Craving a hearty, delicious appetizer? These Chili Cheese Fries are just what you need—crispy golden fries topped with homemade chili beef sauce and a layer of melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a crowd-pleasing appetizer, game-day snack, or fun family dinner, this recipe packs big flavor in every bite. Plus, it’s easy to make, high in protein, and customizable to your taste!
Why You’ll Love These Chili Cheese Fries
- High-Protein Delight: Packed with seasoned ground beef and beans, this recipe is not only satisfying but also delivers a protein punch.
- Restaurant-Style at Home: Enjoy your favorite diner classic without leaving the house.
- Customizable & Versatile: Add your favorite toppings and adjust the chili spice level to your preference.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for parties, game days, or a cozy night in.
Ingredients You Need For Chili Cheese Fries
For the Chili:
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
- 1 pound ground beef (90% lean for a protein-rich option)
- ½ cup onion, finely diced
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 2 (8-ounce) cans tomato sauce
- ½ cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cocoa powder (for a rich depth of flavor)
- ½ teaspoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt (divided)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
For the Fries:
- 32 ounces frozen French fries (thick-cut for better texture)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (freshly grated for the best melt)
- Optional toppings: sour cream, green onions, diced tomatoes, bacon bits
How to Make Chili Cheese Fries
1: Prepare the Chili
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and black pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Add diced onions and cook for another 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cocoa powder, brown sugar, and remaining salt. Stir to combine.
- Bring the chili to a simmer and cook uncovered for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened.
- Stir in the kidney beans and let simmer for an additional 10 minutes. Adjust seasoning if needed.
2: Bake the Fries
- Preheat the oven and cook French fries according to package instructions until crisp.
- Once cooked, reduce oven temperature to 400°F (200°C).
3: Assemble & Bake
- Arrange the cooked fries on a large oven-safe dish or skillet for a restaurant-style presentation.
- Spoon 1 1/2 cups of chili over the fries and generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake for 5 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
4: Add Toppings & Serve
- Remove from the oven and add your favorite toppings. Popular choices include sour cream, green onions, diced tomatoes, or crispy bacon.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade chili cheese fries!
Pro Tips for Perfect Chili Cheese Fries
- Use Thick-Cut Fries: Steak fries or waffle fries hold up better under the chili and cheese.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the chili up to 3 days in advance and store it in the fridge for easy assembly.
- Grate Fresh Cheese: Skip the pre-shredded variety for a smoother, creamier melt.
- Serve Immediately: Chili cheese fries are best enjoyed fresh to maintain their crisp texture.
Delicious Variations
- Sweet Potato Fries: Swap traditional fries for sweet potato fries for a slightly sweet and savory twist.
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Different Cheeses: Try pepper jack, mozzarella, or a smoky gouda for a unique flavor.
- Veggie-Friendly: Use a vegetarian chili made with black beans and lentils for a plant-based version.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the chili and fries separately for the best texture.
- Chili: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Fries: Keep leftover fries in the fridge for 1-2 days. Reheat in the oven for optimal crispness.
More Tasty Snack Ideas
Looking for more crowd-pleasing appetizers? Try these delicious recipes:
Conclusion
These Chili Cheese Fries are the ultimate comfort food—crispy fries smothered in a rich, hearty chili and melted cheese. Whether you’re hosting a party or craving a satisfying snack, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Customize your toppings, add a protein boost, and dig into this irresistible classic today!
Chili Cheese Fries Recipe
Craving a hearty, delicious appetizer? These Chili Cheese Fries are just what you need—crispy golden fries topped with homemade chili beef sauce and a layer of melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a crowd-pleasing appetizer, game-day snack, or fun family dinner, this recipe packs big flavor in every bite. Plus, it's easy to make, high in protein, and customizable to your taste!
Ingredients
For the Chili:
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
- 1 pound ground beef 90% lean for a protein-rich option
- ½ cup onion finely diced
- 1 teaspoon garlic minced
- 1 15-ounce can diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 2 8-ounce cans tomato sauce
- ½ cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cocoa powder for a rich depth of flavor
- ½ teaspoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt divided
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 15-ounce can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
For the Fries:
- 32 ounces frozen French fries thick-cut for better texture
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese freshly grated for the best melt
- Optional toppings: sour cream green onions, diced tomatoes, bacon bits
Instructions
Prepare the Chili
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and black pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Add diced onions and cook for another 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cocoa powder, brown sugar, and remaining salt. Stir to combine.
- Bring the chili to a simmer and cook uncovered for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened.
- Stir in the kidney beans and let simmer for an additional 10 minutes. Adjust seasoning if needed.
Bake the Fries
- Preheat the oven and cook French fries according to package instructions until crisp.
- Once cooked, reduce oven temperature to 400°F (200°C).
Assemble & Bake
- Arrange the cooked fries on a large oven-safe dish or skillet for a restaurant-style presentation.
- Spoon 1 1/2 cups of chili over the fries and generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake for 5 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
Add Toppings & Serve
- Remove from the oven and add your favorite toppings. Popular choices include sour cream, green onions, diced tomatoes, or crispy bacon.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade chili cheese fries!
Notes
- Use Thick-Cut Fries: Steak fries or waffle fries hold up better under the chili and cheese.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the chili up to 3 days in advance and store it in the fridge for easy assembly.
- Grate Fresh Cheese: Skip the pre-shredded variety for a smoother, creamier melt.
- Serve Immediately: Chili cheese fries are best enjoyed fresh to maintain their crisp texture.
