Appetizer > Snacks > Chili

Xtra Hot Chili Cheese Fries Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 lb frozen French fries
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup sliced jalapenos
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Special equipment needed:
- Large skillet
- Baking sheet
- Aluminum foil

Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
2. Spread frozen French fries on the baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until crispy.
3. While the fries are baking, cook ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.
4. Add onion and garlic to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until softened.
5. Stir in kidney beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until thickened.
6. Remove fries from the oven and top with the chili mixture.
7. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the chili and return the baking sheet to the oven.
8. Bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Remove from the oven and top with sliced jalapenos and chopped cilantro.


Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Temperature:
Preheat oven to 425°F.
Serving size:
This recipe serves 4-6 people.

Nutritional information:
Calories: 560
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 105mg
Sodium: 1170mg
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 8g
Sugar: 6g
Protein: 36g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for ground beef.
- Pinto beans or black beans can be substituted for kidney beans.
- Monterey Jack cheese or pepper jack cheese can be substituted for cheddar cheese.
- Sliced serrano peppers or habanero peppers can be substituted for jalapenos.

Variations:
- Add a dollop of sour cream on top of the chili cheese fries.
- Top with sliced avocado or guacamole.
- Use sweet potato fries instead of regular French fries.
- Add a can of corn to the chili mixture.
- Use a combination of ground beef and ground pork for the meat.

Tips and tricks:
- For extra crispy fries, spread them out in a single layer on the baking sheet and don't overcrowd them.
- Drain any excess grease from the skillet after cooking the ground beef.
- Use a slotted spoon to scoop the chili mixture onto the fries to prevent them from getting soggy.
- Customize the level of spiciness by adjusting the amount of cayenne pepper used.

Storage instructions:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
Serve the Xtra Hot Chili Cheese Fries on a large platter or in individual bowls.

Garnishes:
Garnish with sliced jalapenos and chopped cilantro.

Pairings:
Serve with a cold beer or a margarita.

Suggested side dishes:
- Coleslaw
- Cornbread
- Grilled vegetables

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the fries are not crispy enough, try baking them for a few extra minutes.
- If the chili is too thick, add a splash of water or beef broth to thin it out.
- If the cheese is not melted enough, broil the fries for a minute or two.

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.

Flavor profiles:
This dish is spicy, savory, and cheesy.

Serving suggestions:
Serve the Xtra Hot Chili Cheese Fries as a main dish or as an appetizer.

Related Categories

Cooking Method: N/A

Course Type: N/A

Dietary: N/A

Ingredient: N/A

Meal type: N/A

Occassion: N/A

Region: N/A

Taste: Spicy, Cheesy, Savory, Tangy