The Perfect Chili Fries Recipe for Feeding the Whole Crew
Few dishes scream game day comfort food like a big tray of chili fries. Crispy golden fries loaded with rich, meaty chili and gooey cheese will satisfy even the hungriest crew. The best part? You don’t need to overcomplicate it—this recipe is easy to make in bulk and delivers maximum flavor.
🥔 Ingredients
For the fries:
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2–3 lbs frozen French fries (or homemade, cut and fried/baked)
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2 tbsp olive oil
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1 tsp paprika
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1 tsp garlic powder
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Salt & pepper to taste
For the chili:
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1 lb ground beef (or mix of beef and pork)
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1 medium onion, diced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained & rinsed
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1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained & rinsed
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1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
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2 tbsp tomato paste
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1 cup beef broth
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2 tsp chili powder
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1 tsp cumin
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1 tsp smoked paprika
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½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
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Salt & pepper to taste
For topping:
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2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
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½ cup sour cream
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2 green onions, sliced
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Jalapeños, pickled or fresh (optional)
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Fries
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Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
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Toss fries with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
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Spread on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 20–25 minutes (or according to package instructions) until golden and crispy.
👉 If you have an air fryer, cook in batches at 400°F for 15–18 minutes for extra crunch.
Step 2: Make the Chili
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Heat a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Brown the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks.
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Add onion and garlic, sauté until soft.
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Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne, and tomato paste. Cook for 1–2 minutes to release flavors.
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Add diced tomatoes, beans, and beef broth. Reduce heat and let simmer for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
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Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Assemble the Chili Fries
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Spread fries on a large platter or sheet pan.
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Pour hot chili evenly over the fries.
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Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.
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Place back in the oven for 5 minutes until cheese melts.
Step 4: Add Toppings & Serve
Finish with sour cream, green onions, and jalapeños if desired. Serve immediately while everything is hot and melty.
🔥 Pro Tips
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Make it a bar: Set out fries, chili, cheese, and toppings separately and let everyone build their own loaded plate.
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Shortcut: Use store-bought chili if you’re pressed for time, but homemade always packs more flavor.
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Upgrade: Try waffle fries or curly fries for a fun twist.
✅ The Bottom Line
Chili fries are the ultimate crowd-pleaser—crispy, cheesy, and packed with bold flavors. Perfect for football Sundays, watch parties, or anytime you need to feed a hungry crew, this recipe guarantees empty plates and happy guests.