Game Day Chili Cheese Fries (Printable)
Crispy fries topped with spicy beef chili and melted cheddar for a flavorful indulgence.
# What You'll Need:
→ For the Fries
01 - 3.3 lbs frozen or fresh French fries
02 - 2 tbsp olive oil
03 - Salt, to taste
→ For the Beef Chili
04 - 1.1 lbs ground beef
05 - 1 medium onion, finely diced
06 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
08 - 2 tbsp tomato paste
09 - 14 oz canned diced tomatoes
10 - 14 oz canned kidney beans, drained and rinsed
11 - 1 tbsp chili powder
12 - 1 tsp ground cumin
13 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
14 - 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
15 - 1 tsp salt
16 - 1/2 tsp black pepper
17 - 3/4 cup beef broth
18 - 1 tbsp vegetable oil
→ For the Cheese Topping
19 - 9 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
20 - 2 tbsp chopped green onions
21 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
22 - 1 jalapeño, sliced
# Steps:
01 - Preheat your oven to 425°F.
02 - Toss the fries with olive oil and a pinch of salt. Spread in a single layer on a baking sheet.
03 - Bake fries for 25–30 minutes, turning halfway, until golden and crisp.
04 - While fries bake, heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until soft. Add garlic and red bell pepper; sauté for another 2 minutes.
05 - Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned, about 6 minutes.
06 - Stir in tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute to toast spices.
07 - Add diced tomatoes, kidney beans, and beef broth. Mix well, bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook uncovered for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chili thickens.
08 - Remove fries from oven and transfer to a large ovenproof dish. Spoon hot beef chili evenly over the fries.
09 - Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top. Return to oven and bake for 5–7 minutes, just until cheese is melted and bubbly.
10 - Garnish with green onions, cilantro, and jalapeño slices if desired. Serve immediately.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The contrast between crispy salty fries and hearty rich chili hits every comfort food craving at once
- It feeds a crowd easily and looks impressive coming out of the oven all golden and bubbly
02 -
- Timing is everything because you want both the fries and chili piping hot when they come together
- Do not overload the fries with too much chili or they will become soggy before anyone gets a bite
03 -
- Use a rimmed baking sheet or the fries will slide right off when you transfer them
- Double the chili recipe and freeze half for an easy weeknight dinner over baked potatoes