Description
This Chili Cheese Fries recipe is a comforting and indulgent dish featuring crispy oven-baked fries topped with hearty, flavorful chili and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for sharing as a cozy meal or game day snack, it combines sautéed vegetables, lean ground beef, and a rich blend of spices simmered into a robust chili, served alongside smoky, seasoned fries for a satisfying treat.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chili
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 cup chopped onion
- â…“ cup chopped red pepper
- â…“ cup chopped green peppers
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef (lean)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 cans kidney beans, rinsed
- 1 can petite diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 can tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- ½ tablespoon red cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Fries
- 2 pounds russet potatoes
- Cooking oil spray
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Pinch of salt
For Topping
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion, red and green peppers, and minced garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are tender, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the pot and cook, stirring frequently, until fully browned and no longer pink, approximately 7 to 10 minutes.
- Combine Chili Ingredients: Stir in beef broth, rinsed kidney beans, drained diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, oregano, and red cayenne pepper if using. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat for simmering.
- Simmer the Chili: Let the chili simmer gently for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Season with salt and pepper to taste before removing from heat.
- Prepare the Fries: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Cut the russet potatoes into thick fries. Lightly spray with cooking oil, then toss with smoked paprika, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt for flavor.
- Bake the Fries: Arrange the fries on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until fries are golden brown and crispy.
- Assemble and Serve: Serve the hot chili in bowls alongside the crispy fries. Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the chili or fries as desired for an indulgent finish.
Notes
- For extra heat, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add hot sauce to the chili.
- Using lean ground beef reduces fat content and keeps the dish healthier.
- Russet potatoes are ideal for fries since they become crispy outside and fluffy inside when baked.
- To make the fries crispier, soak cut potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes before baking, then pat dry thoroughly.
- This dish can be made vegetarian by substituting ground beef with plant-based meat or extra beans.
- Leftover chili freezes well—store in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
