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Ultimate Loaded Game Day Chili Cheese Fries

loaded game day chili cheese fries - featured image

Crispy fries topped with hearty homemade chili, melted cheddar cheese, and fresh toppings. The ultimate crowd-pleasing comfort food for game day or any gathering.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup beef broth
  • 1 bag (28 oz) frozen french fries
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup sliced green onions
  • 1/4 cup pickled jalapeños
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
  2. Spread frozen french fries in a single layer on the baking sheet. Bake according to package directions (20-25 minutes), flipping halfway, until golden and extra crispy.
  3. While fries bake, heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until browned (6-8 minutes). Drain excess grease, leaving about 1 tablespoon.
  4. Add diced onion and cook 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Stir in tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook 1 minute to toast spices.
  6. Pour in diced tomatoes (with juices) and beef broth. Add kidney beans. Stir and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered 10-15 minutes until thickened. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  7. Once fries are done, switch oven to broil (high heat). Arrange hot fries in an even layer on the baking sheet.
  8. Spoon chili evenly over fries. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top.
  9. Broil 2-3 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and starting to brown. Watch carefully.
  10. Remove from oven. Let cool 2 minutes. Dollop sour cream over top, then sprinkle with green onions, pickled jalapeños, and cilantro. Serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, shred cheese from a block (pre-shredded has anti-caking agents). Toast spices to deepen flavor. Use a hot baking sheet for crispier fries. Broil on middle rack, about 6 inches from element. Chili can be made up to 3 days ahead and actually tastes better the next day. Leftover chili freezes well for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: chili cheese fries, loaded fries, game day recipe, comfort food, easy appetizer, Super Bowl food