Chili Cheese Fries are the ultimate comfort food, combining crispy golden fries with rich, savory chili and gooey melted cheese. Every bite offers a perfect balance of textures—crunchy, creamy, and hearty—while the bold flavors of smoky chili and sharp cheddar create a mouthwatering experience. Ready in just 55 minutes, this dish is surprisingly simple to make yet feels indulgent and satisfying.
Whether you’re hosting a game night or treating yourself to a cozy evening, these fries are a crowd-pleaser. The warmth of the chili, the stretch of the cheese, and the crispiness of the fries come together in a way that’s irresistibly comforting. It’s a recipe that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, delivering pure joy in every forkful.
Ingredients for Chili Cheese Fries
- For the Chili:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, chopped
- 1 red pepper, diced
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- Pinches freshly ground black pepper
- 12 ounces plant-based ground beef (or substitute with regular ground beef or turkey)
- 2 garlic cloves, chopped
- 1 (14-ounce) can fire roasted tomatoes
- 1 (14-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 3 chipotle chiles in adobo sauce, plus 3 tablespoons adobo sauce (adjust for spice preference)
- 1 cup water or broth (vegetable or chicken broth works well)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- For the Chili Cheese Fries:
- 1 (16 to 20-ounce) bag oven French fries
- ½ cup Vegan Cheese sauce (or substitute with regular cheese sauce)
- Desired Toppings: (optional) diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, chopped red onion, cilantro
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Make the Chili:
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large nonstick pot over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion, diced red pepper, sea salt, and black pepper. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
- Add the plant-based ground beef and cook for 7 to 8 minutes, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
- Stir in the chopped garlic, fire roasted tomatoes, black beans, chipotle chiles, adobo sauce, water (or broth), and lime juice.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer, uncovered, for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chili thickens.
- Prepare the Fries:
- While the chili simmers, preheat your oven according to the French fries package instructions.
- Spread the fries on a large baking sheet in a single layer. Bake until golden and crispy, following the package directions.
- Assemble the Chili Cheese Fries:
- Place the crispy fries on a serving plate or bowl. Top with generous scoops of the chili.
- Drizzle with vegan cheese sauce (or regular cheese sauce) and add your desired toppings, such as diced tomatoes, jalapeños, red onion, and cilantro.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately while warm. Store any extra chili in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for later use.
Creative Toppings to Elevate Your Chili Cheese Fries
Take your chili cheese fries to the next level with these topping ideas! Try diced avocado for creaminess, pickled jalapeños for a tangy kick, or a dollop of vegan sour cream for richness. Crumbled tortilla chips add crunch, while a sprinkle of fresh cilantro brings a burst of freshness. Don’t forget a squeeze of lime for a zesty finish!
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Chili Cheese Fries
These chili cheese fries are hearty enough to stand alone, but they pair wonderfully with a crisp side salad or a refreshing cucumber-tomato salad to balance the richness. For a fun twist, serve them alongside vegan nachos or stuffed jalapeños for a full-on game-day spread.
Storage and Reheating Tips for Leftover Chili
Store any extra chili in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw frozen chili overnight in the fridge, then warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much.
Time-Saving Hacks for Busy Cooks
Short on time? Use store-bought vegan chili instead of making it from scratch. Opt for pre-cut onion and red pepper to save on prep time. For the fries, air-fry them for a quicker, crispier result—just follow your air fryer’s instructions for frozen fries.
Recipe Variations to Mix It Up
Swap the plant-based ground beef for lentils or crumbled tofu for a different texture. If you prefer a milder chili, reduce the chipotle peppers to 1 or 2. For a cheesy twist, mix shredded vegan cheddar into the cheese sauce for extra gooeyness. The possibilities are endless!
Chili Cheese Fries
Ingredients
For the Chili
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, chopped
- 1 red pepper, diced
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- Pinches freshly ground black pepper
- 12 ounces plant-based ground beef
- 2 garlic cloves, chopped
- 1 (14-ounce) can fire roasted tomatoes
- 1 (14-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 3 chipotle chiles in adobo sauce, plus + 3 tablespoons adobo sauce
- 1 cup water or broth
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
For the Chili Cheese Fries
- 1 16 to 20-ounce bag oven French fries
- ½ cup Vegan Cheese sauce
- Desired toppings such as tomatoes, jalapeños, red onion, cilantro
Instructions
- Make the chili: Heat the oil in a large nonstick pot over medium heat. Add the onion, red pepper, salt, and pepper and cook for 5 minutes. Add the plant-based ground beef and cook for 7 to 8 minutes, using a wooden spoon to break up the ground as it cooks. Add the garlic, tomatoes, black beans, chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, water, and lime juice. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, uncovered, for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
- Spread the fries on a large baking sheet and bake according to package directions until crispy. Serve with scoops of the chili over the fries and drizzle with the cheese sauce. Top with desired toppings. Save the extra chili for lunch the next day. It also freezes well.