Chili Cheese Fries Recipe

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) or prepare air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Spread frozen curly fries in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment or in the air fryer basket. If using baking, toss fries with 2 tbs vegetable oil and 1/2 tsp salt for extra crispness.

Bake fries 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp (or air-fry 12–15 minutes, shaking basket once), following package guidance for best results. Keep fries warm while you make the chili.

Brown the beef

Heat 1 tbs vegetable oil in a large skillet or medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking up with a spoon, until no longer pink and beginning to brown, about 5–7 minutes.

Add aromatics

Add the finely chopped onion and cook 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook 30–60 seconds until fragrant.

Build the chili

Stir in 2 tbs tomato paste and cook 1 minute. Add 1 cup tomato sauce, 1/2 cup beef broth, 1 tbs chili powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp brown sugar, 3/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Mix well to combine.

Simmer

Bring to a gentle simmer, reduce heat to medium-low and cook uncovered 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened. If using beans, stir in 1 cup drained rinsed beans during the last 5 minutes to heat through and incorporate flavors.

Adjust seasoning

Taste and adjust salt, sugar, or chili powder as needed. If chili is too thick, add a splash of water or broth to reach a scoopable but not runny consistency.

Transfer the hot fries to a large oven-safe platter or individual serving plates, arranging them in an even layer.

Spoon the hot chili evenly over the fries, using most but not all if you prefer some fries exposed. Sprinkle 1.5 cups shredded cheddar evenly over the chili.

Melt the cheese

Place the platter under a hot broiler for 1–2 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly (watch closely), or return to a 400°F (200°C) oven for 3–5 minutes, or cover and microwave in portions until cheese melts.

Remove from heat and top with sliced pickles. Add optional dollops of sour cream and a sprinkle of chopped green onions if using.

Serve

Serve immediately while fries and chili are hot. Provide extra pickles, sour cream, and napkins.