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Loaded Chili Cheese Fries

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Easy homemade loaded chili cheese fries smothered in rich chili and melted cheese, perfect for game days or cozy family nights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups (1 lb / 450 g) frozen French fries, thick-cut or crinkle
  • 1/2 pound (225 g) ground beef, lean or regular
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup (240 ml) canned diced tomatoes, no-salt-added preferred
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) beef broth, low sodium
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1 small jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional)
  • 2 stalks green onions, sliced
  • Sour cream for topping (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon oil (for fries and chili cooking)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
  2. Spread frozen fries evenly on the baking sheet. Toss with 1 tablespoon oil and a pinch of salt. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
  3. While fries bake, heat 1 tablespoon oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook about 3 minutes until softened.
  4. Add minced garlic and ground beef. Cook, breaking up meat, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  5. Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Combine well.
  6. Simmer chili over low heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and fragrant. Add broth if too thick.
  7. Transfer fries to an oven-safe dish or leave on baking sheet. Spoon chili evenly over fries.
  8. Sprinkle shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese over chili-covered fries. Add jalapeño slices if desired.
  9. Return to oven and bake 5-7 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
  10. Remove from oven, garnish with green onions and sour cream if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Drain cooked beef fat to prevent soggy fries. Use a blend of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack for best melt. Watch oven times carefully to avoid burning cheese. For extra crispy fries, toss with cornstarch before baking. Chili can be made ahead and reheated gently.

Nutrition

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