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Cozy Chili Cheese Fries

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A quick and easy recipe for loaded chili cheese fries that combines crispy fries, flavorful chili, and melted cheese for a comforting snack or casual meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups frozen or fresh-cut russet potatoes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 pound (225g) ground beef or turkey (lean)
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) diced onions, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14 oz / 400g) diced tomatoes, drained
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) canned kidney beans, rinsed and drained (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 1/2 cups (170g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • Optional: 1/2 cup (50g) shredded Monterey Jack or mozzarella cheese
  • Optional toppings: 2 tablespoons sliced green onions
  • Optional toppings: 1/4 cup (60ml) sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • Optional toppings: pickled or fresh diced jalapeños
  • Optional toppings: fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). If using frozen fries, spread evenly on a baking sheet. For fresh fries, peel (if desired) and cut russet potatoes into 1/4-inch thick strips.
  2. Toss fresh-cut fries in olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
  3. Arrange fries in a single layer on the baking sheet to avoid sogginess.
  4. Bake fries for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden and crispy.
  5. While fries bake, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  6. Add ground beef or turkey, breaking it up with a spatula, and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
  7. Add diced onions and minced garlic; sauté until softened and fragrant, about 3 minutes.
  8. Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper; cook for another minute to toast the spices.
  9. Add diced tomatoes and kidney beans (if using). Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  10. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  11. Once fries are done, transfer them to an oven-safe dish or keep on the baking sheet.
  12. Spread warm chili evenly over the fries.
  13. Sprinkle shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack or mozzarella (if using) generously on top.
  14. Return to the oven for 5-7 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
  15. Remove from oven and top with sliced green onions, a dollop of sour cream, jalapeños if desired, and garnish with fresh cilantro.
  16. Serve immediately while hot and melty.

Notes

If chili is watery, simmer uncovered longer to thicken. Spread fries in a single layer to ensure crispiness. Use fresh spices for best flavor. For reheating leftovers, use oven at 375°F for 10 minutes to crisp fries and melt cheese again. Microwave reheating is not recommended as it makes fries soggy.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://lucydishes.com/cozy-chili-cheese-fries-recipe-easy-loaded-flavor-snack-ideas/