Description
A guide to making perfect chili cheese fries, featuring crispy homemade fries smothered in rich, flavorful chili and melted cheese, with customizable toppings. This is the ultimate comfort food experience.
Ingredients
- 1 large russet potato per person
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 ounce) can chili beans, undrained
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more, to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 ounces shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack)
- Optional toppings: sour cream, chopped green onions, pickled jalapeños
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Drain off excess grease.
- Add chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- Pour in tomato sauce and undrained diced tomatoes. Stir to combine.
- Add rinsed kidney beans and undrained chili beans. Stir well.
- Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir to distribute spices evenly.
- Bring chili to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust seasonings.
- While chili simmers, wash and scrub russet potatoes. Cut into 1/2 inch thick fries.
- Soak fries in cold water for at least 30 minutes, changing water a couple of times.
- Drain fries thoroughly and pat completely dry with paper towels.
- Heat 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a pot to 325°F (160°C). Fry fries in batches for 5-7 minutes until softened but not browned. Remove and cool completely on a wire rack.
- Increase oil temperature to 375°F (190°C). Fry fries again in batches for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove fries, drain, and season immediately with salt.
- Arrange fries on a platter or plates. Spoon chili over the fries.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over the chili.
- Optional: Place under broiler for 1-2 minutes to melt cheese, or microwave briefly.
- Add optional toppings like sour cream, green onions, or pickled jalapeños.
- Serve chili cheese fries immediately.
Notes
- Adjust cayenne pepper for desired spice level.
- Experiment with different cheese types like Monterey Jack or pepper jack.
- Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.
- For a vegetarian version, omit beef and add more beans or vegetables.
- Use sweet potatoes for a sweeter twist.
- Air fry for a healthier alternative to deep frying.
- Chili can be made up to 3 days ahead.
- Soak fries for at least 30 minutes for crispier results.
- Ensure fries are completely dry before frying.
- Fry fries in batches to maintain oil temperature.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 90 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Deep Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: Estimate based on ingredients
- Sugar: Estimate based on ingredients
- Sodium: Estimate based on ingredients
- Fat: Estimate based on ingredients
- Saturated Fat: Estimate based on ingredients
- Unsaturated Fat: Estimate based on ingredients
- Trans Fat: Estimate based on ingredients
- Carbohydrates: Estimate based on ingredients
- Fiber: Estimate based on ingredients
- Protein: Estimate based on ingredients
- Cholesterol: Estimate based on ingredients
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