Name: Ultimate Chili Cheese Fries Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 bag (32 oz) frozen French fries; 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for crispier fries); 1 lb ground beef; 1/2 cup diced onion; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (15 oz) chili beans, undrained; 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 tablespoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese; Chopped green onions, jalapeño slices, sour cream, and hot sauce for topping (optional)

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There are few crowd-pleasers quite like hot, crispy fries smothered in hearty chili and an avalanche of bubbling cheese, and that’s exactly what you get with Ultimate Chili Cheese Fries. Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering or simply indulging in classic comfort food at home, this dish delivers on all fronts: bold flavors, satisfying textures, and irresistible gooeyness. It’s one of those shareable plates that everyone reaches for, and for good reason—it’s the ultimate blend of casual, satisfying, and undeniably fun food.

Ultimate Chili Cheese Fries Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient for these Ultimate Chili Cheese Fries has a job to do, building deep flavor and unbeatable cheesy goodness. From the base of golden fries to the rich, spiced chili and finishing touches, each element layers up to create pure magic on your platter.

Frozen French fries: The perfect blank canvas—opt for a 32 oz bag for hearty, shareable portions.
Olive oil (optional): Tossing your fries in a touch of oil gives an extra boost of crispiness, especially if you’re baking.
Ground beef: Savory and satisfying, it forms the meaty heart of your chili, though feel free to swap for turkey or plant-based crumble.
Diced onion: Adds lovely sweetness and an aromatic punch to the chili base.
Garlic, minced: Just two cloves ramp up the savory factor, making every bite pop.
Chili beans, undrained: Give body to the chili with a saucy, flavorful bean element that keeps things hearty.
Tomato sauce: Lends the chili a lovely richness and keeps it perfectly saucy for spooning over fries.
Tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and thickens the chili just right.
Chili powder: Delivers that classic chili warmth and smokiness we all crave.
Cumin: A little cumin goes a long way for depth and earthy flavor.
Paprika: Rounds out your chili with a subtle complexity—use smoked paprika for extra flair if you like!
Salt and pepper: Absolutely essential for seasoning both chili and fries to perfection.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into toasty, golden, irresistible rivers over your fries and chili.
Shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Adds creamy melt and a mellow cheese pull to every scoop.
Chopped green onions: For a fresh, vibrant crunch that brightens up the finished dish.
Jalapeño slices: Optional, but highly recommended for zippy heat.
Sour cream & hot sauce: Totally customizable toppings that let each guest make their plate truly their own.

How to Make Ultimate Chili Cheese Fries

Step 1: Bake the Fries

Ultimate Chili Cheese Fries start with a solid base of crispy fries—no sogginess allowed here! Arrange your frozen fries on a baking sheet in a single layer, drizzle with a bit of olive oil if you love extra crunch, and follow the package baking directions, or air fry at 400°F for an unbeatable golden finish. Give them a toss halfway for even crispiness.

Step 2: Cook the Beef and Onions

While your fries are crisping up, grab a skillet and sauté the ground beef with diced onion over medium heat. Stir and cook until the beef loses its pink color and the onions become soft and sweet, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat to keep the chili hearty but not greasy.

Step 3: Build Your Chili

Time to bring the flavors together! Stir in your minced garlic, letting it sizzle for one fragrant minute. Add the undrained chili beans, tomato sauce, tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, paprika, and season with salt and pepper. Let the chili simmer gently for 10–15 minutes, giving everything a chance to thicken up and meld into a rich, satisfying topping.

Step 4: Assemble the Ultimate Chili Cheese Fries

Once your fries are golden and your chili is bubbling, it’s showtime. Pile the fries onto a large platter or an oven-safe dish, then spoon the hot chili over the fries, making sure every inch is generously covered. Scatter the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack on top, and pop the whole thing back into the oven for 5–7 minutes, just until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

The final flourish makes all the difference! Top your Ultimate Chili Cheese Fries with chopped green onions, sliced jalapeños (for those who like a little kick), and dollops of cool sour cream. A drizzle of hot sauce is totally optional, but highly encouraged if you crave extra zing. Serve immediately and watch the crowd gather around.

