Chili Cheese Fries (Print)

Crispy fries topped with savory beef chili and melted cheese, garnished with sour cream and green onions.

# Ingredients:

→ Base

01 - 1 package (800g) frozen French fries (or homemade fries)

→ Chili

02 - 450g ground beef
03 - 1 small onion, diced
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 can (425g) chili beans or kidney beans, drained and rinsed
06 - 1 can (425g) diced tomatoes, drained
07 - 1 can (225g) tomato sauce
08 - 2 tablespoons chili powder
09 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
10 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
11 - Salt and pepper, to taste

→ Toppings

12 - 200g shredded cheddar cheese
13 - Sour cream
14 - Chopped green onions
15 - Jalapeño slices (optional)

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 220°C. Arrange frozen fries in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake according to package instructions until golden and crispy, approximately 25-30 minutes.
02 - In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat. Add diced onion and garlic, sautéing until onions are translucent, 3-4 minutes.
03 - Incorporate beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until mixture thickens to desired consistency.
04 - Transfer the cooked fries to a large serving platter or individual plates. Evenly distribute the hot chili over the fries, then sprinkle generously with shredded cheddar cheese.
05 - Place the assembled dish under the broiler for 1-2 minutes until cheese is completely melted and bubbling.
06 - Top with dollops of sour cream, chopped green onions, and jalapeño slices if desired. Serve immediately while hot.

# Notes:

01 - For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with plant-based mince or additional beans.
02 - For extra flavor, consider adding fresh diced tomatoes, avocado, or hot sauce as additional toppings.