Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 lb frozen French fries
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Sour cream, for serving
Special equipment needed:
- Baking sheet
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon
- Cheese grater
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 425°F. Spread the frozen French fries in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until crispy and golden brown.
2. Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned and cooked through, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
3. Add the diced tomatoes (with their juices), kidney beans, diced green chilies, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the skillet with the ground beef. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
4. Reduce the heat to low and let the chili simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until thickened and flavorful.
5. Once the French fries are done, remove them from the oven and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. To serve, spoon the chili over the cheese-topped French fries. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro and serve with sour cream on the side.
Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 35-40 minutes
5. Temperature:
425°F
Serving size:
4-6 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 550
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 95mg
Sodium: 970mg
Carbohydrates: 39g
Fiber: 8g
Sugar: 4g
Protein: 35g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground turkey or chicken can be used instead of ground beef.
- Any type of canned beans (black, pinto, etc.) can be used instead of kidney beans.
- Monterey Jack cheese can be used instead of cheddar cheese.
- If you don't have fresh cilantro, you can use chopped scallions or parsley instead.
Variations:
- Add a diced onion and/or bell pepper to the skillet with the ground beef for extra flavor and texture.
- Use sweet potato fries instead of regular French fries for a healthier twist.
- Top the chili cheese fries with sliced jalapeños or hot sauce for extra heat.
- Make a vegetarian version of this recipe by omitting the ground beef and using vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to spread the French fries in a single layer on the baking sheet so they cook evenly and get crispy.
- Use a lean ground beef (90% or higher) to reduce the fat content of the dish.
- If the chili is too thick, add a splash of beef broth or water to thin it out.
Storage instructions:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
To reheat, place the chili cheese fries on a baking sheet and bake in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the chili cheese fries on a large platter or in individual bowls. Garnish with chopped cilantro and a dollop of sour cream.
Garnishes:
Chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, hot sauce, diced avocado, chopped scallions
Pairings:
Serve with a cold beer or a margarita for a fun and festive meal.
Suggested side dishes:
A simple green salad or a side of roasted vegetables would be a nice complement to the hearty chili cheese fries.
Troubleshooting advice:
If the French fries are not crispy enough, bake them for an additional 5-10 minutes. If the chili is too thin, let it simmer for a few more minutes to thicken it up.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to cook the ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
Food history:
Chili cheese fries are a popular American dish that originated in the southwestern United States. They are often served at sports bars and casual restaurants.
Flavor profiles:
Savory, spicy, cheesy, and hearty
Serving suggestions:
Serve the chili cheese fries as a main dish for a casual dinner or as a fun appetizer for a party or game day gathering.
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