Game Day Chili Cheese Fries (Print Version)
Golden fries layered with spiced halal chili and melted cheddar cheese—an irresistible comfort food for sharing and game day celebrations.
# What You Need:
→ Fries
01 - 1.75 lbs frozen or fresh potato fries
02 - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
03 - Salt to taste
→ Halal Chili
04 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
05 - 10 oz halal ground beef
06 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
07 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
08 - 1 green bell pepper, diced
09 - 1 can (14 oz) chopped tomatoes
10 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste
11 - 1 can (14 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
12 - 2 teaspoons ground cumin
13 - 1 teaspoon chili powder
14 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
15 - ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
16 - 1 teaspoon salt
17 - ½ cup water
→ Toppings
18 - 1.5 cups shredded halal-certified cheddar cheese
19 - 2 spring onions, sliced
20 - 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
21 - 1 jalapeño, sliced
# Preparation Steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 425°F. Toss fries with vegetable oil and salt. Spread on a baking tray and bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic; sauté until fragrant, approximately 2 minutes.
03 - Add halal ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through.
04 - Stir in diced bell pepper, ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Cook for 2 minutes until spices bloom.
05 - Add tomato paste, canned tomatoes, kidney beans, and water. Stir well and simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens.
06 - Transfer baked fries to a large ovenproof dish. Top evenly with hot chili and sprinkle with shredded halal-certified cheese.
07 - Return to the oven for 3–5 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
08 - Remove from oven and garnish with sliced spring onions, fresh cilantro, and jalapeño slices. Serve immediately.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The contrast between crispy fries and hearty chili creates that perfect balance of textures that keeps you coming back for just one more bite.
- Everything can be prepped ahead, so you wont miss a crucial moment of the game rushing back and forth to the kitchen.
02 -
- Never add cold chili to hot fries – the temperature shock will make everything soggy in seconds.
- Letting the chili simmer uncovered is crucial for thickening – a watery chili will turn your crispy fries into a sad, soggy mess.
03 -
- For guests who prefer different spice levels, serve hot sauce and additional sliced jalapeños on the side rather than making the whole batch spicy.
- Warming your serving dish in the oven for a few minutes before plating will keep everything hot longer – crucial for those extended game periods.