Chili Cheese Fries Classic (Printable)
Golden fries with rich spiced beef chili and melty cheddar, finished with fresh garnishes.
# What You Need:
→ Fries
01 - 1.75 pounds frozen or fresh French fries
02 - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
03 - Salt, to taste
→ Chili
04 - 0.9 pound ground beef
05 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
06 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
08 - 14 ounces canned diced tomatoes
09 - 9 ounces canned kidney beans, drained and rinsed
10 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste
11 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
12 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
13 - 0.5 teaspoon chili powder, adjust to taste
14 - 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
15 - 0.5 teaspoon salt
16 - 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
17 - 0.5 cup beef broth or water
18 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
→ Toppings
19 - 5 ounces shredded cheddar cheese
20 - 2 spring onions, thinly sliced
21 - 1 small jalapeño, sliced
22 - 2 tablespoons sour cream
23 - Fresh cilantro, chopped
# How To Make It:
01 - Preheat your oven to 425°F.
02 - Toss fries with vegetable oil and salt. Spread on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake according to package instructions for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through for even crisping.
03 - While fries bake, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, 2-3 minutes. Add garlic and bell pepper, cook for another 2 minutes.
04 - Add ground beef to the skillet. Sauté until browned, breaking up with a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
05 - Stir in tomato paste, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute to bloom the spices.
06 - Add diced tomatoes, kidney beans, and beef broth. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook uncovered for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
07 - Transfer crispy fries to a large ovenproof platter or baking dish. Spoon hot chili evenly over fries. Sprinkle cheddar cheese on top. Return to oven for 5 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
08 - Remove from oven and garnish with spring onions, jalapeño slices, sour cream, and fresh cilantro as desired. Serve immediately while hot.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The homemade chili transforms ordinary fries into something that feels like it came from a proper diner, but better because you controlled every spice and ingredient
- Its the kind of meal that brings people together, crowding around the same plate and reaching in simultaneously
02 -
- The chili needs time to thicken, so dont rush the simmering step or you will end up with soggy fries
- Work quickly once the fries come out of the oven so they stay crispy under the hot chili
03 -
- Make the chili a day ahead—the flavors develop overnight and it reheats beautifully
- Grate the cheese from a block instead of buying pre shredded for smoother melting