Chili Cheese Fries (Printable)

Crispy fries smothered in homemade beef chili and melty cheddar, garnished with fresh onions and herbs.

# Required Ingredients:

→ Chili Base

01 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
02 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
04 - 9 oz ground beef
05 - 1 tablespoon tomato paste
06 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
07 - 1 teaspoon chili powder
08 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
09 - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
10 - 14 oz canned chopped tomatoes
11 - 7 oz canned kidney beans, drained and rinsed
12 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

→ Fries

13 - 1.3 lbs frozen French fries (or homemade, if preferred)
14 - Vegetable oil, for frying or baking

→ Toppings

15 - 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
16 - 2 spring onions, thinly sliced
17 - 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro or parsley (optional)
18 - Sour cream, for serving (optional)

# Directions:

01 - Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
02 - Add ground beef to the saucepan and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned, about 5 minutes.
03 - Stir in tomato paste, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 1 minute until spices are fragrant and well incorporated.
04 - Add chopped tomatoes and kidney beans. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat, and cook uncovered for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
05 - While the chili simmers, cook the French fries according to package instructions (bake or fry until golden and crisp). Preheat oven to 400°F.
06 - Arrange cooked fries on a large ovenproof platter or baking sheet. Spoon hot chili evenly over the fries, then sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese.
07 - Bake for 5–7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
08 - Remove from oven and garnish with spring onions and fresh cilantro or parsley. Serve hot, with sour cream on the side if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The contrast between hot, bubbling cheese and crisp fries hits every satisfaction button in your brain
  • Homemade chili transforms frozen fries into something that tastes like it came from a pub kitchen
  • Everything comes together in about an hour but tastes like you spent all day on it
02 -
  • Thickening your chili properly is the difference between fries that hold together and ones that slide apart in a sad mess
  • Drain any excess grease from the beef before adding spices, or your chili will separate and feel heavy
  • The chili needs to be piping hot when it hits the fries to help melt that cheese layer evenly
03 -
  • Double the chili recipe and freeze half for an instant upgrade to next weeks dinner
  • Wedge your fries in a single layer without overcrowding for maximum crispiness
  • Let the chili rest off the heat for 5 minutes before serving to let flavors really marry
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