Game Day Chili Cheese Fries (Print Version)
Crispy fries layered with rich beef chili and melted cheddar cheese for flavorful bites.
# What You’ll 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)
# 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. Add garlic and red bell pepper; sauté for another 2 minutes.
04 - Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned, about 6 minutes.
05 - Stir in tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute to toast spices.
06 - 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.
07 - Remove fries from the oven and transfer to a large ovenproof dish or sheet pan. Spoon the hot beef chili evenly over the fries. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top.
08 - Return to the oven and bake for 5–7 minutes, just until cheese is melted and bubbly.
09 - Garnish with green onions, cilantro, and jalapeño slices if desired. Serve immediately.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The chili develops deep restaurant flavor in under an hour thanks to toasted spices and a secret ingredient
- Everything happens in the oven while you hang out with your guests instead of being stuck at the stove
- The combination of crispy fries, smoky chili, and sharp cheddar hits every craving at once
02 -
- Do not skip toasting the spices with the tomato paste. This step creates the deep flavor that makes people ask what your secret ingredient is.
- Work quickly once the fries come out of the oven. If they sit too long before adding chili they lose their crunch.
- The cheese should go on the chili not under it. Putting cheese directly on hot fries makes them steam and turn soft immediately.
03 -
- Double the chili recipe and freeze half. You will thank yourself on busy weeknights when you just need to bake fries and reheat.
- Fire roasted diced tomatoes add a subtle smokiness that takes this to the next level if you can find them at your store.