Chili Cheese Fries (Printable Version)
Crispy fries covered in spicy beef chili and melted cheddar cheese, baked until bubbling and golden.
# Everything You’ll Need:
→ Chili
01 -
1 teaspoon vegetable oil
02 -
1 pound ground beef (90% lean)
03 -
1/2 cup finely diced onion
04 -
1 teaspoon minced garlic
05 -
1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
06 -
2 (8-ounce) cans tomato sauce
07 -
1/2 cup beef broth
08 -
1 tablespoon chili powder
09 -
1 teaspoon ground cumin
10 -
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
11 -
1 teaspoon cocoa powder
12 -
1/2 teaspoon brown sugar
13 -
1 teaspoon salt, divided
14 -
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
15 -
1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
→ Fries and Toppings
16 -
32 ounces frozen french fries
17 -
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
18 -
Assorted toppings such as sour cream and chopped green onions
19 -
Cooking spray
# Steps to Cook:
01 -
Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and season with 3/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Cook, breaking up meat, for 3-4 minutes. Drain excess grease.
02 -
Add diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
03 -
Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, cocoa powder, brown sugar, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, for 30-40 minutes until thickened.
04 -
Stir in kidney beans and cook for an additional 10 minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
05 -
Preheat oven according to frozen fries package directions. Coat a sheet pan with cooking spray and arrange fries in a single layer. Bake as directed until crisp. Remove from oven and increase oven temperature to 400°F (204°C).
06 -
Spread 1 1/2 cups of chili evenly over baked fries. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top. Return to oven and bake for 5 minutes or until cheese is fully melted.
07 -
Remove from oven and garnish with desired toppings such as sour cream and green onions. Serve immediately.
# Extra Suggestions:
01 -
Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease. Stir chili occasionally to prevent sticking and adjust seasoning at the end for balanced flavor.