Game Day Chili Cheese Fries (Printable)
Crispy fries layered with savory beef chili and melted sharp cheddar cheese.
# What's Needed:
→ 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 - 0.5 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
15 - 1 tsp salt
16 - 0.5 tsp black pepper
17 - 0.75 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)
# How to Make It:
01 - Preheat your oven to 425°F for optimal baking temperature.
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 and develop flavor.
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 while hot and cheesy.
# Tips for Success:
01 -
- The contrast between crispy fries and rich, spiced beef creates pure comfort food magic
- Everything comes together in one pan while the chili simmers, making cleanup surprisingly manageable
02 -
- Do not skip the step of thickening the chili, or your fries will turn soggy within minutes
- Grate your own cheese from a block instead of buying pre shredded cheese for better melting
03 -
- Bake the fries directly on the oven rack for the last few minutes if they need extra crisping before adding toppings
- Let the chili rest for 5 minutes off the heat before spooning it over the fries to prevent the fries from wilting instantly