Chili Cheese Fries are loaded with crispy french fries, all beef chili and plenty of melted cheese for the ultimate comfort food. Easy to make for a quick weeknight dinner or game day gathering.

Boat of chili cheese fries with sour cream and jalapenos.

Homemade chili is always a hit on a cool day and is a versatile dish to make Chili Dogs, Barbecue Frito Chili Pie Burgers and Chili Tater Tot Casserole. This no bean chili is perfect for topping crispy fries!

Table of Contents

Ingredients for Chili Cheese Fries Recipe

Bacon – Crispy bacon adds amazing flavor to the chili and you know everything is better with bacon!
Onion – Yellow onion is best for chili.
Bell Peppers – Green bell peppers, red, yellow or orange, whatever you have on hand will work. If you would like a spicy chili, add jalapenos or serrano peppers.
Carrot – Shredded carrot cuts the acid from the tomato and balances the flavors.
Ground Beef – Use 80% or 90% lean ground beef.
Chili Seasoning – We like to make homemade chili seasoning. If you are using store bought, use 1-2 packages to taste.
V8 Juice – This is our secret ingredient for delicious chili. Tomato juice or tomato sauce can be substituted.
Lard or Shortening – For frying the fries. You can skip this and use olive oil if you would like to oven bake your fries.
French Fries – Use homemade french fries or frozen, either will work.
Cheese – We like Colby-Jack for chili, sharp cheddar or Pepper-Jack are great options. Grate your own cheese, it is better without extra additives.
Garnishes: Sour Cream, Cilantro, Candied Jalapenos.

Step-By-Step Directions for Chili Cheese Fries

Collage of chopped onions, bell peppers, shredded carrots.

Chop the onions and bell peppers. Shred the carrot with a fine grater. Set aside.

Collage cooking bacon and vegetables for chili.

Slice the bacon into small pieces and place in a dutch oven or large soup pot. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally until crispy. Remove to a paper towel lined plate and set aside, reserving the bacon drippings in the pan.
Add the onions, bell peppers and carrots to the pan, stirring to combine. Cook, stirring occasionally until vegetables are softened. Remove to a bowl and set aside.

Collage: Cooking ground beef, making chili.

Add the ground beef to the pan, breaking it up, stirring occasionally. Cook until well browned.
Next, add the cooked vegetables, bacon to the ground beef.
Add the V8 juice and chili seasoning, stirring until combined. Bring the mixture to a low boil and then lower to simmer. Stir occasionally.

French fries on a paper towel lined plate.

While the chili simmers, heat lard or shortening in a cast iron pan or dutch oven over high heat until it reaches 375 degrees using a fry thermometer. Cook the french fries in batches 5-6 minutes or until crispy. Drain on a paper towel lined plate. Season with salt if desired.

Boat of chili fries with cheese, sour cream and jalapenos.

Spoon chili over the fries and top with cheese. Garnish with sour cream and jalapenos if desired.

Recipe Notes

Feed a Crowd: Chili is one of my favorites to feed a crowd, double this recipe as needed.
Storage: Leftover chili can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator 4-5 days. Chili can be frozen up to 3 months.
Reheat: Cook chili in a pan, over medium heat adding additional V8 juice or water if chili is too thick.

You might also like our loaded Pulled Pork Fries for a quick weeknight dinner or game day favorite.

More Meal Ideas for Chili

When you are looking for some quick and easy dinner inspiration, try crispy fries topped with hearty chili and melted cheese. It’s a comforting dish that’s ready in no time, great for busy evenings or gatherings with friends.

If you try this recipe and love it as much as we do, please leave a comment and a five star review. Help us share on Pinterest, Instagram and Facebook!

Chili cheese fries with sour cream and jalapenos.

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