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Easy Loaded Chili Cheese Fries for Game Day

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These Game-Day Loaded Football-Shaped Chili Cheese Fries are crispy, hearty, and smothered in chili and melted cheese. Perfect for game-day gatherings, they’re a crowd-pleasing snack that feels like a real meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large russet potatoes
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon cocoa powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • ½ cup beef broth
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • ¼ cup sliced green onions
  • ¼ cup pickled jalapeños (optional)
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Wash and scrub potatoes. Cut each potato lengthwise into ½-inch thick slices, then cut into football shapes using a cookie cutter or knife. Place in a large bowl.
  3. Drizzle olive oil over potato footballs, add garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss to coat evenly. Spread in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
  4. Bake fries for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and crispy.
  5. While fries bake, heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking apart, until browned (6-8 minutes). Drain excess fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon.
  6. Add diced onion to the pan and cook 3-4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  7. Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cocoa powder, salt, and cayenne (if using). Cook 1 minute to toast spices.
  8. Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir, scraping up browned bits. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
  9. Once fries are done, transfer to an oven-safe serving dish or cast-iron skillet. Spoon chili evenly over fries. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.
  10. Return to oven (still at 425°F) and bake 5-7 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. Optionally broil 1-2 minutes for a browned top.
  11. Remove from oven, let cool 2 minutes. Dollop sour cream, sprinkle with green onions, pickled jalapeños, and fresh cilantro. Serve immediately.

Notes

For extra-crispy fries, soak cut potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes before seasoning. Ensure chili is thick enough to avoid soggy fries. Layer chili and cheese evenly for best results. Start chili before baking fries to save time.

Nutrition

Keywords: loaded chili cheese fries, game day fries, football shaped fries, chili cheese fries, game day snack, loaded fries

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