Chili Cheese Fries (Printer-friendly)

Crispy fries smothered in homemade beef chili and melted cheddar for the ultimate loaded snack.

# What You Need:

→ Chili Components

01 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
02 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
04 - 9 oz ground beef
05 - 1 tablespoon tomato paste
06 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
07 - 1 teaspoon chili powder
08 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
09 - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
10 - 14 oz canned chopped tomatoes
11 - 7 oz canned kidney beans, drained and rinsed
12 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

→ French Fries

13 - 1.3 lbs frozen French fries
14 - Vegetable oil, for frying or baking

→ Toppings and Garnishes

15 - 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
16 - 2 spring onions, thinly sliced
17 - 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
18 - Sour cream, for serving

# How to Make It:

01 - 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 until fragrant.
02 - Add ground beef to the saucepan and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned, about 5 minutes.
03 - Stir in tomato paste, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 1 minute until spices become fragrant.
04 - 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.
05 - Preheat oven to 400°F.
06 - Prepare French fries according to package instructions (bake or fry until golden and crisp).
07 - Arrange cooked fries on a large ovenproof platter or baking sheet. Spoon hot chili evenly over the fries, then sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese.
08 - Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
09 - Remove from oven and garnish with spring onions and fresh cilantro or parsley. Serve hot, with sour cream on the side if desired.

# Cooking Tips:

01 -
  • Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit at any party or family dinner.
  • Rich & Savory: The homemade chili is packed with deep, spicy flavor that perfectly complements the fries.
  • Cheesy Perfection: Gooey, melted cheddar cheese brings everything together in the most delicious way.
  • Fully Loaded: This isn't just a side dish; it's a satisfying and shareable meal in itself.
02 -
  • Shred Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains additives that prevent it from melting smoothly. Grating a block of cheddar yourself will give you a superior, gooey melt.
  • Don't Rush the Chili: Allowing the chili to simmer uncovered for the full 20–25 minutes is crucial for developing deep flavors and achieving a thick consistency that coats the fries perfectly.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly: The chili can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Simply reheat it on the stove before spooning it over freshly cooked fries for a quick assembly.
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