Print

Ultimate Loaded Chili Cheese Fries: Easy Tailgating Recipe

loaded chili cheese fries - featured image
Print Recipe

Crispy fries topped with smoky, meaty chili and gooey melted cheddar cheese, this ultimate loaded chili cheese fries recipe is the perfect tailgating comfort food that brings people together.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20)
  • 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 bag (28 oz) frozen crinkle-cut or straight-cut fries
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup sliced green onions
  • 1/4 cup pickled jalapeños (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Spread frozen fries in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake according to package directions, adding 3-4 extra minutes for extra crispiness.
  2. In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, warm the olive oil. Add diced onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart and cook until no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon for flavor.
  4. Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to toast the spices.
  5. Pour in diced tomatoes (with juices), tomato sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Add drained kidney beans. Stir and bring to a simmer.
  6. Reduce heat to low and let chili simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Once fries are done, transfer them to an oven-safe serving dish. Ladle hot chili evenly over the fries. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously on top.
  8. Return the dish to the oven (still at 425°F) for 5-7 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
  9. Remove from oven. Dollop with sour cream, sprinkle with sliced green onions, and add pickled jalapeños if using. Serve immediately.

Notes

For extra crispy fries, bake them a few minutes longer than package directions. Make the chili a day ahead for even better flavor. Use a hot oven (425°F) for the final cheese melt to avoid soggy fries.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://flurpchef.com/ultimate-loaded-chili-cheese-fries-easy-tailgating-recipe/