Chili Cheese Fries are everything you want in a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish. They’re easy to customize, great for sharing, and perfect when you’re craving something hearty and cheesy. You can use frozen fries for convenience or make them from scratch. Plus, the chili can be made ahead of time, making this dish quick to assemble.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Frozen French fries or homemade fries
Ground beef (or turkey)
Onion (chopped)
Garlic (minced)
Canned diced tomatoes
Tomato paste
Kidney beans or black beans (optional)
Chili powder
Ground cumin
Paprika
Salt and pepper
Shredded cheddar cheese or cheese sauce
Optional toppings: sour cream, green onions, jalapeños, chopped tomatoes
Directions
Prepare fries according to package instructions or bake homemade fries until crispy and golden.
While fries cook, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess grease.
Add chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until softened.
Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beans (if using), and spices. Simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Once fries are done, arrange them on a serving platter or baking sheet.
Spoon the hot chili evenly over the fries.
Sprinkle generously with shredded cheese or drizzle with cheese sauce.
Return to oven for 5 minutes to melt the cheese, if desired.
Top with sour cream, green onions, jalapeños, or other toppings before serving.
Servings and timing
Makes 4 servings Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 25 minutes Total time: 35 minutes
Variations
Vegetarian: Skip the meat and add extra beans or lentils.
Spicy: Add hot sauce, jalapeños, or chipotle peppers to the chili.
Loaded Style: Avocado, or a fried egg on top.
Cheese Sauce: Use a homemade or store-bought cheese sauce instead of shredded cheese.
Sweet Potato Fries: Swap regular fries for sweet potato fries for a sweet and savory combo.
Storage/Reheating
Chili and fries are best served fresh, but leftovers can be stored separately. Store chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Store fries in a separate container for up to 2 days (they may lose crispness). To reheat, warm chili in the microwave or stovetop and re-crisp fries in the oven or air fryer before assembling.
FAQs
Can I use canned chili?
Yes, for a quicker version, use your favorite canned chili—just heat and spoon over the fries.
How do I keep the fries crispy?
Bake or air-fry the fries until very crisp and avoid adding chili until just before serving.
What kind of cheese is best?
Sharp cheddar melts well and adds great flavor, but Monterey Jack or a cheese blend also work well.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Make the chili ahead and refrigerate. Cook the fries and assemble just before serving.
Are chili cheese fries gluten-free?
If using gluten-free fries and checking all canned ingredients, yes—they can be gluten-free.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
Try ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based meat substitute.
Can I make this in an air fryer?
Yes, cook the fries in the air fryer and heat the chili separately. Combine before serving.
How do I make it less greasy?
Use lean ground meat and drain the fat. Choose baked fries over fried for a lighter version.
Can I freeze leftover chili?
Yes, the chili freezes well for up to 3 months. Fries are best made fresh.
What sides go with chili cheese fries?
They’re great on their own, but you can serve with a fresh salad or coleslaw for balance.
Conclusion
Chili Cheese Fries are a bold, cheesy, and satisfying dish that’s sure to please. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself, this comfort food favorite is a deliciously messy and flavorful experience. Make it your own with your favorite toppings and enjoy every cheesy, chili-covered bite.
Chili Cheese Fries are the ultimate comfort food, combining crispy fries, hearty chili, and gooey melted cheese. Perfect for game day, parties, or an indulgent dinner, this dish is flavorful, customizable, and totally satisfying.
Author:Catherine
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:25 minutes
Total Time:35 minutes
Yield:4 servings
Category:Main Course, Appetizer
Method:Baking, Stovetop
Cuisine:American, Tex-Mex
Diet:Halal
Ingredients
1 bag frozen French fries (or homemade fries)
1 lb ground beef (or turkey)
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 can (15 oz) kidney beans or black beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
1 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese or cheese sauce
Optional toppings: sour cream, sliced green onions, jalapeños, chopped tomatoes
Instructions
Prepare fries according to package instructions or bake homemade fries until crispy and golden.
While fries are cooking, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess grease.
Add chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until softened.
Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beans (if using), chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Simmer the chili for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Arrange cooked fries on a serving platter or baking sheet.
Spoon hot chili evenly over the fries.
Top with shredded cheese or drizzle with cheese sauce.
Return to oven for 5 minutes to melt cheese, if desired.
Garnish with sour cream, green onions, jalapeños, or chopped tomatoes before serving.
Notes
Use sharp cheddar for bold flavor or cheese sauce for easier melting.For a vegetarian version, omit meat and use extra beans or lentils.Make chili ahead and store in the fridge for quicker assembly later.Bake or air fry fries for crispier texture.
