Servings
Font
Back
5.0 from 63 votes

Chili Cheese Fries

These chili cheese fries are crispy french fries topped with homemade beef chili and cheese cheese, then baked to melted perfection. An easy and hearty appetizer option that takes like it came from a restaurant!

Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Time
1 hr 5 mins
Servings: 8
Calories: 296 kcal
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

For the chili
  • 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
  • 1 pound ground beef I use 90% lean
  • 1/2 cup onion finely diced
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic 
  • 1 ounce can diced tomatoes do not drain
  • 2 ounce cans tomato sauce
  • 1/2 cup beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt divided use
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 ounce can Kidney Beans drained and rinsed
For the fries
  • 32 ounces frozen French fries
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • assorted toppings such as sour cream and green onions
  • cooking spray

Instructions

For the chili
    Cup of Yum
  1. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium high heat. Add the ground beef and season with 3/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, for 3-4 minutes. Drain off any excess grease.
  2. Add the onion to the pot and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes or until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  3. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, cocoa powder, brown sugar and 1/4 teaspoon salt to the pot. Bring to a simmer.
  4. Cook for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until chili has thickened.
  5. Add the kidney beans and cook for another 10 minutes.
  6. Taste and add more salt and pepper if desired.
For the fries
  1. Coat a sheet pan with cooking spray.
  2. Cook the french fries in the oven in a single layer on a sheet pan according to package directions.
  3. Remove the pan of fries from the oven. Turn the oven heat to 400 degrees F.
  4. You can finish the fries on a sheet pan, or transfer them to a skillet for a restaurant style presentation.
  5. Spoon 1 1/2 cups of chili over the fries, then top with cheddar cheese.
  6. Return the fries to the oven. Bake for 5 minutes or until cheese is melted.
  7. Add toppings if desired, then serve immediately.

Nutrition Information

Calories 296kcal (15%) Carbohydrates 4g (1%) Protein 36g (72%) Fat 18g (28%) Saturated Fat 1g (5%) Cholesterol 83mg (28%) Sodium 614mg (26%) Potassium 575mg (16%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 1g (2%) Vitamin A 1165IU (23%) Vitamin C 3.4mg (4%) Calcium 26mg (3%) Iron 2.4mg (13%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 8Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 296

% Daily Value*

Calories 296kcal 15%
Carbohydrates 4g 1%
Protein 36g 72%
Fat 18g 28%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Cholesterol 83mg 28%
Sodium 614mg 26%
Potassium 575mg 12%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 1g 2%
Vitamin A 1165IU 23%
Vitamin C 3.4mg 4%
Calcium 26mg 3%
Iron 2.4mg 13%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.