Chili Cheese Fries

Dive into the ultimate comfort food experience with these homemade Chili Cheese Fries. This recipe layers crispy, golden French fries with a rich, savory beef chili and a generous blanket of melted cheddar cheese. It's the perfect indulgent snack for game day, a casual get-together, or any time a serious craving strikes.

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The heart of this dish is the chili. As it simmers, your kitchen will fill with the irresistible aroma of spices, beef, and tomatoes. The key is to let it thicken just enough to coat the fries without making them soggy. Once the chili is ready, the assembly is quick, fun, and results in a gloriously messy and delicious platter ready to be devoured.

Ingredients

• For the Chili
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 250 g (9 oz) ground beef
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 400 g (14 oz) canned chopped tomatoes
• 200 g (7 oz) canned kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• For the Fries
• 600 g (1.3 lbs) frozen French fries (or homemade, if preferred)
• Vegetable oil, for frying or baking
• For the Topping
• 150 g (1 1/2 cups) shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 spring onions, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro or parsley (optional)
• Sour cream, for serving (optional)

Instructions

Step 1

Prepare the chili: Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

Step 2

Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned, about 5 minutes.

Step 3

Stir in tomato paste, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4

Add chopped tomatoes and kidney beans. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat, and cook uncovered for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.

Step 5

While the chili simmers, cook the French fries according to package instructions (bake or fry until golden and crisp).

Step 6

Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).

Step 7

Arrange cooked fries on a large ovenproof platter or baking sheet. Spoon hot chili evenly over the fries, then sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese.

Step 8

Bake for 5–7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 9

Remove from oven and garnish with spring onions and fresh cilantro or parsley. Serve hot, with sour cream on the side if desired.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To ensure your fries stay as crisp as possible, cook them right before you plan to assemble and serve. While the chili simmers is the perfect time to get the fries baking or frying so that everything is hot and ready at the same time.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with plant-based mince or extra beans and corn. Add jalapeños for extra heat, or drizzle with hot sauce. Monterey Jack or pepper jack can be used in place of cheddar.

Serviervorschläge

Garnish your hot Chili Cheese Fries with a sprinkle of thinly sliced spring onions and fresh cilantro or parsley for a burst of freshness. Serve immediately, with a bowl of cool sour cream on the side for dipping.

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Whether you're settling in for a movie night or hosting a casual party, these Chili Cheese Fries are the answer. Easy to assemble and impossible to resist, they deliver on every level of flavor and texture. Grab a fork and get ready to enjoy this classic American comfort food.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make chili cheese fries vegetarian?

Yes, simply substitute the ground beef with plant-based mince or extra beans and corn for a vegetarian version that's just as satisfying.

→ What type of cheese works best?

Shredded cheddar is traditional, but Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese work beautifully too. Choose a good melting cheese for best results.

→ How do I keep fries crispy?

Bake fries according to package directions until golden and crisp, then assemble and bake just long enough to melt the cheese. Don't overcook or they'll become soggy.

→ Can I make the chili ahead of time?

Absolutely. The chili actually tastes better the next day as flavors meld. Store in the refrigerator and reheat before assembling with freshly cooked fries.

→ What can I serve with chili cheese fries?

These are substantial enough to stand alone as a meal, but pair well with a simple green salad or coleslaw to balance the richness.