Why Make This Recipe
Chili cheese fries are a delicious and comforting dish perfect for game days, movie nights, or any casual gathering. This recipe combines crispy fries with hearty chili and gooey cheese, creating a satisfying meal that everyone will love. It's easy to make and can feed a crowd, making it a popular choice for parties or family dinners.
How to Make Chili Cheese Fries
Ingredients:
- 1 bag (28 oz) frozen French fries (or homemade fries)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) chili beans (or kidney beans), drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream (for topping)
- Chopped green onions (for garnish)
- Jalapeño slices (optional)
Directions:
-
Bake the Fries: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Spread the frozen French fries on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake according to the package instructions until golden and crispy, about 25-30 minutes.
-
Cook the Chili: While the fries are baking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease. Add the diced onion and garlic to the skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onions are softened.
-
Stir in the chili beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer the chili for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens.
-
Assemble the Fries: Once the fries are done, remove them from the oven. Spread the fries on a large serving platter or individual plates. Spoon the chili evenly over the fries. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top.
-
Melt the Cheese: Place the assembled fries under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
-
Serve: Top the chili cheese fries with sour cream, chopped green onions, and jalapeño slices (if using).
How to Serve Chili Cheese Fries
Serve chili cheese fries hot, fresh from the oven. They can be a main dish or shared as an appetizer. Make sure to have extra toppings like sour cream and green onions available for guests to add as they like.
How to Store Chili Cheese Fries
If you have leftovers, let the chili cheese fries cool completely. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the oven or microwave until warm.
Tips to Make Chili Cheese Fries
- If you like spicy food, add more jalapeño slices or a dash of hot sauce to the chili.
- Use a mix of cheeses for extra flavor, such as Monterey Jack or pepper jack.
- For a healthier version, use sweet potato fries instead of regular French fries.
Variation
You can customize chili cheese fries easily. Try using pulled pork or shredded chicken instead of ground beef. You can also make it vegetarian by using lentils or additional beans in the chili.
FAQs
1. Can I use homemade fries instead of frozen ones?
Yes, homemade fries will work great! Just make sure to bake them until they are crispy.
2. What if I don't have chili beans?
Kidney beans or black beans can be used instead. Drain and rinse them well before adding to the chili.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the chili in advance and store it in the fridge. Bake the fries fresh before serving for the best taste.
Chili Cheese Fries
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Spread the frozen French fries on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake according to the package instructions until golden and crispy, about 25-30 minutes.
- While the fries are baking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
- Add the diced onion and garlic to the skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onions are softened.
- Stir in the chili beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer the chili for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens.
- Once the fries are done, remove them from the oven. Spread the fries on a large serving platter or individual plates. Spoon the chili evenly over the fries. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Place the assembled fries under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Top the chili cheese fries with sour cream, chopped green onions, and jalapeño slices (if using).
Leave a Reply