How to Serve Ultimate Chili Cheese Fries

Garnishes

Go all-out with toppings! The contrast between creamy sour cream, fresh green onions, and spicy jalapeños takes Ultimate Chili Cheese Fries from good to unforgettable. You can even add sliced avocado or a sprinkle of chopped cilantro for extra color and zing. Let everyone build their own plate with their favorite garnishes—it’s half the fun!

Side Dishes

These fries are hearty enough to star on their own, but they love some company. Pair with a crisp green salad to balance the richness, or set out crunchy carrot and celery sticks with ranch. If you’re hosting a gathering, serve with cool drinks—think classic lemonade or a cold beer for the ultimate casual vibe!

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t limit yourself to a single platter. For parties, try serving your Ultimate Chili Cheese Fries in individual parchment cones or mini cast iron pans for that wow factor. Or keep things shareable by loading up a sheet pan in the middle of the table—everyone can gather ‘round and dig in for a truly festive, hands-on experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Have extras? Let everything cool to room temperature, then store leftover fries and chili in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping them apart helps preserve the fries’ crispness and makes reheating a breeze.

Freezing

Chili freezes beautifully! Spoon any leftover chili into a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. For fries, it’s best to bake them fresh when you’re ready to enjoy Ultimate Chili Cheese Fries again, as freezing and reheating can make them go soft.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-from-the-oven magic, reheat your chili in a saucepan or microwave until hot. Re-crisp the fries by baking in a hot oven (400°F) for a few minutes, then assemble with cheese and return to the oven just long enough to melt and bubble everything together. It’s almost as good as day one!

FAQs

Can I use homemade fries instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Cut fresh potatoes into fries, toss them with a bit of oil and salt, then bake or air fry until crispy. They’ll add a rustic, homemade touch to your Ultimate Chili Cheese Fries.

How spicy is the chili?

The chili is flavorful with a little warmth, but not overly spicy. Amp up the heat by adding extra chili powder, cayenne, or those jalapeño slices—you control the spice!

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Swap out the ground beef for a plant-based alternative or add more beans. You’ll still get that hearty, satisfying texture and all the bold flavors you love.

What’s the best cheese to use?

A combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack melts beautifully and provides rich flavor, but feel free to use your favorites. Pepper Jack or mozzarella are also great options for different flavor vibes.

Can I prepare Ultimate Chili Cheese Fries ahead of time for a party?

You can prep the chili up to two days in advance and keep it in the fridge. When ready to serve, bake fresh fries, reheat the chili, assemble, add cheese, and pop into the oven to melt and bubble—it’s a party hero!

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for the very definition of comfort food, look no further than these Ultimate Chili Cheese Fries. They’re a joy to make, fun to share, and guaranteed to draw praise from friends and family alike. Don’t wait for a special occasion—grab your favorite toppings and dive into your new go-to snack!

Ultimate Chili Cheese Fries Recipe

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4.6 from 7 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with these loaded chili cheese fries. Crispy golden fries topped with a savory beef and bean chili, gooey melted cheese, and all your favorite toppings.

Ingredients

Scale

Fries:

1 bag (32 oz) frozen French fries
1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for crispier fries)

Chili:

1 lb ground beef
1/2 cup diced onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (15 oz) chili beans, undrained
1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste

Toppings:

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Chopped green onions, jalapeño slices, sour cream, and hot sauce for topping (optional)

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Instructions

Bake the Fries: Cook frozen French fries according to package instructions until golden and crispy, or air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes, tossing halfway through.
Prepare the Chili: Brown ground beef and onion in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic, chili beans, tomato sauce, tomato paste, spices, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10–15 minutes until thickened.
Assemble: Place cooked fries on a platter, top with chili, cheddar, and Monterey Jack cheese. Bake until cheese is melted. Garnish with green onions, jalapeños, sour cream, and hot sauce.
Serve: Enjoy these chili cheese fries hot and gooey!