Fries Chili Cheese

5 from 1 vote

Fries, Chili Cheese, beans, and veggies make for a filling appetizer in this delicious recipe featuring zesty, Mexican-inspired flavors!

Prep Time30

Cook Time30

Total Time1

Course: Appetizer, Appetizers & Sides, Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Chili Cheese, Chili Cheese Fries, fries

Servings: Servings

Calories: 5kcal

Author: Cynthia Rusincovitch

Ingredients

1 tsp vegetable oil
1 medium yellow onion finely diced
2 clove garlic cloves minced
1 lb ground beef
1 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp groud cumin
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp salt
2 lb frozen potatoe fries
1 can diced tomatoes 14 oz
1 can kidney beans 15 oz, drained and rinsed
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

First, make the chili sauce topping. Add 1 tbsp of vegetable oil in a skillet or saucepan over medium heat, and sauté diced onion until translucent.
Then, add minced garlic and stir for one minute. Incorporate beef, chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and salt. When incorporating the ground beef and spices, break the beef into smaller pieces as it cooks for even browning and seasoning distribution. Cook for 5-8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add tomato without draining it and kidney beans. Stir over heat for 10 minutes to reduce tomato acidity.
Cook frozen potato in the oven, following its package directions. Then, remove them from the oven, and add chili topping over the potatoes and both cheeses on top of them. Bring it back to the oven for 10-15 minutes or until cheese is evenly melted. Keep a close eye on them, as melting times can vary. You want the cheese to be bubbly and slightly golden on top.
Get creative with your favorite Mexican toppings. Consider options like chopped fresh cilantro, diced green onions, sliced jalapeños, sour cream, or guacamole to enhance the flavor and presentation.
Serve your Chili Cheese Fries hot and garnished with your chosen toppings.

Notes

Tips

You can make this dish vegetarian by substituting the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or extra beans for a meatless option.

Reheating:

Oven or Toaster Oven: Reheating in the oven or toaster oven is the preferred method for maintaining the crispiness of the fries and the gooeyness of the cheese. Preheat your oven or toaster oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover Chili Cheese Fries on a baking sheet or an oven-safe dish. Reheat for 10-15 minutes or until the fries are heated through and the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Air Fryer: If you have an air fryer, it's an excellent option for reheating. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the leftover Chili Cheese Fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Reheat for 5-7 minutes or until they are hot and the cheese has melted.

For the best results, it's recommended to reheat only the portion you plan to consume immediately. Reheating multiple times may lead to a loss of texture and flavor.

You can also add some extra cheese before reheating to refresh the cheesy goodness.

Enjoy your reheated Chili Cheese Fries with fresh toppings for added flavor and a restaurant-quality experience.

Recipe Notes

Chili Cheese Fries are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, whether you're enjoying them as a game-day snack, a comforting side dish, or a hearty meal. Combining traditional favorites like fries and chili makes this dish a satisfying and straightforward recipe everyone will love.

Nutrition