Chili Cheese Fries

Square image close up of fries on parchment paper in metal container.

5 from 1 vote

With a homemade meat sauce and slathered in cheese, these Chili Cheese Fries are the appetizer of your dreams. The perfect game day, movie night or munchie food.

Prep Time15

Cook Time30

Total Time45

Course: Appetizer, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Servings:

Calories: 1509kcal

Author: Tornadough Alli

Ingredients

32 ounce frozen fries

For the chili:

1 pound ground beef
½ cup diced onion
2 cloves garlic minced
1 cup canned pinto beans drained and rinsed
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon ground cumin
15 ounce can tomato sauce
⅓ cup beef stock

For the cheese sauce:

¼ cup unsalted butter
¼ cup all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon paprika
2 cups whole milk
3 cups freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese divided
Thinly sliced green onions optional

Instructions

Cook the french fries per the directions on the package. Once the fries are cooked, lower the heat in the oven to 350°F.
While the french fries are cooking, in a large skillet over medium-high heat add in the ground beef, onion, and garlic, breaking up the beef. Brown the beef until no longer pink, then drain off the excess fat.
Add in the beans, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and cumin. Stir to combine, and cook until fragrant, roughly 1 minute.
Next, add the tomato sauce and beef stock, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer then lower the heat to low and simmer, covered for about 15 minutes.
In a medium-size saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Then, whisk in the flour, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and paprika. Cook for 2 minutes stirring occasionally.
Slowly stream in the milk, whisking constantly making sure there are no lumps. Cook until thickened, just until simmering making sure you are stirring constantly. Remove from the heat and add half of the cheese, stir it in until melted and smooth.
Layer the french fries on a parchment-lined sheet pan, then top with some of the cheese sauce, add some chili and then top with more cheese sauce. Lastly add shredded cheese. Place the sheet pan back in the oven until the cheese is melted, roughly 5 minutes. Top with green onions if desired and serve immediately. (This can be done in smaller portions or on a large sheet pan).

Notes

Use any shape of french fry that you'd like.
You can try other meats in the chili such as turkey or ground chicken.
Use freshly shredded cheese for this, it will melt better as it does not have the preservatives.
Double this recipe to serve more people.
Serve this in individual servings or on a large platter for people to serve themselves.
Feel free to use whatever beans that you like.

Nutrition