Print

Best Texas-Style Chili Cheese Fries: Easy Homemade Recipe

Texas-style chili cheese fries - featured image
Print Recipe

Crispy, salty fries under a blanket of rich, meaty chili and melted cheese. This recipe delivers the ultimate comfort food with a thick, flavorful chili that clings to every fry.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes (fire-roasted preferred)
  • 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder (Gebhardt preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup strong brewed coffee
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 bag (28 oz) frozen shoestring fries
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup pickled jalapeños, drained
  • 1/4 cup sour cream (optional)
  • 2 green onions, sliced

Instructions

  1. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until browned all over, about 6-8 minutes. Leave about 1 tablespoon of fat in the pan.
  2. Reduce heat to medium. Add diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, and black pepper. Toast spices for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Stir, scraping up browned bits from the bottom.
  4. Pour in brewed coffee and bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low and cook uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust salt or heat as needed.
  5. While chili simmers, preheat oven to 425°F. Spread frozen fries on a large rimmed baking sheet in a single layer. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat. Bake according to package directions, adding 2-3 extra minutes for extra crispiness (about 18-20 minutes total for shoestring fries). Flip halfway through if desired.
  6. Once fries are golden and crispy, transfer to an oven-safe serving platter or leave on baking sheet. Spoon chili generously over the top. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over everything.
  7. Return platter to oven for 3-5 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
  8. Remove from oven and top with pickled jalapeños, a drizzle of sour cream, and sliced green onions. Serve immediately.

Notes

Do not skip the coffee—it adds depth without tasting like coffee. Shred your own cheese for the best melt. Bake fries a few minutes longer than package directions for extra crispiness. Let chili simmer at least 20 minutes for best flavor. Store chili and fries separately if making ahead.

Nutrition

Keywords: chili cheese fries, Texas chili, game day food, comfort food, loaded fries, easy recipe

Find it online: https://shimmersnack.com/best-texas-style-chili-cheese-fries-easy-homemade-recipe/