Chili Cheese Fries Recipe
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
30 mins
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Total Time
45 mins
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Servings
6
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Calories
1037 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Appetizer
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Cuisine
American
Chili Cheese Fries Recipe
Description
Chili Cheese Fries Recipe starts by baking frozen French fries until crisp. Meanwhile, a chili is prepared by browning lean ground beef with onions and garlic, then simmering with chili powder, cumin, tomato paste, canned Rotel tomatoes, and drained kidney beans. The chili thickens into a chunky, spiced mixture that adds warmth and depth.
The cheese sauce blends butter, flour, and spices such as onion powder, garlic powder, chili powder, and cumin to form a roux, which is then combined with heavy cream and sharp cheddar cheese to create a smooth, richly flavored topping. Pouring this creamy sauce over the chili-covered fries adds lusciousness that binds the dish.
Served immediately, the fries retain their crisp edges beneath the chili and cheese. Variations include using turkey or chicken in the chili, or replacing fries with tater tots or tortilla chips. Leftover chili can be refrigerated and reheated.
Ingredients
Chili
- 32 ounces French Fries frozen, regular or steak cut
- 1 pound ground beef lean
- 1/2 onion diced
- 2 garlic minced, cloves
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup tomato paste
- 10 ounce ROTEL spice level to your preference, canned
- 16 ounce red kidney beans drained, canned
Cheese Sauce
- 1 Tablespoon butter
- 1 Tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups cheddar cheese shredded sharp
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper then add the French fries in an even layer. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even baking.
- In the meantime, add the ground beef and onion to a large skillet over medium heat. Crumble the beef and cook until browned, about 10 minutes. Add the garlic, chili powder, cumin, and salt to the pan and cook for about 2 minutes or until the garlic becomes fragrant.
- Stir in the tomato paste, Rotel, and drained kidney beans and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for 15 minutes or until it has thickened.
- While the chili is simmering, prepare the cheese sauce by melting the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour until it starts to turn a light brown color. Stir in the onion powder, garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, pepper, and salt.
- Gradually pour in the heavy cream, whisking constantly. Continue to whisk until the sauce starts to thicken. Add cheese to the pan one cup at a time. Allow it to fully melt before adding another cup. Once all the cheese has been added to the pan, continue to whisk until fully melted then remove the pan from the heat.
- Add 4-5 large scoops of the chili to the fries then pour the cheese sauce over the top. Serve with freshly chopped parsley or green onions for garnish if desired.
Notes
- Substitute frozen tater tots or tortilla chips for fries to make similar chili cheese variations.
- Ground turkey or chicken can replace beef in the chili for a leaner option.
- Serve immediately to keep fries crisp; they may become soggy if left too long.
- Store leftover chili separately in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days for easy reheating.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 1037 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 1037kcal | 52% |
| Carbohydrates | 73g | 24% |
| Protein | 39g | 78% |
| Fat | 67g | 103% |
| Saturated Fat | 34g | 170% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4g | 24% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 26g | 130% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 187mg | 62% |
| Sodium | 1589mg | 66% |
| Potassium | 1595mg | 34% |
| Fiber | 14g | 56% |
| Sugar | 4g | 8% |
| Vitamin A | 1939IU | 39% |
| Vitamin C | 20mg | 22% |
| Calcium | 392mg | 39% |
| Iron | 8mg | 44% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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