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Irresistible Chili Cheese Fries with Ground Beef

chili cheese fries - featured image

A quick and easy homemade recipe combining crispy fries, savory ground beef chili, and gooey melted cheese, perfect for game day or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 preferred)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 cup beef broth or water
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 4 large russet potatoes (about 2 pounds), washed and cut into fries
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or cheddar and Monterey Jack blend)
  • 2 green onions, sliced thin
  • Sour cream, for serving (optional)
  • Jalapeños or hot sauce (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Cut russet potatoes into ¼-inch thick fries. Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp.
  2. While fries roast, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until browned (6-8 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.
  3. Add chopped onion and garlic to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  4. Stir in tomato paste, diced tomatoes with juices, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Lower heat to medium-low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally until sauce thickens.
  5. Transfer crispy fries to an oven-safe dish or keep on the baking sheet. Spoon warm chili evenly over fries.
  6. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over the chili-covered fries.
  7. Place under the broiler for 2-4 minutes until cheese melts and bubbles, watching carefully to prevent burning.
  8. Remove from oven, garnish with sliced green onions, and add sour cream and jalapeños or hot sauce if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Use fresh russet potatoes for best texture; frozen fries can be substituted with adjusted cooking time. Drain excess fat from ground beef to avoid oily chili. Broil cheese carefully to prevent burning. For dairy-free, use vegan cheese and sour cream alternatives. To keep fries crispy, layer chili and fries in smaller batches or serve chili on the side.

Nutrition

Keywords: chili cheese fries, ground beef, game day recipe, comfort food, easy recipe, homemade fries, cheesy fries