These loaded Chili Cheese Fries are such a yummy comfort food appetizer or side dish! Crispy fries topped with a simple homemade beef chili and gooey melted cheese all finished with any favorite toppings.

A tray of chili cheese fries topped with melted cheese, ground meat, kidney beans, corn, chopped tomatoes, and sliced green onions on a metal wire rack.

Easy Chili and Cheese Fries

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving something indulgent, these loaded fries hit the spot! They are so easy to make with frozen french fries and everyday ingredients staples.

You can even opt for any favorite chili recipe you love or even canned chili if you’re short on time. And feel free to cut your own potatoes into fries, toss in a little oil and salt and bake at 400° F until crispy.

We make them to go along side a burger and hot dogs but it’s also a a bit hit as an appetizer for game days served right from the baking sheet.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The complete list of ingredients with amounts are listed in the full recipe card below.

Overhead view of labeled ingredients for chili cheese fries containing ground beef, kidney beans, potato fries, onion, diced tomatoes, garlic, vegetable oil, chili powder, smoked paprika, cheddar and mozzarella cheese, salt, and cumin.

Olive oil – For sautéing the onions and garlic. You can use canola oil or even butter for extra richness.
Onion – I finely dice a yellow onion. Swap it for white onion or sweet vidalia onion if you’d like.
Garlic cloves – Fresh garlic has the best flavor in my opinion but jarred minced is fine. You can also substitute a tablespoon of garlic powder instead.
Ground beef – I use 90–93% lean ground beef – Lean meat keeps the chili from being too greasy. Swap with ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter or vegetarian version.
Paprika, chili powder, ground cumin and salt
Kidney beans – drained and rinsed. Swap black or pinto beans if preferred.
Diced tomatoes – I don’t drain them. Use fire-roasted tomatoes for even more flavor.
Frozen French fries – Use crinkle-cut, shoestring fries, waffle fries, steak fries, or curly fries—whatever is your favorite! Sweet potato fries are good too!
Shredded Mozzarella cheese – shredding your own off a block melts beautifully vs prepackaged shredded cheese.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese – Again, shred your own for the best cheesiness. Monterey Jack, Colby or pepper jack a great alternatives.
Optional toppings: Sour cream, green onions, diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, guacamole, pico de gallo, chopped cilantro.

Make Chili Cheese Fries as a Side Dish or Appetizer

Chopped onions in a frying pan with oil, ready to be sautéed.

Chopped onions and minced garlic sautéing in a light-colored frying pan.

Make the Homemade Chili

Step 1: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté diced onions until translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and cook another minute.

Ground beef with seasonings and chopped onions cooking in a skillet.

Cooked ground beef with chopped onions in a frying pan, placed on a metal rack over a marble countertop.

A frying pan containing cooked ground meat, kidney beans, and diced tomatoes, placed on a cooling rack over a marble surface.

A skillet filled with cooked ground beef, kidney beans, and diced tomatoes with spices set on a wire rack.

Step 2: Add in the ground beef, paprika, chili powder, cumin, and salt. Cook for 5–8 minutes, breaking the meat apart as it browns.

Step 3: Stir in the diced tomatoes (with the juices) and drained kidney beans.

Step 4: Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

A baking sheet lined with parchment paper is filled with uncooked frozen French fries.

Bake the Fries

Step 5: While the chili is cooking, preheat the oven and bake the french fries according to your package directions.

Assemble

A baking tray of uncooked French fries with a skillet of chili off to the side.

A baking sheet filled with French fries topped with ground meat, beans, diced vegetables, and shredded cheese.

Step 6: Once fries are done, remove from oven and add scoops of the chili evenly over the top. Sprinkle with mozzarella and cheddar cheese.

A baking sheet of chili cheese fries topped with melted cheddar, ground beef, kidney beans, tomatoes, and sliced green onions.

Step 7: Return to the oven for an additional 10-12 minutes at 375°F or until the cheese is melted.

Serve immediately while hot and cheesy with any and all of your favorite toppings like guacamole, sour cream, sliced scallions, fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, or jalapeños.

A close-up of a tray of chili cheese fries topped with melted cheese, ground meat, kidney beans, corn, chopped tomatoes, and sliced green onions on a metal wire rack.

Storage & Reheating Tips

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.

Reheating

Oven or Toaster Oven: Bake at 350°F for 10–15 minutes until heated through and crispy.

Air Fryer: Reheat at 375°F for 5–7 minutes.

Pro Tip: Sprinkle extra cheese on top before reheating to refresh the gooey topping!

Can I make the chili ahead of time?

Yes! Chili stores and reheats easily. So make it up to 3 days ahead to save some time.

Is this recipe spicy?

It’s mild as written, but you can spice it up with more chili powder or add your favorite hot sauce, red chili flakes or jalapeños.

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Chili and Cheese Fries

Easy Chili and Cheese Fries

Ingredients You’ll Need