Description
This Chili Cheese Fries recipe combines crispy baked French fries topped with a flavorful homemade chili and a rich, creamy cheddar cheese sauce. It makes a perfect crowd-pleasing appetizer or comforting meal that’s easy to prepare in under an hour.
Ingredients
Fries
- 32 ounces frozen regular or steak cut French fries
Chili
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup tomato paste
- 10 ounce can of Rotel (spice level to your preference)
- 16 ounce can of red kidney beans, drained
Cheese Sauce
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Bake the Fries: Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper, then spread the frozen French fries in an even layer. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Brown the Meat: While the fries bake, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion, breaking up the beef with a spoon. Cook until browned and the onions are softened, around 10 minutes. Add the minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, and salt; cook for 2 additional minutes until fragrant.
- Simmer the Chili: Stir in the tomato paste, Rotel tomatoes, and drained kidney beans. Reduce heat to medium-low and let the chili simmer gently for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and flavors melded.
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce: While the chili simmers, melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook until it takes on a light brown color, about 1-2 minutes. Add the onion powder, garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, pepper, and salt and stir to combine.
- Whisk in Cream and Cheese: Gradually pour in the heavy cream while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue whisking until the sauce begins to thicken. Add shredded cheddar cheese one cup at a time, allowing it to fully melt before adding the next. Once all cheese is incorporated, continue whisking until smooth and remove from heat.
- Assemble and Serve: Place the baked fries on a serving platter. Spoon 4-5 large scoops of the chili evenly over the fries. Pour the warm cheese sauce generously on top. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or green onions if desired and serve immediately for maximum enjoyment.
Notes
- For extra crispy fries, consider baking them longer or broiling briefly at the end, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- You can adjust the spice level by selecting mild or hot Rotel tomatoes and by modifying the chili powder amount.
- Leftover chili and cheese sauce can be refrigerated separately for up to 3 days and reheated gently before assembling.
- To make this recipe vegetarian, substitute the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or use extra beans.
- Using freshly shredded cheese improves melt and flavor compared to pre-shredded varieties.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
