Loaded Chili Cheese Fries
These Loaded Chili Cheese Fries are the ultimate comfort food crispy golden fries topped with a rich, hearty homemade beef chili and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for game day or a fun family dinner, these fries deliver bold flavor, satisfying texture, and endless topping possibilities!
Ingredients
Homemade Beef Chili
- 1 tsp vegetable oil
- 1 lb lean ground beef (90% lean)
- 0.5 cup onion, finely diced
- 1 tsp freshly minced garlic
- 15 oz diced tomatoes, undrained
- 16 oz plain tomato sauce (2 cans)
- 0.5 cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 0.5 tsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp salt, divided
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
- 15 oz kidney beans, rinsed and drained
Loaded Fries Assembly
- 32 oz frozen french fries (steak fries or crinkle-cut)
- 2 cups freshly shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 spray cooking spray
- 1 cup assorted toppings (sour cream, jalapeños, green onions, guacamole, etc.)
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and pepper. Cook 3–4 minutes until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Add diced onion; cook 3–4 minutes. Stir in garlic; cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Simmer the Sauce: Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cocoa powder, brown sugar, and remaining salt. Bring to a simmer.
- Thicken the Chili: Reduce heat to low and simmer 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
- Add the Beans: Stir in kidney beans and cook 10 more minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Bake the Fries: Preheat oven per package directions. Spray baking sheet with cooking spray. Bake fries until golden and crispy.
- Assemble: Set oven to 400°F (200°C). Place fries on an oven-safe dish. Spoon 1½–2 cups chili over fries and top with shredded cheese.
- Melt the Cheese: Bake 5 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve Immediately: Add your favorite toppings and serve hot!
Notes
For a lighter version, use ground turkey or plant-based meat. For sweet-savory contrast, try sweet potato fries. Always grate your own cheese for the best melt and flavor. The chili can be made up to 3 days ahead and reheated before serving.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
| Calories | 296 kcal |
| Total Fat | 18g |
| Saturated Fat | 1g |
| Cholesterol | 83mg |
| Sodium | 614mg |
| Potassium | 575mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 4g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 1g |
| Protein | 36g |
| Vitamin A | 1165IU |
| Vitamin C | 3.4mg |
| Calcium | 26mg |
| Iron | 2.4mg |