Beef Chili Cheese Fries with Sour Cream and Onions

Beef Chili Cheese Fries with Sour Cream and Onions is the ultimate indulgence, combining crispy golden fries, rich and hearty beef chili, gooey melted cheese, and a refreshing topping of sour cream and onions. This dish is a favorite at diners, game nights, and casual gatherings, offering the perfect balance of crunch, spice, and creamy goodness.

Whether you’re making it for a snack, a party appetizer, or even a full meal, these chili cheese fries are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. The combination of flavors and textures makes every bite irresistible.

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Ingredients for Beef Chili Cheese Fries

To make this dish from scratch, you’ll need to prepare three key components: crispy fries, hearty beef chili, and gooey melted cheese. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Fries:

• 2 lbs Russet Potatoes (or frozen fries)
• Vegetable Oil (for frying, if making homemade fries)
• Salt and Black Pepper (to taste)

For the Beef Chili:

• 1 lb Ground Beef (80/20 for the best flavor)
• 1 Medium Onion (diced)
• 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 1 cup Tomato Sauce
• 1 cup Canned Diced Tomatoes
• 1 tbsp Tomato Paste
• 1 cup Beef Broth
• 1 can (15 oz) Kidney Beans (drained and rinsed)
• 1 tbsp Chili Powder
• 1 tsp Cumin
• 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
• ½ tsp Cayenne Pepper (optional, for extra heat)
• Salt and Black Pepper (to taste)

For the Cheese Sauce:

• 2 tbsp Butter
• 2 tbsp All-Purpose Flour
• 1 cup Whole Milk
• 2 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese
• ½ tsp Garlic Powder
• ½ tsp Onion Powder
• Salt and Pepper (to taste)

Toppings:

• ½ cup Sour Cream
• ½ cup Green Onions (chopped)
• ¼ cup Jalapeños (optional, for extra heat)

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How to Make Beef Chili Cheese Fries

Making Beef Chili Cheese Fries is a step-by-step process, but each part is simple and rewarding. Here’s how to put everything together:

Step 1: Prepare the Fries

You can use homemade fries or frozen fries. If using frozen fries, simply bake them according to the package instructions. For homemade fries:

1. Peel and Cut the Potatoes: Slice the russet potatoes into thin strips.
2. Soak in Water: Place the sliced potatoes in cold water for at least 30 minutes. This removes excess starch and helps them crisp up.
3. Dry the Potatoes: Drain and pat them dry with a paper towel.
4. Heat the Oil: In a deep pan, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
5. Fry the Potatoes: Fry in batches until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per batch.
6. Drain and Season: Remove from oil, drain on paper towels, and season with salt and black pepper.

Step 2: Make the Beef Chili

1. Brown the Beef: In a large skillet or pot, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until fully browned. Drain excess fat.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: Add diced onions and garlic, cooking until softened.
3. Add the Tomatoes and Broth: Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth.
4. Season the Chili: Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
5. Add the Beans: Stir in the kidney beans and let the chili simmer for 20-25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
6. Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust spices if needed.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Sauce

1. Make a Roux: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
2. Add Milk: Slowly whisk in the milk, ensuring a smooth mixture.
3. Melt the Cheese: Add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until smooth.
4. Season: Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

Step 4: Assemble the Chili Cheese Fries

1. Layer the Fries: Arrange crispy fries on a large plate or baking sheet.
2. Top with Beef Chili: Spoon the beef chili evenly over the fries.
3. Drizzle with Cheese Sauce: Pour the warm cheese sauce generously over the chili.
4. Add Toppings: Dollop sour cream, sprinkle chopped green onions, and add jalapeños if desired.

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Tips for the Best Chili Cheese Fries

To make sure your chili cheese fries turn out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:

1. Use Fresh Potatoes: If making homemade fries, russet potatoes work best because they have the right balance of starch and crispiness.
2. Double-Fry for Extra Crispiness: Frying the potatoes twice ensures they stay crispy even under the chili and cheese sauce.
3. Simmer the Chili Longer: The longer the chili simmers, the richer the flavors will be. If possible, cook it for at least 30-40 minutes.
4. Balance the Spices: Adjust the spice levels to your preference. Add more cayenne or jalapeños for extra heat.
5. Use High-Quality Cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese melts beautifully and adds a deep flavor to the dish.

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Variations of Chili Cheese Fries

There are many ways to customize this dish to suit your taste. Here are some delicious variations:

• Tex-Mex Style: Add jalapeños, black beans, and a drizzle of chipotle sauce.
• Bacon Lover’s Version: Sprinkle crispy bacon bits over the top for added crunch.
• Loaded Chili Cheese Fries: Top with diced tomatoes, avocado, and shredded lettuce for a fresh twist.
• Spicy Buffalo Style: Drizzle buffalo sauce over the fries for a tangy, spicy kick.

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Why This Dish is a Favorite

Beef Chili Cheese Fries with Sour Cream and Onions is the perfect comfort food because it combines so many delicious elements:

• Crispy Fries: The perfect crunchy base for all the toppings.
• Savory Beef Chili: Packed with flavor and spice.
• Creamy Cheese Sauce: Rich, melty, and indulgent.
• Cool Sour Cream: Adds a refreshing contrast.
• Fresh Green Onions: Gives a pop of flavor and color.

This dish is perfect for game nights, movie marathons, or any time you’re craving something hearty and satisfying.

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Conclusion: A Must-Try Indulgence

If you’re looking for a meal that’s bold, cheesy, and completely satisfying, these Beef Chili Cheese Fries with Sour Cream and Onions are a must-try. With crispy fries, flavorful chili, creamy cheese, and fresh toppings, it’s a dish that hits all the right notes.

Give this recipe a try at home and enjoy the ultimate comfort food that will leave everyone wanting more!