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Cheddar Cheese and Spicy Chili Loaded Fries

This dish features crispy homemade or frozen fries topped with shredded cheddar cheese and a spicy, smoky chili made from ground beef, tomatoes, and seasonings. The final presentation showcases melted cheese, hearty chili, and crispy fries, creating a texturally rich and flavorful comfort food.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 550
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups frozen or homemade fries hot and crispy
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese preferably sharp
  • 1 lb ground beef for chili
  • 1 can diced tomatoes 14 oz, with juices
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp chili powder smoky preferred
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • to taste salt and pepper

Equipment

  • Baking sheet or fryer
  • Large skillet or frying pan
  • Cooking spoon or spatula
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Stirring spoon

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven or fryer according to your fries package instructions or set to 425°F (220°C) for homemade fries. Spread the fries evenly on a baking sheet or prepare in the fryer, and cook until golden brown and crispy, about 15-20 minutes. Remove and set aside.
  2. While the fries are cooking, dice the onion and mince the garlic using a cutting board and a sharp knife. Set aside for later use.
    4 cups frozen or homemade fries
  3. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary and push the beef to one side of the pan.
    4 cups frozen or homemade fries
  4. Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, about 3 minutes. Stir in chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper, then pour in the diced tomatoes and juices. Bring to a simmer and cook until the chili thickens slightly, about 10 minutes.
    4 cups frozen or homemade fries
  5. Once the chili sauce has thickened, reduce the heat to low and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the hot fries on the baking sheet or in the serving dish. Spoon the spicy chili over the cheese and fries, ensuring an even distribution.
    4 cups frozen or homemade fries
  6. Optional: Return to the oven or keep under a broiler for 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts completely and starts to bubble. Serve immediately, garnished with extra toppings if desired.

Notes

For extra heat, add diced jalapeños or hot sauce. Using freshly made homemade fries enhances flavor, but pre-made frozen fries work well for convenience. Adjust chili seasoning to taste for more smokiness or spice.