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Crispy Loaded Chili Cheese Fries

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A quick and easy comfort snack featuring crispy fries topped with hearty chili and melted sharp cheddar cheese, perfect for game day or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • Frozen French fries (shoestring or crinkle-cut recommended)
  • Vegetable oil or olive oil spray
  • Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • 1 lb ground beef (85% lean)
  • 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 14 oz canned diced tomatoes with juices
  • 1 cup kidney beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
  • 1 tbsp chili powder (mild blend preferred)
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup beef broth or water
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • Jalapeños, sliced (optional)
  • Green onions, sliced
  • Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt, for topping
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) or air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Spread frozen fries evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Lightly spray with oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, or air fry for 15-20 minutes until golden and crisp.
  3. While fries cook, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook 5-7 minutes, breaking apart until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
  4. Add chopped onion and garlic to the skillet and cook 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  5. Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add diced tomatoes with juices, kidney beans, and beef broth. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened.
  6. Once fries are crispy, transfer them to an oven-safe dish or leave on the baking sheet. Spoon chili evenly over fries.
  7. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the chili-topped fries. Return to oven or air fryer for 5-7 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
  8. Remove from heat and garnish with sliced jalapeños, green onions, dollops of sour cream, and fresh cilantro. Serve immediately.

Notes

For extra crispy fries, do not overcrowd the baking sheet. Brown the meat well and drain excess fat but leave a little for juiciness. Shred cheese fresh for best melting. Chili can be made ahead and reheated. Avoid microwaving leftovers to keep fries crispy.

Nutrition

Keywords: chili cheese fries, loaded fries, comfort food, game day snack, crispy fries, easy recipe

Find it online: https://tessierecipes.com/crispy-loaded-chili-cheese-fries-recipe-easy-ultimate-comfort-snack/