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A generous serving of crispy french fries generously topped with savory chili and melted cheese

Ultimate Crispy Chili Cheese Fries

Experience the ultimate comfort food with these crispy chili cheese fries. Golden, perfectly seasoned fries are loaded with a rich and savory beef chili and smothered in a creamy, tangy cheddar cheese sauce.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings 4 people
Calories 850 kcal

Equipment

  • Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
  • Slotted spoon
  • Wire rack
  • Medium pot or large skillet
  • Small saucepan
  • Whisk

Ingredients
  

For the Fries:

  • 2 lbs Russet potatoes
  • Vegetable oil for frying
  • Salt to taste

For the Chili:

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 lean)
  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 can tomato sauce (15-oz)
  • 1 can kidney beans (15-oz), rinsed and drained
  • 1/2 cup beef broth
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • cayenne pepper Pinch (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Cheese Sauce:

  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups milk (whole milk for creaminess)
  • 1/2 tsp dry mustard
  • cayenne pepper Pinch (optional)
  • 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese freshly shredded
  • Salt to taste

For Garnish (Optional):

  • Chopped green onions
  • Diced red onion
  • Jalapeño slices
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt

Instructions
 

Prepare the Fries

  • Soak cut potatoes in cold water for at least 30 minutes, then drain and pat thoroughly dry to ensure crispiness.

Fry the Potatoes

  • Heat vegetable oil to 325°F (160°C) and fry potatoes in batches until lightly golden, then drain. Increase oil temperature to 375°F (190°C) and fry again until deeply golden and crispy, seasoning immediately with salt.

Make the Chili

  • While fries cook, brown ground beef in olive oil, drain fat, then add onion and garlic. Stir in tomato sauce, kidney beans, beef broth, and spices, then simmer for 20-30 minutes, seasoning to taste.

Whip up the Cheese Sauce

  • Melt butter, whisk in flour to make a roux, then gradually whisk in milk until smooth and thickened. Remove from heat, stir in mustard, cayenne, and cheddar cheese until melted and smooth, then season with salt and keep warm.

Assemble Your Masterpiece

  • Arrange hot fries on a platter, spoon generous amounts of chili over them, and drizzle liberally with warm cheese sauce.

Garnish (Optional)

  • Garnish with desired toppings like green onions, red onion, jalapeño slices, or sour cream, and serve immediately.

Notes

For extra flavor, you can toast the chili powder and cumin in the pot before adding the ground beef. When making the cheese sauce, fresh shredded cheddar melts smoother than pre-shredded. Ensure your fries are completely dry before frying for maximum crispiness.