Name: Blind Bob's CHILI CHEESE FRIES Recipe
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 3 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb frozen waffle fries; 2 tbs vegetable oil (for baking or frying); 0.5 tsp kosher salt; 1 lb ground beef (80/20); 0.5 cup yellow onion, finely diced; 2 tsp garlic, minced; 2 tbs tomato paste; 1 cup beef broth; 0.5 cup kidney beans, drained and rinsed (optional); 1 tbs chili powder; 1 tsp ground cumin; 0.5 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp brown sugar; 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce; 0.75 tsp salt; 0.25 tsp black pepper; 6 oz white American cheese (or processed cheese), shredded or cubed; 0.5 cup whole milk; 1 tbs butter; 1 tsp all-purpose flour; 0.125 tsp ground cayenne (optional, for heat); 0.125 tsp salt; 0.25 cup yellow onion, finely diced (for topping); 0.5 cup sour cream; 2 tbsp scallions or chopped cilantro (optional); 2 tbsp pickled jalapeños (optional)

Method

Fries

Bake or fry waffle fries

Preheat oven and prepare fries: If using oven, preheat to 425°F (220°C). Spread 1 lb frozen waffle fries in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet. Toss with 2 tbs vegetable oil and 1/2 tsp kosher salt. Bake for 18–25 minutes, flipping once halfway, until crisp and golden. If frying, heat 2–3 inches oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry in batches 3–4 minutes until golden; drain on paper towels and sprinkle with salt.

House Chili

Cook aromatics and brown beef

Heat a large skillet or medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and break up with a spoon. Cook until no longer pink and starting to brown, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat if desired, leaving about 1 tbs fat in the pan. Add 1/2 cup finely diced onion and 2 tsp minced garlic and cook 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.

Add flavoring and simmer

Stir in 2 tbs tomato paste and cook 1 minute. Add 1 cup beef broth, 1/2 cup drained kidney beans (if using), 1 tbs chili powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp brown sugar, 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce, 3/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Bring to a low simmer, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer uncovered 10–15 minutes to reduce and thicken slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning.

Nacho Cheese Sauce

Make roux and melt cheese

In a small saucepan over low-medium heat, melt 1 tbs butter. Whisk in 1 tsp flour and cook 30 seconds to 1 minute to form a light roux. Gradually whisk in 1/2 cup whole milk until smooth and beginning to thicken, 1–2 minutes. Reduce heat to low, then add 6 oz shredded or cubed white American cheese a handful at a time, stirring until fully melted and smooth. Stir in 1/8 tsp cayenne (optional) and 1/8 tsp salt. Keep warm on lowest heat, stirring occasionally; if too thick, thin with up to 2 tbs additional milk.

Assemble & Serve

Arrange the cooked waffle fries on a large platter or individual plates in a single layer.

Spoon the hot house chili evenly over the fries, using all or desired amount (about 1 cup chili per 1 lb fries).

Ladle the warm nacho cheese sauce over the chili-covered fries to coat well.

Scatter 1/4 cup finely diced yellow onion over the top and add optional pickled jalapeños or scallions/cilantro if desired.

Finish with dollops of sour cream (about 1/2 cup total) or pass sour cream on the side. Serve immediately while fries and cheese are hot and melty.

Chili Cheese Fries Recipe