for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Storage

Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through. Keep Fritos separate until serving to maintain their crunchiness.

How to Serve

The image shows a black slow cooker filled with thick chili consisting of three visible layers: a rich reddish-brown tomato sauce base with finely ground meat mixed throughout, soft black beans scattered evenly across the dish, and larger light brown beans and chopped red tomato pieces adding texture on top. Next to the slow cooker are small white bowls containing shredded yellow cheddar cheese, smooth white sour cream, and chopped green onions. A white plate with several silver forks rests in the upper right corner, while a few broken yellow corn chips spill from an open red and yellow Fritos bag on the white marbled surface. A checkered cloth with cream and navy stripes is folded nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make Frito Pie ahead of time?

Yes, the chili can be prepared a day in advance and refrigerated. Reheat before serving and add the Fritos and toppings fresh to keep the dish crispy and vibrant.