Game Day Chili Cheese (Printable Version)

Crispy fries with rich beef chili and melted cheddar for a satisfying flavorful dish.

# What You'll Need:

→ For the Fries

01 - 3.3 lbs frozen or fresh French fries
02 - 2 tbsp olive oil
03 - Salt, to taste

→ For the Beef Chili

04 - 1.1 lbs ground beef
05 - 1 medium onion, finely diced
06 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
08 - 2 tbsp tomato paste
09 - 14 oz canned diced tomatoes
10 - 14 oz canned kidney beans, drained and rinsed
11 - 1 tbsp chili powder
12 - 1 tsp ground cumin
13 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
14 - 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
15 - 1 tsp salt
16 - 1/2 tsp black pepper
17 - 3/4 cup beef broth
18 - 1 tbsp vegetable oil

→ For the Cheese Topping

19 - 9 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
20 - 2 tbsp chopped green onions (optional)
21 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
22 - 1 jalapeño, sliced (optional)

# Step-by-Step:

01 - Preheat your oven to 425°F.
02 - Toss the fries with olive oil and a pinch of salt. Spread in a single layer on a baking sheet.
03 - Bake fries for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway, until golden and crisp.
04 - While the fries bake, heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until soft.
05 - Add garlic and red bell pepper; sauté for another 2 minutes.
06 - Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned, about 6 minutes.
07 - Stir in tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute to toast spices.
08 - Add diced tomatoes, kidney beans, and beef broth. Mix well, bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook uncovered for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chili thickens.
09 - Remove fries from the oven and transfer to a large ovenproof dish or sheet pan.
10 - Spoon the hot beef chili evenly over the fries. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top.
11 - Return to the oven and bake for 5-7 minutes, just until cheese is melted and bubbly.
12 - Garnish with green onions, cilantro, and jalapeño slices if desired. Serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The beef chili simmers while the fries crisp up, so everything comes together at the perfect moment
  • You can make the chili ahead of time and just reheat it when the fries go into the oven
02 -
  • Never put cold cheese on hot fries and then bake, the fries will steam and lose their crunch
  • Let the chili thicken properly, runny chili will make the fries soggy within minutes
03 -
  • Shred your own cheese from a block, pre shredded cheese has a coating that prevents it from melting smoothly
  • Use a rimmed baking sheet to catch any cheese that bubbles over, burnt cheese on the bottom of your oven is no fun to clean

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