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Restaurants›Willie Sue's. Sumter,S.C.›Chili Cheese Fries Recipe

Chili Cheese Fries Recipe

Name: Willie Sue's. Sumter,S.C.s Chili Cheese Fries Recipe
Cook time: 1 h 5 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 2 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb Russet potatoes (or frozen fries); 2 cups Vegetable oil (for frying) or olive oil (for oven); 1 tsp Salt; 0.5 tsp Black pepper; 1 lb Ground beef (80/20); 0.5 cup Yellow onion, finely chopped; 2 tsp Garlic, minced; 15 oz Tomato sauce; 0.5 cup Beef broth; 2 tbsp Tomato paste; 1 tbsp Chili powder; 1 tsp Ground cumin; 1 tsp Paprika; 1 tsp Brown sugar; 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tsp Salt; 0.5 tsp Black pepper; 0.5 cup Optional: canned kidney or pinto beans, drained; 1 cup Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded; 0.5 cup Sour cream; 2 tbsp Sliced green onions (optional); 2 tbsp Pickled jalapeños (optional)

Inspired by Willie Sue's. Sumter,S.C.

Time1h 5m

Serves2

Willie Sue's french fries covered in our homemade chili, cheddar & jack cheeses topped with sour cream.

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Ingredients

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Fries

1 lb Russet potatoes (or frozen fries)

2 cups Vegetable oil (for frying) or olive oil (for oven)

1 tsp Celtic sea salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

Homemade Chili

1 lb Ground beef (80/20)

1/2 cup Yellow onion, finely chopped

2 tsp Garlic, minced

15 oz Tomato sauce

1/2 cup Beef broth

2 tbsp Tomato paste

1 tbsp Chili powder

1 tsp Ground cumin

1 tsp Watkins paprika

1 tsp Brown sugar

1 tsp Original Worcestershire Sauce

1 tsp Celtic sea salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1/2 cup Optional: canned kidney or pinto beans, drained

Cheese & Toppings

1 cup Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded

1/2 cup Sour cream

2 tbsp Sliced green onions (optional)

2 tbsp Pickled jalapeños (optional)

Method

Fries

Prepare potatoes

If using fresh potatoes: scrub 1 lb russets, cut into 1/4- to 1/2-inch fries. Soak in cold water 20–30 minutes to remove excess starch, then drain and pat completely dry with paper towels. If using frozen fries, skip soaking and drying steps; follow package directions for cooking.

Cook fries

Deep-fry method: Heat oil in a deep pot or fryer to 325°F (160°C). Fry potatoes in batches 3–4 minutes until soft but not browned; remove and drain. Increase oil temp to 375°F (190°C) and fry again 2–3 minutes until golden and crisp. Drain on paper towels and season immediately with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Oven method: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss dried potato sticks with 1–2 tbsp oil (from the 2 cups listed, reserve remaining for chili if desired) and spread on a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast 25–30 minutes, turning once, until crisp and golden. Season with salt and pepper.

Homemade Chili

Brown the beef

Heat a large skillet or medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking up with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan for flavor.

Sauté aromatics

Add the finely chopped onion to the pan and cook 3–4 minutes until softened. Add 2 tsp minced garlic and cook 30–45 seconds until fragrant.

Build the chili

Stir in 15 oz tomato sauce, 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1/2 cup beef broth, 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp brown sugar, 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. If using, stir in 1/2 cup drained beans. Bring to a low simmer.

Simmer

Reduce heat to low and simmer, uncovered, 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened and flavors meld. Taste and adjust salt and spices as needed. Keep warm until ready to assemble.

Assemble & Finish

Preheat broiler (if you want melted cheese) or set oven to 375°F (190°C) for finishing.

Layer fries and chili

Place cooked fries on an oven-safe platter or individual plates. Spoon hot chili evenly over the fries, distributing so most fries are coated but some remain crisp.

Add cheeses

Evenly sprinkle 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar and 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack over the chili-covered fries.

Melt cheese

Broiler method: Place platter under a hot broiler 4–6 inches from heat and broil 1–2 minutes until cheese is bubbly and just starting to brown—watch closely to prevent burning. Oven method: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 5–7 minutes until cheese is melted.

Garnish and serve

Remove from oven. Dollop or drizzle 1/2 cup sour cream over the top (or serve on the side). Sprinkle sliced green onions and pickled jalapeños if using. Serve immediately while hot and cheesy.