Chili Cheese Fries
Chili Cheese Fries are the ultimate comfort-food mashup with crunchy fries, savory beef chili, and melted cheese. Perfect for game day or a no-fuss dinner.
Ingredients
For the Fries
- 1 bag frozen French fries (28 oz) Thicker-cut fries are recommended.
For the Chili
- 1 lb ground beef (85/15) Can substitute with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles.
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can chili beans or kidney beans (15 oz), drained and rinsed Can swap kidney beans for black or pinto beans.
- 1 can diced tomatoes (15 oz), drained
- 1 can tomato sauce (8 oz) Add more for a saucier chili.
- 2 tablespoons chili powder Adjust to taste.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Serving
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese Sharp cheddar is recommended.
- Sour cream For topping.
- Chopped green onions For garnish.
- Jalapeño slices (optional) For added heat.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Spread frozen fries in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake according to package directions until golden and crisp, about 25–30 minutes.
- For extra crispiness, toss frozen fries with a tablespoon of oil and a pinch of salt before baking.
Cooking the Chili
- While fries bake, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until no longer pink, about 5–7 minutes.
- Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes.
- Stir in the drained beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and season with salt and pepper.
- Bring to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 10–15 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Assembly
- Remove fries from oven and pile them onto a large serving platter.
- Spoon the hot chili over the fries in an even layer.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar evenly over the chili-covered fries.
- Place the platter under the broiler for 1–2 minutes, watching closely, until the cheese melts and bubbles.
- Top with dollops of sour cream, chopped green onions, and jalapeño slices if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
Leftovers can be saved for 3–4 days in the refrigerator, stored separately to maintain crispness. Reheat chili in a saucepan and re-crisp fries in a 400°F oven or air fryer.