Chili Cheese Fries

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.

Course Appetizer, Side Dish

Cuisine American

Prep Time 30

Cook Time 30

Total Time 1

Servings servings

Calories 570kcal

Author Sherri Hagymas

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil or canola oil
1 yellow onion finely diced
3 cloves garlic minced
1 pound lean ground beef 90% or 93%
1 teaspoon paprika
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon salt
2 pounds frozen french fries
15 ounces kidney beans 1 can, drained and rinsed
14 ounces diced tomatoes 1 can
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Toppings of choice such as sour cream, sliced scallions, fresh chopped cilantro, guacamole or fresh diced tomatoes.

Instructions

Make the Chili

In a large skillet, add the oil and diced onions and sauté over medium heat until translucent.
1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 yellow onion
Then, add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute.
3 cloves garlic
Add the ground beef, paprika, chili powder, cumin, and salt and cook for 5-8 minutes until brown and crumbly.
1 pound lean ground beef, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon salt
Add the tomatoes without draining them and drained kidney beans and cook for 10 minutes stirring occasionally.
14 ounces diced tomatoes, 15 ounces kidney beans

Cook the Fries

Cook frozen french fries per your package directions.
2 pounds frozen french fries
Remove them from the oven and add chili topping over the fries and top with both cheeses
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Return to the oven and heat for 10 minutes or until cheese is evenly melted and the cheese is slightly golden on top.
Serve immediately with your favorite toppings like such as sour cream, sliced scallions, fresh chopped cilantro, fresh diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, sour cream, pico de gallo and/or guacamole.

Notes

Make it dish by substituting the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or extra beans for a meatless option.

Nutritional information doesn't include the added toppings.

Reheating:

Oven or Toaster Oven: Reheating in the oven or toaster oven is the preferred method for maintaining the crispiness of the fries and the gooeyness of the cheese. Preheat your oven or toaster oven to 350°F. Place the leftover chili cheese fries on a baking sheet or an oven-safe dish. Reheat for 10-15 minutes or until the fries are heated through and the cheese is bubbly.

Air Fryer: If you have an air fryer, it's great for reheating. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F. Place the leftover chili cheese fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Reheat for 5-7 minutes until they are hot and the cheese has melted.

Add some extra cheese before reheating to refresh the cheesiness.

Nutrition