Description
A comforting and hearty Chili Cheese Fries recipe featuring crispy frozen fries topped with a rich, flavorful homemade chili and melted cheddar cheese, perfect for a satisfying meal or game day snack.
Ingredients
For the Chili
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
- 1 pound ground beef (90% lean)
- 1/2 cup onion, finely diced
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 (8 ounce) cans tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt, divided
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
For the Fries
- 32 ounces frozen french fries
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Assorted toppings such as sour cream and green onions
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Prepare the chili: Heat 1 teaspoon vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound ground beef and season with 3/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, for 3-4 minutes until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Sauté aromatics: Add 1/2 cup finely diced onion to the pot and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in 1 teaspoon minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds to release flavor.
- Add liquids and spices: Pour in 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes (undrained), 2 (8 oz) cans tomato sauce, and 1/2 cup beef broth. Stir in 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon cocoa powder, 1/2 teaspoon brown sugar, and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- Simmer the chili: Let the chili cook for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens and flavors meld.
- Add kidney beans: Stir in 1 (15 oz) can drained and rinsed kidney beans and cook for an additional 10 minutes.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the chili and add more salt and pepper if needed. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare the fries: Preheat oven and coat a sheet pan with cooking spray. Arrange 32 ounces frozen french fries in a single layer on the pan. Cook fries according to package instructions until crispy.
- Assemble chili cheese fries: Remove fries from oven and increase oven temperature to 400°F (204°C). Transfer fries to a baking sheet or skillet. Spoon about 1 1/2 cups of chili evenly over fries and sprinkle 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Melt the cheese: Return assembled fries to the oven and bake for 5 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Add desired toppings such as sour cream and green onions. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Use 90% lean ground beef to reduce excess grease in the chili.
- If preferred, you can substitute kidney beans with black beans or pinto beans.
- For a vegetarian version, replace ground beef with plant-based meat or additional beans and vegetables.
- Adjust chili powder and spices according to heat preference.
- Serve immediately for best texture of fries and melted cheese.
