Chili Cheese Fries

Chili Cheese Fries are a bold, comforting sharing dish made with double cooked fries, rich chilli beef, and plenty of melted cheese. Sweetcorn adds a gentle sweetness while sliced chillies bring a welcome heat that cuts through the richness. Perfect for relaxed evenings or casual get-togethers, this dish is messy, indulgent, and meant to be enjoyed together.

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 40

Total Time 1

Servings People

Ingredients

1.2 kg potatoes peeled or scrubbed and cut into thick fries
Vegetable oil for frying or baking
salt to taste

For the chilli beef:

400 g minced beef
1 small onion finely diced
2 cloves garlic crushed
1 tbsp tomato purée
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp chilli powder adjust to taste
salt
black pepper

For the topping:

250 g cheddar cheese grated a cheddar–mozzarella mix works well
150 g sweetcorn drained if from a tin
2 medium chillies thinly sliced

Instructions

Place the cut potatoes into a large saucepan of salted cold water. Bring to the boil and cook for 5–6 minutes until just tender but not falling apart.
1.2 kg potatoes
Drain well and leave to steam dry for a few minutes.
Preheat the oven to 220°C (200°C fan). Spread the fries on a baking tray, drizzle generously with oil, and season with salt.
salt
Roast for 20 minutes, turning once, until lightly golden.
While the fries are cooking, heat a little oil in a frying pan. Add the onion and cook until soft, then add the garlic and cook for another minute.
Vegetable oil, 1 small onion, 2 cloves garlic
Add the minced beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Stir in the tomato purée, cumin, smoked paprika, chilli powder, salt, and pepper.
1 tbsp tomato purée, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, ½ tsp chilli powder, salt, black pepper, 400 g minced beef
Cook for 5–8 minutes until rich and well flavoured.
Remove the fries from the oven, turn them again, and return to the oven for a further 10–15 minutes until crisp and golden.
Transfer the fries to a large ovenproof dish if needed. Scatter the chilli beef evenly over the fries, followed by the sweetcorn and sliced chillies. Finish with a generous layer of grated cheese.
150 g sweetcorn, 2 medium chillies, 250 g cheddar cheese
Return the dish to the oven for 5–8 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbling.
Serve the chili cheese fries immediately while hot.

Equipment

Nutrition