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game day chili cheese fries - featured image

Ultimate Game Day Chili Cheese Fries with Homemade Beef Chili

  • Author: Lara
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

A hearty and indulgent dish featuring crispy baked or fried fries topped with rich, homemade beef chili, melted sharp cheddar cheese, and fresh garnishes like sour cream, jalapeños, and cilantro.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (15 oz / 425g) tomato sauce
  • 2 tbsp (32g) tomato paste
  • 2 tbsp (12g) chili powder
  • 1 tsp (2g) ground cumin
  • 1 tsp (2g) smoked paprika
  • 1 cup (240ml) low-sodium beef broth
  • 1 can (15 oz / 425g) kidney beans, rinsed (optional)
  • 1 bag (2 lbs / 900g) thick-cut frozen french fries
  • 2 cups (200g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 3 stalks green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup (120g) sour cream
  • 1–2 jalapeños, sliced
  • 1/4 cup (15g) cilantro, chopped
  • 2 tbsp (30ml) vegetable oil (for frying or tossing fries)

Instructions

  1. Prep the aromatics by dicing the onion and mincing the garlic.
  2. Heat a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat with a splash of oil. Add the ground beef and break it up with a wooden spoon. Brown the beef for 8-10 minutes until seared. Drain excess fat if necessary, but leave some for flavor.
  3. Add the diced onion to the beef and cook for 3-4 minutes until soft. Add the garlic, chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Stir constantly for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Add the tomato sauce, beef broth, and kidney beans. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. While the chili simmers, cook the fries. For baking, toss frozen fries with oil and salt on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy. For frying, heat oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry in batches for 3-4 minutes until golden. Drain on paper towels.
  6. Spread the hot fries on a large platter or individual plates. Ladle the hot chili over the fries. Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese. The residual heat will melt the cheese; for extra melt, broil for 1-2 minutes.
  7. Garnish with green onions, sour cream, jalapeños, and cilantro. Serve immediately.

Notes

The chili can be made ahead of time and tastes even better the next day. Do not freeze the assembled fries as they will become soggy; freeze the chili separately. For a healthier option, bake the fries instead of frying. Ensure you shred your own cheese for better melting.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate with fries,
  • Calories: 850
  • Sodium: 1200
  • Fat: 50
  • Carbohydrates: 65
  • Fiber: 8
  • Protein: 35

Keywords: game day food, chili cheese fries, homemade chili, beef chili, comfort food, party recipe, football snacks, cheesy fries

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Find it online: https://alldinnerecipes.com/ultimate-game-day-chili-cheese-fries-make-while-seasonal/