George's Bloody Mary Chili & Cheese Fries Recipe

Brown beef

Heat a large skillet or medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon vegetable oil. When shimmering, add ground beef and cook, breaking up with a spoon, until no longer pink and starting to brown, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat if very greasy, leaving a thin coating for flavor.

Softening aromatics

Reduce heat to medium. Add diced onion and red bell pepper to the beef and cook until softened, about 4–5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook 30–45 seconds until fragrant.

Build the chili

Stir in tomato paste and cook 1 minute. Add crushed tomatoes, beef broth, and George's Bloody Mary mix. Stir to combine.

Season

Add chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Stir well, bring to a gentle simmer.

Simmer

Reduce heat to low and simmer, partially covered, for 20–25 minutes to thicken and marry flavors, stirring occasionally. If mixture becomes too thick, add up to 1/4 cup water or broth.

Add beans

Stir in drained kidney beans and continue to simmer uncovered for 5–7 minutes to heat the beans through and thicken slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning (salt, pepper, or a splash more Bloody Mary mix) as needed. Keep warm while preparing fries.

Prepare fries

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) or preheat an air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Spread frozen fries on a baking sheet in a single layer (use two sheets if crowded) or place in the air fryer basket.

Season fries

In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Lightly toss fries with 1 teaspoon vegetable oil and sprinkle the seasoning mix evenly over the fries so they are lightly coated.

Cook fries

Bake in the oven for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp. If using an air fryer, cook for 12–16 minutes, shaking the basket halfway, until crisp. Cook times vary by appliance; cook to your desired crispness.

Keep warm

When fries are done, transfer to a warm serving dish or keep on a low oven setting while finishing assembly so they stay crisp.

Plate fries

Arrange the seasoned fries on a large platter or divide between 4 individual plates (serving bowls).

Ladle chili

Spoon generous ladles of the warm Bloody Mary chili over the fries, covering most of the surface but leaving some fries exposed for texture.

Add cheese and melt

Sprinkle shredded sharp cheddar evenly over the chili-topped fries. Place the platter briefly under a broiler (high) for 1–2 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbling. Alternatively, return to the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 4–6 minutes or cover and microwave portions until cheese melts.

Garnish

Top with sliced pickled jalapeños, chopped cilantro, and sliced green onions. Add dollops of sour cream or crema if using. Serve with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over before eating.