Chili Cheese Fries Ground Beef (Printable Version)
Golden fries layered with beef chili, melted cheddar, and fresh herbs for a satisfying bite.
# What You'll Need:
→ Fries
01 - 28 oz frozen or fresh French fries
02 - 2 tbsp vegetable oil
03 - Salt, to taste
→ Chili
04 - 14 oz ground beef
05 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
06 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
08 - 14 oz canned diced tomatoes
09 - 9 oz canned kidney beans, drained and rinsed
10 - 2 tbsp tomato paste
11 - 1 tsp ground cumin
12 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
13 - 1/2 tsp chili powder
14 - 1/2 tsp dried oregano
15 - 1/2 tsp salt
16 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
17 - 1/2 cup beef broth or water
18 - 2 tbsp olive oil
→ Toppings
19 - 5 oz shredded cheddar cheese
20 - 2 spring onions, thinly sliced
21 - 1 small jalapeño, sliced
22 - 2 tbsp sour cream
23 - Fresh cilantro, chopped
# How to Make It:
01 - Preheat your oven to 425°F.
02 - Toss fries with vegetable oil and salt. Spread on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake according to package instructions (usually 20–25 minutes), turning halfway for even crisping.
03 - While fries bake, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, 2–3 minutes.
04 - Add garlic and bell pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes.
05 - Add ground beef. Sauté until browned, breaking up with a spoon, about 5–7 minutes.
06 - Stir in tomato paste, cumin, paprika, chili powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute.
07 - Add diced tomatoes, beans, and beef broth. Bring to a simmer. Reduce heat and cook uncovered for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
08 - Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
09 - Once fries are golden and crispy, transfer to a large ovenproof platter or baking dish. Spoon hot chili evenly over fries. Sprinkle cheddar cheese on top.
10 - Return to oven for 5 minutes, or until cheese is melted.
11 - Garnish with spring onions, jalapeño, sour cream, and cilantro as desired. Serve immediately.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- Its the kind of food that makes people linger around the kitchen island, talking and laughing while they eat
- The chili freezes beautifully so you can make a double batch and have instant comfort food ready
02 -
- Work quickly once the fries come out of the oven or theyll steam underneath the chili and lose their crunch
- Let the chili thicken more than you think you need to—thin chili makes for soggy fries
03 -
- Make the chili a day ahead—the flavors deepen and it reheats beautifully
- Cut your fries in half if theyre too long so theyre easier to scoop up