Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
chili cheese fries - featured image

Game Day Chili Cheese Fries: Best 15-Min Easy Recipe

  • Author: Emma
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

A crowd-pleasing game day dish featuring thick-cut crispy fries smothered in rich, slow-simmered beef chili and a smooth, homemade sharp cheddar cheese sauce, topped with crispy bacon bits.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 fat ratio)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 cup beef broth (low-sodium)
  • 1 square (1 oz) dark chocolate (semi-sweet)
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 2 pounds French fries or thick-cut potato fries
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon
  • 2 stalks green onions, sliced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and bake bacon slices for 10-12 minutes until crispy. Chop into bits and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  3. Add diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Stir in tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Cook for 1 minute to toast spices.
  5. Pour in tomato sauce and beef broth. Stir to combine, scraping up browned bits. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
  6. Stir in the square of dark chocolate at the end of simmering. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
  7. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to form a roux and cook for 1 minute.
  8. Gradually whisk in milk, continuing to whisk until the mixture thickens (3-4 minutes).
  9. Reduce heat to low and gradually add grated cheddar cheese, stirring constantly until melted and smooth. Do not boil. Keep warm.
  10. Prepare fries according to package instructions (bake or air-fry) until golden and crispy. If making fresh, soak in cold water, dry thoroughly, and bake at 425°F for 25-30 minutes.
  11. Spread hot fries on a serving platter. Ladle chili over fries, drizzle with cheese sauce, and top with bacon bits and green onions. Serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, grate your own cheese to avoid anti-caking agents that cause graininess. Do not boil the cheese sauce once cheese is added to prevent separation. Assemble fries immediately before serving to maintain crispiness. Chili can be made ahead and frozen; cheese sauce should be made fresh.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/6 of the total bat
  • Calories: 650
  • Sugar: 5
  • Sodium: 850
  • Fat: 38
  • Saturated Fat: 18
  • Carbohydrates: 45
  • Fiber: 4
  • Protein: 25

Keywords: chili cheese fries, game day food, super bowl snacks, easy chili recipe, homemade cheese sauce, bacon fries, comfort food

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

Find it online: https://mydinnerecipes.com/game-day-chili-cheese-fries-best-15-min-easy-recipe/