Championship Chili Cheese Fries (Print)
Golden fries, savory homemade chili, and melted cheddar come together for an unbeatable comforting meal or game day snack.
# Ingredient list:
→ For the Fries
01 - 2 lbs russet potatoes, cut into fries
02 - 2 tbsp vegetable oil
03 - 1 tsp salt
→ For the Chili
04 - 1 lb ground beef
05 - 1 small onion, diced
06 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
08 - 14 oz canned diced tomatoes
09 - 2 tbsp tomato paste
10 - 14 oz canned kidney beans, drained and rinsed
11 - 1 tbsp chili powder
12 - 1 tsp ground cumin
13 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
14 - 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
15 - 1 tsp salt
16 - 1/2 tsp black pepper
17 - 1 cup beef broth
→ For the Cheese Topping
18 - 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
19 - 2 green onions, sliced
20 - 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
# Directions:
01 - Preheat your oven to 425°F. In a large bowl, toss the cut russet potatoes with vegetable oil and salt until evenly coated. Spread the seasoned fries in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 35–40 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crisp.
02 - While the fries are baking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is thoroughly browned. Drain any excess fat from the skillet if necessary.
03 - Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and diced red bell pepper to the browned ground beef in the skillet. Sauté for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened.
04 - Stir in the canned diced tomatoes, tomato paste, drained and rinsed kidney beans, chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, black pepper, and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
05 - Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and allow the chili to simmer for 25–30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and continue simmering until the chili has thickened to your desired consistency.
06 - Once the fries are cooked, transfer them to an oven-safe platter or baking dish. Spoon the hot chili evenly over the fries, then generously sprinkle with the shredded cheddar cheese.
07 - Place the platter or dish under a hot broiler for 2–3 minutes. Watch carefully to ensure the cheese melts and becomes bubbly without burning.
08 - Remove from the broiler. Garnish the Championship Chili Cheese Fries with sliced green onions and chopped fresh cilantro (if using). Serve immediately while hot.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- You'll love how easily this recipe transforms humble ingredients into a show-stopping dish that feeds a crowd.
- It's the ultimate comfort food, blending crispy potatoes with rich, savory chili and gooey melted cheese in every bite.
02 -
- Don't overcrowd your baking sheet when making the fries; giving them space ensures they crisp up instead of steaming.
- Allowing the chili to simmer covered really lets the flavors deepen and meld, making it taste even better.
03 -
- For an extra layer of flavor in your chili, add a small square of dark chocolate or a tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder during the simmer.
- If you're pressed for time, using frozen pre-cut fries works perfectly well; just follow their package directions for baking until crispy.