Game Day Chili Cheese Fries (Print Version)

Crispy fries layered with spiced beef chili and sharp cheddar for a bold, flavorful dish.

# What You 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 (optional)
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 (optional)
21 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
22 - 1 jalapeño, sliced (optional)

# Preparation 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. Bake for 25–30 minutes, turning halfway, until golden and crisp.
03 - While the fries bake, heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until soft.
04 - Add garlic and red bell pepper; sauté for another 2 minutes.
05 - Add the 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 the oven and transfer to a large ovenproof dish or sheet pan.
09 - Spoon the hot beef chili evenly over the fries. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top.
10 - Return to the oven and bake for 5–7 minutes, just until cheese is melted and bubbly.
11 - Garnish with green onions, cilantro, and jalapeño slices if desired. Serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The contrast between hot crispy fries and melting cheese creates the ultimate comfort food texture
  • This recipe transforms ordinary frozen fries into something that feels like restaurant quality indulgence
  • The beef chili freezes beautifully, so you can make double and save half for an easy future meal
02 -
  • Overloading the fries with chili will make them soggy so distribute evenly for that perfect crispy to saucy ratio
  • Shredding your own cheese instead of buying pre shredded makes a huge difference in how smoothly it melts
  • The chili needs to be thick enough to sit on top of the fries not run off onto the baking sheet
03 -
  • Double the chili recipe and freeze half for an incredibly easy dinner another night
  • Use a baking rack over your sheet pan for the fries to get them extra crispy on all sides

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